American Indian Initiative Actor / Interpreter

Description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The American Indian Initiative Actor Interpreter will primarily portray Shawnee political hostages or “Princes” who were brought to Williamsburg from the Ohio region as part of a treaty at the conclusion of the Shawnee-Dunmore War in December 1774. They will perform improvisational interactions, theatrical portrayals, and storytelling in Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area, using a variety of sophisticated presentation techniques and interpretive themes. The position will begin on October 1, 2024 and end on January 1, 2025.

Essential Functions:

• Actively depicts role of Shawnee princes/hostages in well documented appearance, deportment, and manner of speech and learn 18th-century life skills associated with the character.
  • Three of these ​are Warriors:
    • Cuttemwah, also called the Black Wolf
    • Wissecapoway, also called Capt. Morgan, son of Cornstalk
    • Chenusa, also called the Judge
  • And the fourth is a young Man, called Neawah, who is the Snake’s ​son, a principal Shawnee Warrior
• Regularly and actively depicts how American Indian peoples participated in the Williamsburg community in the 18th century with historical integrity and stewardship.
• Develop, practice, and refine traditional skills associated with American Indian activity and utilize them in engaging interpretations with guests.
• Develop complex concepts and themes into interpretations and presentations.
• Portray characters in scripted scenes and through impromptu interactions with other characters and guests in a variety of formal and informal settings.
• Maintain an eighteenth-century environment and adhere to the highest standards of historical integrity.
• Develop engaging characterizations and historical interpretations that reflect different educational themes and fit the needs of the Foundation.
• Represent the Foundation in and out of character with Tribal communities, VIPs, and others as requested.
• Work collaboratively with the entire staff of Colonial Williamsburg to create an exceptional and seamless experience that gives guests the sense of 18th-century Williamsburg and inspires them to be thoughtful and active participants in their own communities.
• 40 hours a week – October 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Native American Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Linguistics, History, related field or equivalent experience/expertise. A focus on American Indian cultures or languages is highly beneficial.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience working with American Indian communities or in roles involving cultural interpretation or advocacy.
  • Demonstrated experience in cultural interpretation, including translating and explaining cultural practices, traditions, and languages to diverse audiences.
  • Community membership in an American Indian band, tribe, pueblo, rancheria, or urban Indian Center.
• Preferred:
  • Master’s Degree in Native American Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Linguistics, History, or a related field. Additional coursework or certification in cultural competency, conflict resolution, or community engagement.
  • 5-7 years of experience in roles that include cultural interpretation, advocacy, or community liaison work, with a demonstrated history of successful projects or initiatives.
  • Training or experience in museum interpretation, storytelling, or customer/guest relations. Experience with traditional American Indian lifeways skills.

Qualifications:

• Acting Skills:
  • Proficient in improvisation and adept at performing from memorized scripts.
  • Strong sense of timing and ability to execute effective blocking.
  • Capable of being a collaborative member of an ensemble cast.
  • Skilled in independently developing and delivering solo performances.
  • Experienced in performing confidently in front of large audiences.
  • Excellent projection and vocal abilities.
  • Adaptable to diverse performance environments.
  • Competent in embodying 18th-century personas, including mastering their deportment, social status, worldview, and mannerisms.

• Significant knowledge and understanding of Eastern Woodlands American Indian history and culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated consistency in establishing and maintaining cordial, positive, and productive relationships with co-workers, donors, and community partners
• Proven ability to solicit feedback, facilitate teamwork, practice open two-way communication and work effectively as a team member with all staff at different levels of the division and Foundation
• Able to engage with diverse tribal groups while representing Colonial Williamsburg and the American Indian Initiative and travel to other locations
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative to achieve goals that align with the mission of the Foundation and department objectives
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, including the ability to work with people and groups involving multiple points of view
• Effective team builder
• Ability to mentor and teach peers