Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI) is looking for several actresses to work as first-person, costumed interpreters for a new program called “Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia” in the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia. This program is an opportunity to portray real life people who lived in Philadelphia during the time of the American Revolution.

 

HPI seeks actresses who can convincingly fill the following role:

 

• Sarah Bass Allen, a free, African American woman in her early 30s.
  • Sarah Allen was born an enslaved person in Virginia in 1764. She moved to Philadelphia and was able to acquire her freedom.
  • She worked as a nurse during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793.
  • She helped self-emancipated people escape to northern states and Canada.
  • She helped found, with her husband Richard Allen, the African Methodist Episcopal Denomination and Mother Bethel AME Church.

 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Acting skills – improvisation and ability to work from a script
• Interpreting skills – ability to make relevant connections for guests
• Ability to take on an 18th century persona, including mannerisms, speech, worldview, etc.
• Adaptability to various performing environments, from one-on-one encounters to large groups
• General knowledge and understanding of 18th century Philadelphia History and the American Revolution
• Willingness to explore and share complex and sensitive aspects of history

 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to wear historically accurate 18th century clothing for an entire 4-hour shift
• Ability to demonstrate a craft or task while interacting with audiences
• Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions and come in daily contact with pollen and other seasonal allergens

 

Part-time, seasonal work with approximately three to four weeks of paid training and public performances from mid-July through October. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

 

 

 

Send photo and resume to jgreenplate@historicphiladelphia.org

 

For more information, please visit historicphiladelphia.org. No phone calls please.