Front of House Barista / Acting Role

Smuggler’s Café/ Smugglers Cauldron — Immersive Crew Member / Performer-Barista- MUST HAVE ACTING EXPERIENCE

Smuggler’s Café is an immersive, story-driven sci-fi coffee and cookie shop. Guests don’t just order—they enter a universe. We are seeking a crew member who is not only capable of running a café, but who can fully embody a character and keep guests immersed from entry to exit.

We ARE EXPANDING AND OPENING OUR LOCATION #2 in mid October- Smugglers Cauldron on 610 Caroline Street (2 doors down). This location is a full drink menu featuring coffee like espresso and lattes, and energy refreshers. This is an immersive, story- driven wizard themed coffee shop.

Our crew members will be trained on both Smugglers Cafe and Smugglers Cauldron.

This role combines barista responsibilities, POS operation, and live improvised performance.

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Core Responsibilities

Operate the POS system and handle transactions while fully in character
Perform as a crew member of a smuggler vessel—never breaking character during service
MUST HAVE BARISTA EXPERIENCE
MUST HAVE ACTING EXPERIENCE
Improvise dialogue and interact with guests to enhance immersion
Wear café-provided costumes and maintain character voice, mannerisms, and tone
Prepare and serve coffee, cold brew, and packaged baked goods
Deliver consistent, friendly, and engaging customer service
Maintain cleanliness and food-safety standards
Assist with opening and closing procedures
Support the ongoing story and atmosphere of the café

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Required Qualifications (Important)

Acting, performance, improv, or role-play experience is REQUIRED
Examples: theater, improv comedy, LARP, immersive theater, cosplay performance, themed attractions, live events, etc.
Ability to stay in character for extended periods while multitasking
Comfortable improvising lines and responding creatively to guests in real time
Strong verbal communication and confidence interacting with the public
Ability to memorize lore, tone, and character guidelines
Must be 18 years or older
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
Reliable transportation and dependable availability

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Preferred Experience (Nice to Have)

POS system experience
Experience in immersive environments (escape rooms, theme parks, haunted houses, renaissance fairs, etc.)
Background in storytelling, world-building, or character development
Sci-fi fandom or interest in themed environments

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Training & World Lore

Café-specific lore, character rules, and approved dialogue will be provided
Improvisation is encouraged within the universe
You will be trusted to creatively expand guest interactions while staying on-brand
This is a performance role as much as a service role

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Why This Role Is Different

You are not “just a barista”—you are part of the universe
Creative freedom and guest interaction every shift
Small, collaborative crew with a strong creative vision
Ideal for actors, performers, improv artists, and creatives

Job Type: Part-time with growth

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $14-$15 per hour

Experience:

Acting: 1 year (Required)
Customer Service: 1 year (Required)
Barista: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 – 30.0 per week

Application Question(s):

What has been your acting experience? What is your barista experience?

Work Location: In person