Performer Jobs for OPT Students
Performer roles in the U.S. span theater, dance, live entertainment, and themed attractions. On OPT, you can work full-time in any qualifying performance position tied to your field of study. STEM OPT doesn't apply here, so your initial 12-month authorization window is what you're working with.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout the Company
CAMP is a Family Experience Company launched in 2018, known for our one-of-a-kind shop/play hybrid experience at physical locations across the country. Each CAMP store features rotating themed experiences where families come to play, explore, and create unforgettable memories together. We believe that play connects us all, and at CAMP, play is bigger, bubblier, funnier, fuzzier, slimier, and sillier than anywhere else.
What is the Role?
This is a Temporary/Contracted Role from March 9th to March 13th. We are looking for a Costumed Mascot Performer to perform in an upcoming Character Meet & Greet at CAMP in Houston.
Pay Rate: $19.00 hourly
Role Requirements:
- MUST BE ABLE TO WORK THE FOLLOWING DAYS/SHIFTS:
- Monday, March 9th - 10 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday, March 10th - 10 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday, March 11th - 10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday, March 12th - 10 am to 5 pm
-
Friday, March 13th – 10 am to 5 pm
-
HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS TO BE ABLE TO FIT INTO MASCOT COSTUME: MUST BE BETWEEN 5’8” ft - 5’10” and size M - XL
-
This is fully costumed, including a bodysuit to be worn underneath the costume and a full headpiece
-
The Mascot costume is full body and head; wearing the costume is an essential function of the position
-
Must be skilled at movement and dance
-
Some other things to be aware of:
-
Mascots must never speak in costume, but rather communicate with the public through body language, gestures and the support of the Mascot Handler.
-
The performer must be tall enough for clear visibility through the eye openings.
- Note: There is some flexibility with sizing; however, for the most animated and expressive performance, performers who are 5’9” and above will have the easiest time in this costume.
-
Mascots must never stand still and keep up the animation at all times to make magic happen!
-
Applying force to the mascot costume may damage it - must handle with care during use.
-
Mascots must always be aware of their surroundings with the support of the Mascot Handler and with the safety of guests and team as the top priority.
-
This costume includes a built-in fan that inflates portions of the suit, which may limit audibility and make it difficult to hear while inside. Performers must be comfortable working under these conditions.
-
Must be prepared to collaborate closely with the Mascot Handler to establish clear, safe communication procedures that ensure the safety and well-being of both the team and our guests.
-
Must be 18 years of age or older
-
Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States
About the Company
CAMP is a Family Experience Company launched in 2018, known for our one-of-a-kind shop/play hybrid experience at physical locations across the country. Each CAMP store features rotating themed experiences where families come to play, explore, and create unforgettable memories together. We believe that play connects us all, and at CAMP, play is bigger, bubblier, funnier, fuzzier, slimier, and sillier than anywhere else.
What is the Role?
This is a Temporary/Contracted Role from March 9th to March 13th. We are looking for a Costumed Mascot Performer to perform in an upcoming Character Meet & Greet at CAMP in Houston.
Pay Rate: $19.00 hourly
Role Requirements:
- MUST BE ABLE TO WORK THE FOLLOWING DAYS/SHIFTS:
- Monday, March 9th - 10 am to 5 pm
- Tuesday, March 10th - 10 am to 5 pm
- Wednesday, March 11th - 10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday, March 12th - 10 am to 5 pm
-
Friday, March 13th – 10 am to 5 pm
-
HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS TO BE ABLE TO FIT INTO MASCOT COSTUME: MUST BE BETWEEN 5’8” ft - 5’10” and size M - XL
-
This is fully costumed, including a bodysuit to be worn underneath the costume and a full headpiece
-
The Mascot costume is full body and head; wearing the costume is an essential function of the position
-
Must be skilled at movement and dance
-
Some other things to be aware of:
-
Mascots must never speak in costume, but rather communicate with the public through body language, gestures and the support of the Mascot Handler.
-
The performer must be tall enough for clear visibility through the eye openings.
- Note: There is some flexibility with sizing; however, for the most animated and expressive performance, performers who are 5’9” and above will have the easiest time in this costume.
-
Mascots must never stand still and keep up the animation at all times to make magic happen!
-
Applying force to the mascot costume may damage it - must handle with care during use.
-
Mascots must always be aware of their surroundings with the support of the Mascot Handler and with the safety of guests and team as the top priority.
-
This costume includes a built-in fan that inflates portions of the suit, which may limit audibility and make it difficult to hear while inside. Performers must be comfortable working under these conditions.
-
Must be prepared to collaborate closely with the Mascot Handler to establish clear, safe communication procedures that ensure the safety and well-being of both the team and our guests.
-
Must be 18 years of age or older
-
Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Performer
Match your performance work to your degree
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your field of study. A musical theater graduate can work as a stage performer, but document how the role connects to your program if DSO questions arise.
Understand how gig work affects OPT compliance
Performers often work multiple short-term contracts. Each engagement still counts as valid OPT employment as long as it relates to your degree. Track every contract, employer name, and performance date for your records.
Report employer changes to your DSO promptly
Switching from one production company to another requires updating your SEVIS record. Notify your DSO within 10 days of any employer change to stay compliant and avoid jeopardizing your OPT authorization status.
Freelance and self-employment count as valid OPT work
Independent performer contracts, residencies, and self-produced shows qualify under OPT self-employment rules. Keep detailed documentation of your engagements, client agreements, and how each project relates to your degree field.
Watch the unemployment day limit closely
OPT allows a maximum of 90 unemployment days on post-completion authorization. Performance work is often seasonal, so track gaps between contracts carefully and prioritize lining up your next engagement before the current one ends.
Start your H-1B or O-1 planning before OPT expires
Performers with exceptional ability may qualify for the O-1B visa, which has no lottery. Begin gathering evidence of awards, critical recognition, and contracts well before your OPT window closes to avoid a status gap.
Performer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Performer jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, as long as the performance work is directly related to your field of study. A dance or theater graduate performing professionally qualifies. Roles in unrelated fields do not. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific position meets the requirement before you accept an offer.
Can I work as a freelance or contract performer on OPT?
Yes. OPT allows self-employment and independent contracting. You don't need a single full-time employer. What matters is that your work relates to your degree and that you're actively engaged, not sitting in a prolonged gap between contracts. Keep records of every project to document your employment history.
Where can I find Performer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and work authorization. Browsing Migrate Mate for Performer roles saves time because you're not manually screening out positions that won't work with your OPT status.
What visa options do Performers have after OPT expires?
The O-1B visa is the most common long-term path for performers. It's designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts and has no lottery or annual cap. The H-1B is also possible but requires a sponsoring employer and lottery selection. Performers with strong track records of critical recognition, awards, or major engagements are often competitive for O-1B.
Does seasonal or part-time performance work count toward OPT employment?
Part-time work of at least 20 hours per week counts as valid OPT employment. Seasonal contracts count too, but gaps between engagements accumulate toward your 90-day unemployment limit. If you're between productions or touring seasons, those days count unless you're actively employed in another qualifying role.
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