Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

McKayla Smith

Mason,Ohio
McKayla Smith

Summary

Dynamic professional with a proven ability to excel in interactive, high-energy environments, demonstrating strong improvisational and performance skills. Expertise in engaging and captivating diverse audiences while adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. Eager to leverage transferable skills in a new field, driving impactful outcomes and fostering meaningful connections. Committed to continuous growth and innovation in every endeavor.

Overview

1
year of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Kings Island

Haunt Actor
09.2025 - 11.2025

Job overview

  • Engaged guests by portraying various characters, enhancing immersive experience during haunt events.
  • Collaborated with team members to create cohesive performances that maintained high energy and excitement.
  • Adapted quickly to feedback, improving character portrayal and guest interactions in real-time.
  • Assisted in setup and teardown of sets, ensuring safety protocols were followed throughout events.
  • Participated in rehearsals to refine performance techniques and ensure consistency across shows.
  • Received consistent positive feedback from guests for exceptional performance and authenticity in character portrayal.
  • Provided support to fellow haunt actors through constructive feedback and encouragement, fostering a positive work atmosphere.
  • Consistently arrived on time and prepared for all scheduled performances, demonstrating professionalism and dedication to the role.
  • Collaborated with the creative team to develop unique, memorable, and effective scare tactics.
  • Participated in costume fittings, ensuring proper fit and function for optimal performance capabilities.
  • Worked effectively under low-light conditions while maintaining strong stage presence and delivering convincing performances.
  • Worked with various special effects, fog, strobes and loud sounds.
  • Exceptional skills in voice acting, special body movements and facial expressions to elicit strong responses from audience.
  • Participated in group meetings pre- and post-production to determine needed changes and discuss options for improvement.
  • Demonstrates fine timing on actions and verbalizations to achieve maximum effect in concert with set and other actors.
  • Accustomed to attaching and using prosthetics and body props to enhance performance.
  • Applied special makeup to complement costume design for role in haunted woods entertainment event.
  • Made quick adjustments to characters on stage.
  • Utilized physical and vocal techniques to portray characters on stage.

Kings Island

Ride Operator
06.2025 - 10.2025

Job overview

  • Operated various amusement rides ensuring guest safety and adherence to operational guidelines.
  • Conducted pre-ride safety checks on equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
  • Assisted guests with ride boarding processes, enhancing overall customer experience.
  • Monitored ride performance and addressed minor mechanical issues promptly.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline ride operations during peak hours.
  • Maintained cleanliness of ride areas, contributing to a welcoming environment for guests.
  • Responded quickly to guest inquiries and concerns, fostering positive interactions throughout the park.
  • Followed safety procedures for operating and loading and unloading passengers from amusement park rides.
  • Adapted quickly to new ride assignments, learning proper operation techniques efficiently to minimize downtime between shifts.
  • Maintained a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm throughout long hours and challenging work conditions, fostering positive guest experiences.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing guest concerns and inquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Reduced wait times by efficiently managing ride queues and implementing effective crowd control techniques.
  • Managed emergency situations calmly, following established protocols to ensure guest safety and wellbeing.
  • Followed posted height and age restrictions and denied access to attraction for guests under minimum requirements.
  • Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities while operating multiple rides within assigned areas during busy park hours.
  • Resolved guest issues by identifying source of complaint and formulating corrective action with supervisor.

Ponytails Riding Center

Volunteer
09.2024 - 03.2025

Job overview

Cleaned stalls, worked in snow, rain, and heat, groomed horses, learned better riding abilities through English saddle, and helped with events.

Education

Diamond Oaks Career Campus
Cincinnati, Ohio

High School Diploma from Equine Science & Management
05.2025

University Overview

  • Develop riding techniques
  • Practice techniques for training pleasure and performance horses
  • Provide proper stable management and nutritional needs of horses
  • Prevent and control common diseases and parasites
  • Learn proper use and maintenance of tack, tools, and equipment
  • Understand and apply basic management principles as they apply to the efficient operation of various horse businesses
  • Estimate costs of owning a horse
  • Measure and weigh items/ horses
  • Extra-curricular: JROTC (Private First-Class)

William Mason High School
Mason, Ohio

Diploma
05.2025

University Overview

  • Drama Club
  • Water Polo

Skills

  • Guest engagement
  • Team collaboration
  • Character portrayal
  • Feedback adaptation
  • Safety protocol adherence
  • Pre-ride safety checks
  • Special effects utilization
  • Constructive peer support
  • Safety awareness
  • Semi-fluent in ASL (Sign Language)
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Audience engagement
  • Body language
  • Problem-solving

Certification

  • OSHA - CareerSafe
  • Elanco (iCEV) Fundamentals of Animal Science Certification
  • CPR adult/children/infants
  • First Aid adult/children

Languages

American Sign Language
Limited Working

Timeline

Haunt Actor

Kings Island
09.2025 - 11.2025

Ride Operator

Kings Island
06.2025 - 10.2025

Volunteer

Ponytails Riding Center
09.2024 - 03.2025

William Mason High School

Diploma

Diamond Oaks Career Campus

High School Diploma from Equine Science & Management