Tasha Thorn-Smith
Ford,VA
Summary
Professional Howl-o-scream and Christmastown costume entertainer and host since August 2018 with a commitment to continue to grow professionally with Busch Gardens Williamsburg in the Entertainment Department. Also to uphold the professional standards that are expected of me.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Christmas Town Performer
Busch Gardens Willamsburg
11.2021 - 01.2026
- Performance Captain for Frosty and Gingy 2025/2026 season
- Costume Character and host for Frosty and Gingy product - 2021/2022, 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 season
- Was a fill in host for Father Christmas product 2025/2026 season
- Costume character and host for Father Christmas product = 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 season
- Was a swing host for Rudolph/Clarice and Frosty/Gingy when needed 2023/ 2024 season
- Helps get co-workers in and out of these special type of costumes
- Trained and mentored new performers, fostering a supportive environment for skill development and creativity.
- Executed daily performance schedules, ensuring timely and seamless transitions between characters
- Provided constructive feedback to peers during rehearsals, promoting growth as performers while strengthening group dynamics.
- Established rapport with fellow cast members, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Provided mentorship to aspiring performers, sharing industry insights and practical advice to support their growth.
- Engaged with audiences to create memorable experiences
- Adapted to the schedule as needed to make the best possible experience for the guest
- Handled guest and co-workers that needed medical help
- Assisted with scheduling conflicts or issues that arose due to staffing medical, and environmental issues like rain or extreme cold conditions
- Lead warm up for Frosty and Gingy
- Cleaned and maintain a safe green room for co-workers
- Green room POC; Frosty & Gingy
Howl-O-Scream Scare Captain
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
07.2021 - 11.2025
- Managed a select group of cast in performing throughout the entire park.
- Helped Stage manager in making and editing nightly routes.
- Filled the role of Stage Manager when our group was divided routinely and when the Stage Manager was out for medical reasons.
- Was acting Stage Manager during a special event, where I was responsible for overseeing and positioning cast in specific areas for the special event.
- Submitted notes for nightly report that included any issues that arose involving security, guests, costume repairs needed, and route locations with time frames.
- Did physical body exercises and vocal warmups each evening
- Work with Entertainment department, costumes, securit and makeup to produce the best assigned product possible
- Helped 30+ cast members to bring their assigned characters to life within the parameters of a product and the director's vision. Such as character placements and commentary that was fitting for the territory or maze
- Maintain a positive and safe work environment by ensuring that my co-workers knew about the risks of being to close to guest when doing jump scares. I kept the guest and co-workers in a safe and positive environment
- Help ensure guests get the best memorable experience possible by listening to their feedback
- Mentor cast members
- Help Stage Manager to brainstorm possible solutions for problems/situations that may arise throughout any given day
- Work with members of other departments to create and maintain safe, enjoyable experiences for guests
- Help escort guests to exit of venue when needed due to medical reasons or they were to fearful to exit safely
Howl-O-Scream Performer
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
08.2018 - 11.2025
- Costume Character for 1 year in the roaming Terror-tory
- Costume Character for 2 years in Terror-tory
- Costume Character for 4 years in Maze
- Captivated audiences through engaging performances, enhancing overall guest experience and satisfaction.
- Adapted quickly to changes in direction, demonstrating flexibility as an actor under last-minute adjustments.
- Engaged with audiences to create memorable experiences
- Collaborated with other entertainers to create engaging acts.
Track Crew Contract Boss
Independent Contractor
01.2011 - 07.2022
- Work with Feld Motorsports Monster Jam and Hot Wheels Live Management/ employees to create/maintain track and behind the scenes events at contract designated venues
- Supply required number of skilled works per contract
- Work with Feld Motorsports Monster Jam and Hot Wheels Live management/employees via hand held radio before, during, and after events to problem solve, create, and maintain a safe performance for employees and guests alike
- Manage a track crew team of 8+ members
- Create a work schedule that will accomplish contract requirements to ensure that the event is set up, ran, and torn down at venues
- Organize the load in and pack out of needed materials for an event venue
- Organize the set up and tear down of guest seating safety holds
- Organize food and lodging for track crew for the entire event
- Set up, run, and tear down of Pit Party events held before shows
Cadillac Service Manager
Dominion Car Group
11.1999 - 11.2000
- Completed all Warranty Repair forms for Cadillac service team
- Scheduled appointments for Customers to have their Cadillac vehicles serviced or repaired
- Created work schedules and assigned jobs for 4 Master Technicians and 8 standard mechanics
- Completed and submitted Cadillac service team's weekly payroll
- Wrote Master Technicians and standard mechanics quarterly evaluation of performance
- Communicated with Cadillac owners concerning needed repairs after personally creating estimates of repairs along with obtaining owners permission to make said repairs
Sales Rep
Napa Auto Parts
01.1998 - 11.2000
- Establish routine stock orders for 200+ corporate accounts
- Introduce new products and product lines to corporate accounts to increase sales
- Problem solve all body paint and supplies that 100+ corporate accounts may incur within my specific sales region
- Complete and file any product or labor warranties that my 200+ corporate accounts have
- Organize weekly stock order deliveries and drivers
Bar Troubleshooter
Independent Contractor
06.1995 - 12.1998
- Identify and fix all problems within a bar establishment
- Review bar service, ordering procedures, creating and implementing ways to improve employee serving and bar/restaurant operations to be more efficient in order to increase profit while reducing business expenses
- Review bar supplies and revamp orders to be more profitable
- Revamp food and drink menus to increase sales while removing items that are not cost effective
- Evaluate staff, terminate and hire staff as deemed necessary to be more financially productive
- Make weekly schedules for staff to ensure complete coverage
- Put systems into place that make the establishment more secure and that makes establishment more financially stable
- Evaluate suppliers and outside service for efficiency along with locating new suppliers and outside services if needed
Education
High School Diploma -
Airport High School
`Carleton, Mi06-1991
High School Diploma -
FJ Turner High School
Beloit Wi03-1991
Skills
- Detail oriented I take the time to make sure all costume characters have all the pieces that belong on them before going into the public I also make sure they have no rips or tears and with the proper makeup being displayed
- Excellent at mentoring and motivating employees to perform to the best of their abilities to achieve employer's goals and to meet/exceed the company's standards I also give small rewards to help initiate a more competitive and appreciative co-worker
- Creatively encourage employees to go above and beyond company's expectations to ensure that the customer has an excellent experience, increasing the probability of them returning
- Does not hesitate to make adjustments as needed if something is not working out to the company's expectations/vision
- Works well with employees that need or have accomodations such as medical or mental
- Dedicated team member, one team one fight, no I in team
- Quick learner of new skills multitasks well with problem solving skills
- Willing to help out wherever needed
- Creative thinking when it comes to teaching employees new skills/roles/jobs
- Puts forth extra effort to maintain a safe work environment for employees along with a safe environment for guest/customers
- Looks out for all employees and park guest safety
- Good at crisis management
Timeline
Christmas Town Performer
Busch Gardens Willamsburg
11.2021 - 01.2026
Howl-O-Scream Scare Captain
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
07.2021 - 11.2025
Howl-O-Scream Performer
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
08.2018 - 11.2025
Track Crew Contract Boss
Independent Contractor
01.2011 - 07.2022
Cadillac Service Manager
Dominion Car Group
11.1999 - 11.2000
Sales Rep
Napa Auto Parts
01.1998 - 11.2000
Bar Troubleshooter
Independent Contractor
06.1995 - 12.1998
High School Diploma -
Airport High School
High School Diploma -
FJ Turner High School