Puppetry Director (Internal Assignment / Project Hire)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10149857 Location Kissimmee, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted May 08, 2026Job Summary:
About the Role & Team
Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This team with varied strengths – representing a wide variety of subject areas and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, outstanding resourcefulness, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!
As the Puppetry Director, you will support Character Programs & Development with the development and training plans of puppet-based offerings including stage shows, parades, atmosphere entertainment and special events. You will influence aspects of design and construction of various puppet types in development and throughout the Disney Live Entertainment Project Life Cycle.
If selected for this role, you will report to the Senior Manager – Character Content Strategy.
This is an Internal Assignment / Project Hire position with no guarantee of permanent placement.
What You Will Do
- Partner closely with the Creative Director, Puppetry & Articulation to bring puppets and inanimate objects to life
- Teach, facilitate, and direct all puppet and articulation skills, including lip sync, blocking, movement, choreography, and expressive performance
- Collaborate on the creative intent, safety, ergonomic guidelines, and integration of puppetry into broader entertainment offerings
- Work within budget provided by production teams and influence costs through interaction with construction vendors who create puppets
- Create puppet-based work that drives emotional connections with guests and supports satisfaction and return intent, using subject matter expertise to influence decisions aligned with overall business objectives
- Be the subject matter leader for functional teams for puppetry-based projects simultaneously of varying risk and complexity
- Provide in the moment direction to performing cast with varying levels of puppetry skill
- Act as a mentor to others within puppetry disciplines across Disney Experience sites and events
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Minimum five years of experience creating or directing puppet-based shows or special events
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, for extended durations
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience directing performers, leading puppeteer rehearsals, and facilitating auditions
- Extensive knowledge of Disney Brand and Intellectual Property Characters
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Puppetry, Theatre, Dance Film Production or related field or equivalent experience
- Master’s degree in Puppetry, Theatre, Dance Film Production or related field or equivalent experience preferred
Additional Information
Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
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The hiring range for this position in Florida is $83,000 to $111,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Disney Imagineering Live, LLC, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney Imagineering Live, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.