I started at Busch Gardens in November 92. I was working in one of the restaurants as extra Christmas help for some Christmas money. I guess I did such a great job because Christmas turned into almost Christmas of 97.
After working in the restaurant, I moved on to something more "down my ally" I transferred to "AIR AFRICA" An Air Brushing store. I worked as a cashier and an airbrush artist, painting animals and personalizing T-shirts. Air Africa closed down and a Candle shop was put in it's place called "Classic Candles".
I being the creative person that I am (heheheee) and the avid candle lover fit right in to this profession. I became the manager and I enjoyed making the candles. The owners of the store sold the business to a family and I was immediately disposed of...GRRRRRRR.
So, I auditioned for the Entertainment Department. This was a avenue to let my creative juices flow once again. I was selected to be a Costume Character. I got paid even more than Mickey Mouse! I was involved in some awesome Shows, Christmas Productions, Special Events, Commercials, TV shows, "Wow" Films, etc. However, the life expectancy for a Busch Gardens Character is 1 year, they want to keep fresh meat always and being a character is hard on your body.
I still wanted to be involved in theatre, and with Busch Gardens Entertainment Department if I could. So, after being a Character, once again it helped to know people. I became a Theatre technician, I was a stage technician for the Christmas Show 96 in the Festhaus, and the Aksian Show at the Amphitheatre as needed. After the Christmas Season was over my contract was renewed and I was transferred the Hollywood on Ice Show at the Moroccan Palace Theatre.
As, I was at the Ice Show. I made a yet another contact and got into an Talent Agency called Strictly Entertainment. I did modeling and costume Character work for them on the side.
The Hollywood Live On Ice Show won best Theme Park Show 1997! We even beat the Terminator Show at Universal!
In September I got tired of worrying about signing contracts and I did not want to go to a costume position. I got the offer from Interstat, so I left Busch Gardens.
Well, it is a good thing I knew people in the Personnel Department. Hmmm what department to I want to be in now? Grounds...No way they they clean bathrooms and garbage. Aaaaah how about Merchandise? So I worked in the Merchandise department in most of the stories around Busch Gardens. This was ok. But I was not satisfied. I wanted to put some of my acting skills to work.