Macy’s Studios is officially searching for performers to bring its larger-than-life characters to the streets for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The legendary event takes place in New York City on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Who they are looking for
The casting call is for atmosphere characters to populate the street on foot or ride floats.
The parade is specifically looking for silly, non-traditional characters like giant bowling pins, lumberjacks, and candy canes rather than classic fairies or princesses.
Available roles include:
- Stilt walkers with extensive experience.
- Inflatable, sculpted, and fur performers willing to wear a head-to-toe costume.
- Puppeteers who are comfortable operating inside confined spaces.
- Face performers who excel at crowd-facing improvisation.
- Trycaloon performers with extensive cycling experience.
Requirements and pay
All chosen performers will earn a non-union flat gig rate of $350 to $500.
Applicants must be 18 or older with professional experience in corporate entertainment, theme parks, cruise ships, or musical theatre.
You will need a warm, outgoing personality and the stamina to perform along a 2.5-mile route on foot, rain or shine. You must complete the entire line of march to receive your full rate.
How to apply
Casting occurs on a rolling basis with no official deadline. Offers are made in waves, and completion of the form does not guarantee casting.
Some roles require a mandatory fitting and rehearsal on Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in New Jersey.
Bussing from Manhattan will be provided for this rehearsal.
If you are ready to entertain millions, you can submit your details through the official online application form.
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