Universal's New Texas Theme Park Launches Major Recruitment Drive
Have you ever dreamed of transforming into a mischievous Minion, the lovable ogre Shrek, or the cheerful sponge SpongeBob SquarePants? Universal's latest entertainment venture is making those fantasies a reality as it embarks on a significant hiring campaign. The Universal Kids Resort, a brand-new family-oriented theme park scheduled to open in Frisco, Texas during 2026, is actively seeking talented performers to populate its immersive worlds.
Virtual Auditions for Character Roles Now Open
The resort has initiated a series of virtual auditions designed to recruit a diverse range of performers, including actors, costumed character specialists, and physical performers or movers. These individuals will be responsible for bringing to life beloved characters from Universal's most popular film and television franchises. Key properties featured will include "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Shrek," "Despicable Me," and several others.
Prospective applicants must be at least eighteen years of age to be considered. The initial step involves completing an online interest form through the park's official channels. Successful candidates from this first stage will then receive callbacks for further evaluation. These callback sessions are scheduled to take place from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM on both March 9th and March 11th, 2026.
Seven Themed Lands Await Visitors
Upon its grand opening later this year, Universal Kids Resort will showcase seven distinctively themed areas, each inspired by iconic Universal intellectual properties. The confirmed lands include DreamWorks' Shrek's Swamp and Puss in Boots Del Mar, Illumination's Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, a Jurassic World Adventure Camp, DreamWorks' TrollsFest, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, and an original, creatively designed area named the Isle of Curiosity.
Families exploring the park can anticipate memorable encounters with a wide array of characters. These will feature Shrek and Princess Fiona, the swashbuckling Puss in Boots, popular Minions such as Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, "Trolls" favorites Poppy and Branch, SpongeBob SquarePants alongside his friends from Bikini Bottom, and characters inspired by the DreamWorks Netflix series "Gabby's Dollhouse," primarily located in the central Isle of Curiosity. Additionally, the Jurassic World-themed land will offer interactive dinosaur experiences for guests.
Designed Through a Child's Perspective
Molly Murphy, the President of Universal Creative, emphasized the park's unique design philosophy in an official news release. "When creating Universal Kids Resort, we leaned into that childlike curiosity and invited play to be our guide," Murphy stated. "Every detail was designed through a child's eyes from signs at their height to colors that invite them in. The result is a park that celebrates the joy of being a kid—where imagination isn't just encouraged, it's embedded in every attraction, space, and experience."
Application and Audition Process Details
Performers interested in joining the Universal Kids Resort team are encouraged to create a comprehensive audition profile. This profile should detail their specific skills, performance experience, and any relevant talents to assist casting directors in matching them with suitable roles. Applicants have the option to upload an updated photograph, a current resume, and highlight particular abilities.
These performer profiles will remain active within the resort's casting system for a period of six months. After this timeframe, individuals will be notified via email and must submit a new, updated profile if they wish to continue being considered for future performance opportunities. For the live audition, applicants are advised to wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows for movement and to avoid wearing costumes, heavy makeup, or wigs.
Resort Hotel and Amenities
Adjacent to the theme park itself, the Universal Kids Resort Hotel will offer accommodations capable of hosting up to five or six guests per room. The hotel's amenities are designed with families in mind and will include the quick-service Curiosity Cafe, a full-service bar for adults, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room, and a dedicated game room for entertainment.
While the park's construction and recruitment are progressing rapidly, Universal has not yet announced an official, specific opening date for the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. The ongoing hiring initiative marks a crucial phase in preparing the park for its anticipated debut, promising to create numerous new jobs in the Texas entertainment sector.
