The Nativity is a special scene. After a whole train ride of singing, Santa, and presents, the train turns the corner into Bethlehem. The world stands still for a moment as passengers reflect on the reverent true meaning of Christmas.
Review the training material to learn how to bring this scene to life.
when to arrive:
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You should arrive at the ranch by 4:30pm
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You must be in position at your scene by 5:05pm
You should come dressed in warm clothes, prepared to be outdoors for the entirety of the night. Warm pants, closed-toe shoes, a coat, etc.
WHAT TO WEAR:
MARY:
Your costume...
JOSEPH;
Your costume...
SHEPHERD:
Your costume...
WISEMEN:
Your costume...
ANGEL:
Your costume...
MARY:
There’s a very special and reverent responsibility with this role. You are playing Mary, the mother of the newborn Savior. All we ask that you do is kneel behind the manger, looking down at the “baby” asleep on the hay. Look at Him with love and awe. You shouldn't move at all.
Don’t even acknowledge the train. Be still, and allow the spirit of the scene to touch those who are watching.
JOSEPH:
You are playing Joseph, the very real, gentle and loving man who brought Mary to Bethlehem. All you should do is stand by Mary’s side. She will be kneeling, so you should put your hand on her shoulder, and just stand still, looking down at her and the newborn Baby Jesus.
SHEPHERD:
You are the shepherd who heard the voice of an angel and came straight away to see the newborn Jesus. In humility and awe, simply stand beside Joseph, inside the manger but off to the side. All you should do is stand there and look down at the baby Jesus, staff in hand.
Don’t even acknowledge the train. Be still, and allow the spirit of the scene to touch those who are watching.
WISEMEN:
As a wiseman, you’ve been traveling a long distance to see Baby Jesus. Start off to the front/side of the scene, and as the train approaches, start walking–slowly and reverently–towards the manger. Don’t rush it. Once you’ve arrived at the foot of Baby Jesus’s cradle, kneel reverently and place your gifts on the ground. Then, move off to the side of the manger so you aren’t blocking the cradle, and resume kneeling. Stay there until the train is far out of sight.
Don’t even acknowledge the train. Be still, and allow the spirit of the scene to touch those who are watching
ANGEL:
As the angel, your task is simple: be still. You will stand atop the landing (see video) for the entire scene. You should have your arms at your side, palms forward, as instructed in the video. Now, remember who you are representing. You are playing an angel of the newborn Jesus Christ. This is a most reverent and special assignment. Please allow the spirit of the scene to be your guide. Stay still.
Don’t even acknowledge the train. Be still, and allow the spirit of the scene to touch those who are watching.
We want you to have fun. However, there are a few rules you need to remember at this scene:
1. The MOST IMPORTANT, #1 rule you need to know: DO NOT GO NEAR THE TRAIN. Do NOT climb on the train, do NOT hold onto the train, do NOT walk directly beside or behind the train. You are required to stay AT LEAST 20 FEET away from the train AT ALL TIMES.
If you violate any of the train rules, you will be sent home and will not be allowed back, period. The train is a ginormous and dangerous machine. Don't risk getting hurt, it's not worth it.
2. The Nativity is a unique scene in the sense that the spirit being felt isn't necessarily the same jolly festivity that the passengers have been feeling. Instead, the spirit is reverence and respect. That being said, it is YOUR responsibility to bring this reverence. BE STILL. Don't even acknowledge the train. Let the silence and the stillness bring the spirit and guide your actions.
3. STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM THE CAMEL! He will bite, kick, and do anything he can to cause problems. You will get hurt if you tease, touch, or provoke the camel. STAY FAR AWAY FROM HIS PEN.
4. Be IN POSITION when the train is nearing.
5. Do not do anything inappropriate or demeaning. Don't hit, punch, or fight. Follow the script.
6. Don't move the objects in the scene.
7. Don’t stop acting until the train is totally out of view–until you 100% know that the passengers can’t see you anymore. If they see you stop acting before you’re out of sight, it takes away the magic.
GUIDELINES
Frequently Asked Questions:
WILL DINNER BE PROVIDED?
No. As a staff member, you are expected to work the entire night. You will not have time to ride the train, as it takes about 40 minutes to go on a single train ride.
If you want to ride the train, get a reservation and come as a guest! We'd love to have you!
dOES MY SCENE HAVE A HEATER?
No. As a staff member, you are expected to work the entire night. You will not have time to ride the train, as it takes about 40 minutes to go on a single train ride.
If you want to ride the train, get a reservation and come as a guest! We'd love to have you!
wILL I GET TO RIDE THE TRAIN?
No. As a staff member, you are expected to work the entire night. You will not have time to ride the train, as it takes about 40 minutes to go on a single train ride.
If you want to ride the train, get a reservation and come as a guest! We'd love to have you!
cAN I TRADE JOBS?
Your position is final. If you have concerns about your position, please contact cestaffing@westernelite.com. We promise that this specific position was handpicked and offered to you because we believe you are capable of the task. You got this! Please do not trade jobs with your friends throughout the night. This causes damaged and lost costumes and can risk our guest's experience. Please stay at your scene unless you have special permission from either Alivia, Lindsay, Savannah, or your manager.
wHO IS MY MANAGER?
No. As a staff member, you are expected to work the entire night. You will not have time to ride the train, as it takes about 40 minutes to go on a single train ride.
If you want to ride the train, get a reservation and come as a guest! We'd love to have you!
Please review these instructions carefully.
Once you have completed the training, take the completion survey.