Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Do you have an interest in history, true crime, ghost stories & other macabre tales? Can you weave a series of facts into a spellbinding tale and deliver it to a live audience? (Think City Confidential, American Justice, ID TV) Do you have the physical stamina to walk* over a mile through downtown Detroit at night? Are you reliable, trustworthy & available on Friday nights?
If so, then this may be the part-time gig you’ve been seeking.
What?
Seeking someone with a flair for the dramatic to learn the Notorious 313 True Crime / Ghost Lantern Tour and deliver it either solo or in tandem with me or another guide while working as a sweeper (keeping group together/promoting tour to onlookers/keeping panhandlers from interrupting narration & hassling attendees).
I have the events scripted out, you need to perfect how you’d deliver the stories. You may refer to note cards, but don’t want you reading word-for-word from a script.
On August 9, I unexpectedly lost my boyfriend, Tracy, who was my biggest cheerleader. He was excited about the growth Hometown History Tours experienced this year and wouldn’t want me to quit. I have admit though, I am numb at this point and still reeling from the shock of his unexpected death. I need someone who is self-directed and a quick-learner, who can step in and own this tour on days I may not possess the enthusiasm. If I find the right dramatic person, I may just step back and be the sweeper and let you be the star.
Check out Notorious 313 promo here
Other tours you may be asked to guide if interested
We also still have a role available for a white male to portray Senators Jacob Merritt Howard and Zachariah Chandler on Saturday nights (Sep 7 – Sep 28) Incredible Journey to Midnight: Detroit Underground Railroad Lantern Tour.
Who?
While anyone with an interest is able to apply, preference will be given to nearby Detroit residents who can possibly bike, walk to work or take the bus. Parking, especially on games days, is expensive and might not make this gig worth your while if driving a distance.
Where?
At this point, we meet outside the Greektown People Mover station (Beaubien & Monroe Streets) and travel via foot & People Mover to many spots throughout downtown Detroit including Capitol Park, 2nd & Fort St, Gratiot & Broadway.
When?
Friday nights: Aug 23 ( 8 P to 11 P) Sep 6, 13, 20, 27 ( 7 P to 10 P) October nights to be determined. We’ll also be offering several bus tours in October.
How?
Create a simple video addressing the requirements posted under video app and email video to k_risko@yahoo.com ( k[underscore]risko[at]yahoo[dot]com )
Video app: (Answer all questions and the delivery test)
1) Basic questions:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email address
- Education
- Any misdemeanors or felonies? Please explain when and circumstances
- Any physical limitations that would prevent you from leading a walking tour?
- Why do you want this gig?
- What type of experience do you possess that lends itself to making you the right candidate for this gig (actor, cop, tour guide, paranormal detective, etc.)?
- How can you help make this tour exciting, fun and turn it into a “must-do” Detroit attraction?
2) Delivery test
Use the following true crime information and show me how you would turn it into an interesting & dramatic story based on fact & possibly a little paranormal.
Stop: Holiday Inn Express parking lot on Washington Blvd once the site of the Ten 40 Club at 1040 Wayne
By 1937, Harry Milliman and several other former Purple Gang members become lone wolves and start shaking down various mafia protected brothels, numbers joints, bars, etc. Milliman was warned to stop these activities by members of the Purple Gang and other established mob networks, but he didn’t heed the warnings. Many attempts on his life were made. In fact, many hotels refused to rent rooms to him, because wherever he went, someone ended up dead. Aug 29, Milliman stopped by the Ten 40 club for a night of partying. He handed the keys to his car over to the valet. At 2:30 A, he’s ready to leave and hands over ticket to valet for car to be retrieved. As soon as valet starts Lasalle coupe, an explosion occurs instantly vaporizing young valet. Hood of the Lasalle found on the roof of a nearby 5-story building. 10 sticks of dynamite were wired to the spark plugs.
Pay:
$30 per night plus gratuities. (Gratuities split between guide and sweeper).
*I am an equal opportunity employer and not opposed to hiring those with disabilities. Our tours are physically demanding and include lots of walking. Although we use the People Mover, elevators don’t always work. That said, I am not opposed to hiring a wheelchair-bound guide, if you possess the story-telling skills, dramatic flair and and think you can navigate the route.
HOMETOWN HISTORY TOURS 