what to expect at a disney character performer audition!
I’m only speaking specifically about College Program auditions and International park auditions, but it’s all pretty similar across the board! Including some tips and tricks.
Hey y’all! I’m Chelsea. I’ve gone to two College Program (CP) auditions and two international auditions (one for Hong Kong Disneyland and one for Tokyo Disneyland).
I did my college program from Aug-Dec of 2014 as a Character Performer and it was the most amazing experience of my life! I’m not going to really go into life as a performer right now, and I’ve gotta explain what character integrity is (and why I won’t publicly answer questions about character performing on my blog).
According to Disney, all of the characters in the parks are real
They mean business
So henceforth we’re going to talk about how you get to spend time with your favorite animated characters, hang out with them, and be friends with them
But you can’t be a Disney character. That’s just silly ;)
So on to the audition!
Where do you find auditions, anyway?
disneyauditions.com! They list all of their auditions there, what city they are in, and what they are looking for. Pay attention though! If they’re looking for something specific (like folks who are 4′11″-5′1″, which is a pretty common height range to cast for) and you (a 6′3″ person) show up, you’re gonna get cut right away! So be aware of what they are looking for :)
What time should I get there?
Generally you should show up about an hour before the call time on the website, though sometimes they will specifically say you can’t arrive before a certain time because of building arrangements and stuff like that. But always always be early! They don’t allow people in late, and being late does not look good.
What should I wear?
Something you can move in! That’s my biggest tip for you. Obviously you’re going to want to look professional. Disney has something called the ‘Disney Look’ -- they want their cast members to look professional and well put together. Show them you’ve got that look!
Something you can move in and shows off your figure. I like to wear form fitting dresses with loose skirts and leggings, but anything works!
Make sure you’re well put together and your hair is out of your face so they can see your smile
For girls, make sure you don’t wear too much makeup. I can’t even count how many girls show up looking over the top (even wearing costumes!) Don’t do that!
So what comes next?
Generally, here’s how the audition is going to go. You show up, get a number, and then everyone sits down. Make sure to listen to the casting director as they’re giving instructions! Remember you are always auditioning and they’ll make note of who giggles and talks the whole way through instructions.
After that they’ll line everyone up and measure them. This is pretty important because your height determines exactly what characters you get to spend time with. It’s also important to note that it’s pretty common to get cut for your height alone. Like I said earlier, sometimes they’re really specific about what they need. You might be the most talented, awesome 5′7″ person ever and still not get the job because they need someone who is 5′0″. (Side note--I wasn’t measured at the international auditions. So things might be different overseas).
So everyone is measured, yay! After that they’ll teach you a dance combination. The first combination is very simple, jazz squares, waving, smiling. At this part of the audition they’re really trying to see your spirit. Even if you totally mess it up but you show them you’re excited and energetic they could possibly keep you!
After that they make a huge cut. If you’re trying for full time, congrats! This means that you’re officially in consideration for a performing position! If not, don’t worry, just keep going to auditions. It’s entirely possible you just weren’t what they needed at that time.
Normally after that they teach another combination and something called an animation exercise. (It’s basically just a pantomime). They want to see your storytelling, so be creative and have fun with it!
That’s cool! So how do you be a princess?
Okay, hold your horses! I’m going to just let you know first things first that all performers at Walt Disney World (no matter WHAT) get to hang out with the furry guys! However, at their traveling auditions, sometimes they will keep certain people after and take extra pictures of them. Though this doesn’t mean anything necessarily, it could mean that they’re looking at maybe pairing you up with one of the princes or princesses. Never make assumptions though! And it’s important to have a good attitude. The casting directors know what they are doing and if you’re not pulled, it’s for a good reason.
The moral of the story then?
Keep trying! I had friends who didn’t make it until their 8th or 9th audition! I made it in on my second. Some people make it in on their first. You never know what they’re looking for but one thing I can guarantee they want is a good attitude and that little something extra that makes Disney so magical. So make sure to bring your pixie dust and a positive attitude! Even if you don’t make it, these auditions are so fun. I made one of my lifelong best friends at my first audition. So keep trying, keep moving forward, and have fun!
I’d love to hear from you guys! Let me know if this helped at all, drop me a message if you’ve recently been accepted or if you’re hoping to audition soon! I love to chat :)
