So happy I stumbled across your blog because I've decided that I want to take part in the program but need some serious help with the details! I have so many questions so bare with me if I all of a sudden spam your inbox ahaha 1) It's been my dream to be a Disney Character Performer so I was just wondering if you have any advice or tips on that role. 2) If I can’t be a Character Performer, what other role do you suggest I go for, I really don't know (I'm studying marketing at uni if that helps)
Here's part two of my questions :P 3) What sort of things were you asked in your interview? Oh & what role did you have? 4) Money-wise, Disney doesn’t cover anything do they? You have to fend for yourself? Do they give you free entry into the parks? 5) Is it hard to be away from family & friends? I currently have a boyfriend & am super close with my family so I was just wondering what was the most challenging part about all of that & how you coped
Hey there!Hahaha please don’t worry about spamming my inbox, I actually love answering questions about Disney. 1) So, hints and tips for becoming a performer. First of all, I have to warn you that I haven’t heard of any Australians or New Zealanders being accepted as face characters (There was one British girl who was friends with Elsa, and maybe there were a few other face characters from the UK, but there definitely weren’t any Aussies or Kiwis in face roles for the year I was there.) That said, ask about it at your interview to make sure. And if they say you can’t be a face character don’t panic, because being a fur character is awesome!
You can start by measuring your height and then checking out which characters you’re tall/short enough to be friends with. Generally, the shorter you are the more luck you’ll have in being cast as a performer because there are more roles at the shorter heights that need to be filled. You can check out some lists compiled from a range of different sources here (skip to the general questions at the end), here and here, to help you get started.
The most important thing for being a fur character is your acting ability. Though as an Australian or New Zealander you won’t have to undergo a thorough audition like the Americans, it’ll definitely help your case if you can mention any previous experience you have with acting or performing. Even if it’s something little, make sure you mention it. The interviewer might ask you a situational question, like, “A small child was excited to see you in line but now that they’re up with you, they’re crying. What do you do?” In this case, you would step back. If the child was standing you would drop down to their level (if they were in their parent’s arms you’d remain standing). If you were a face character, you’d talk soothingly, but if you were a fur character, you’d hold out one hand, palm down, and stroke it with the other hand, encouraging the kid to feel how soft you were without invading their personal space. Your attendant would be narrating all of this, helping you along and giving the parent instructions, too. Basically, you want to showcase that you’re good with kids, and a considerate person - and that you’ve researched the role.
I would also rehearse some answers to the question, “Why do you want to be a performer?” Keep in mind that while it’s one of the most rewarding roles at Disney and entertainment is an amazing field to be in, the job can be uncomfortable in Summer when you’re stuck outside in 40+ heat, direct sun and layers upon layers of costume. You should show that you’re prepared for that.
You can read some other asks I’ve answered about character performing here and here.
2) If you can’t be a performer, I highly recommend you go for being a character attendant. It’s the closest role there is, you get the perks of working in entertainment, and you don’t have to wear the stifling costumes. There is a lot of pressure on you to deliver awesome experiences for both performers and guests, but it is an awesome role.
3) You can read a run down of my interview here. My roles were Merchandise and then Character Attendant. I wrote a list of pros and cons for both here.
4) Hahaha, no, Disney covers no costs. I mean, rent is taken straight out of your weekly pay so you don’t have to worry about that, but you pay for everything else on your own. You can find more info about the cost of the program here.You do get free entry to the parks, which pretty much makes the entire program worth it on its own.
5) It is hard being away from family and friends. There’s culture shock and homesickness to deal with, and on top of that you’re thrown into a new job, so it can be really scary. Some nights I got so homesick I cried myself to sleep. Birthdays and holidays suck without your family and friends from home.But you make new friends. As I wrote about here, the program is one of the easiest places in the world to make friends. Everyone is in the same boat as you, and everyone has at least some of the same interests as you, and everyone is eager to make friends. You’ll make friends from everywhere at work, and you’ll have people who understand what you miss about home in your flat.
So yeah, sometimes it is really hard being away from home, but it’s worth it. You’ll make new friends, and your old friends and family will be waiting for you when you get home.
