[Question] What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

[MANEATINGWREATH]

This is probably a frequently asked set of questions but I truthfully can't find anything in depth about this anywhere...

On July 22 I'm auditioning for a Disney character or character look-alike for DLR and I'm very excited! The website however only tells me where to park and nothing more. I was wondering if I also need a resume, head shots, or anything else like that. An answer to these questions would be very much appreciated.

I'm 5'10, Caucasian, have blue eyes, have shortish brown/dirty blonde hair, and am 164 pounds. I'd share a picture of me but I can't find anyone that is just me smiling regularly. I have the tendency to make scary faces at the camera. The bottom picture posted is the best one I could find. I'm the guy in the dark blue v-neck, not the one with the water bottle attempting to make a good photo bomb.

[ohmyjustin]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyland-resort/112067-disney-face-character-auditions.html

I haven't read that thread, but if you haven't seen it before, it might be quite helpful for you. Break a leg!

[Pattymelt1957]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

My niece was a friend of Tinkerbelle's at WDW about 20 years ago.

It's funny, but before you I saw you ask this question I had talked to my niece about just this topic because another friend of ours has a daughter who just graduated Columbia College with a theater degree and she wants to audition for cruise ships and stuff.

I have the motto that it never hurts to have a one page resume with you when going to apply for any job. Have about 5 copies on you. For performers, my niece told me that it's common to have your photo on the resume but it does not have to be a headshot. You can create a very professional looking performer's resume with a big photo of you in the upper right hand corner and your name and contact information in the upper left corner. then the body of the resume would be your special skills and specific talents and then last would be your experience performing and then your education.

Be very specific with your skills because interviewers do not like general stuff they hear all the time like, "quick learner", "works well with others", etc. Specific skills are things like: can juggle up to four items; tap, jazz, and hip hop dance proficient; trained improv artist.

My niece had almost no experience when she went to work for Disney. She applied on a lark. She has a beautiful personality that is just so friendly and inviting. She always makes great eye contact and remembers people's names that she meets. She is also very outgoing. I think Disney picked up on all this and also saw she was the right look and build for Tinkerbelle.

That was the only job she had with Disney, being a friend of Tink's for three years before moving back home and going to grad school. It was her dream job and she to this day is thrilled she got to do it.

[MANEATINGWREATH]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

Thank you! I'm actually considering going for the masked character more so if that'd be a better fit for me. I've been trained in improvisation and pantomiming for four years and have done over ten theatrical productions in my lifetime with over eight leading roles. Now I've been told that how many leading roles you've had before doesn't matter to the employers but would it help at all? I'm also in the Citrus Singer program and one of the casting directors is a former Singer. Would that help?

[Pattymelt1957]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

Thank you! I'm actually considering going for the masked character more so if that'd be a better fit for me. I've been trained in improvisation and pantomiming for four years and have done over ten theatrical productions in my lifetime with over eight leading roles. Now I've been told that how many leading roles you've had before doesn't matter to the employers but would it help at all? I'm also in the Citrus Singer program and one of the casting directors is a former Singer. Would that help?

WOW! You have the start of a really great resume there, young man. Type this up professionally and do a quick Google search for how performers are putting their resumes together these days.

With all that performing experience you must know a director or fellow actor who submits themselves to auditions and things. You should ask to see their Performance Resume. That might not be what they call it, but a performer's resume looks different than a resume for applying to office jobs.

Between Google and people in your performing network you should get some good examples of how to present yourself on paper to Disney.

I obviously don't know you but you have a real spark in you that I can tell in the pictures. You seem to have a very good attitude and disposition too and you CLEARLY love Disney. I hope it is okay that I pray for your audition to go well and I am going to ask my niece for any ideas she might have to bring back and tell to you so I will update this comment if she gives me good scoop.

Good luck! (or break a leg, depending on how theater and performing people like to hear that!)

[MANEATINGWREATH]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the support and advice and help and whatnot!

[StevenW]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

On July 22 I'm auditioning for a Disney character or character look-alike for DLR and I'm very excited! The website however only tells me where to park and nothing more. I was wondering if I also need a resume, head shots, or anything else like that. An answer to these questions would be very much appreciated.

You certainly look like every other guy that auditions, which means you have an even chance. I auditioned for parades many years ago. If they didn't ask you to bring anything, don't. They don't need it. If you're not already an actor with photos and resume, it would be foolish to create one just for this audition.

However, it is a good idea to bring a backpack with some food or water since you might have to wait a bit long, 2 to 3 hours. Bring a pen to take notes and get contacts. Ask other people their stories so if you don't make it, you can try later with better results.

If you make it to the second round, they could either ask you to stay or come back another day.

[Ride Warrior]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

Thank you! I'm actually considering going for the masked character more so if that'd be a better fit for me. I've been trained in improvisation and pantomiming for four years and have done over ten theatrical productions in my lifetime with over eight leading roles. Now I've been told that how many leading roles you've had before doesn't matter to the employers but would it help at all? I'm also in the Citrus Singer program and one of the casting directors is a former Singer. Would that help?

Your list of acting credits is highly impressive. you're obviously a real go getter, MANEATINGWREATH. I think that in conjunction with your effort to build your improvisational skills, your acting/communication talent will show if you reklax and let it happen whenever casting calls upon you to do so. While a resume is a tool that can help promote you, your live performance is the main distiction that sepparates you from others. From what I've seen of your MC posting talents, you have unique awesome abilities. Be confident in this fact!

[ssaamm]

Re: What happens at character and character look-alike auditions?

I've only ever auditioned for Disneyland Paris, so I'm not sure how different it will be. But remember to keep a big smile on your face and don't feel embarrassed or stupid about whatever you'll be doing in the audition. The stupider you feel, the better your probably doing Remember big, over exaggerated movements too, your auditioning to be a cartoon character, try to be original and enjoy it