Entertainment Hosts

[drc]

So I recently posed the question: What is everyone's view on the role of the "Character Host?"

Now for those of you who do not know, an Entertainment Host (sometimes referred to as a Character Host) is a CM that maintains the line for the character (if there is one), helps take photos, and just assists with the Meet & Greet process in general. They may also be found assisting and facilitating various shows around the resort, such as Drawn to the Magic in Hollywood backlot.

Yes, you must audition to be cast in this role, as Hosts must be able to think quickly and creatively on the fly. They must be friendly, outgoing, and able to communicate clearly.

Now I'm most curious about how other departments view this role, or if they even know it exists. I would like to use this thread to gain any insight into what CMs think of the role.
Thanks,
~drc

[Peace_N_Love]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

Warning to anybody who reads this: This is something I probably would have PMd the OP (drc) with but they don't have that as an option on their profile. So this post is more about me personally than it is about answering drc's question. Though I do still say some good things about Entertainment Hosts. I promise. So continue on if you're curious and have a nice day.

I think it seems like and awesome role to have. I put it down as my #1 preference when I filled out my application. Sadly only stores and attractions positions were open at the time and I picked stores. I was thinking for a while that I would possibly try and transfer to that role after my probation period was over. I even stayed in the park after a Grad Nite shift one day just so that I could head on over to the Princess Fantasy Faire hoping that I could try and talk to one of the CMs. I actually ended up talking to the lead and he gave me some pretty good info to have.
I still think about what being an entertainment host would be like every now and then and I noticed the post you put up about the need for entertainment hosts right now, that got me thinking about it again. The only things that keep me from seriously looking into it now are 1.) The fact that I have made some cool friends that I would be sad to leave. (awwwww! :blush 2.) I love the costume that I get to wear on Main Street now. (vest, tie, and peacoat) 3.) I'm doing a pretty decent job of making a good impression in terms of moving up with the company.
I believe that no matter what role I'd have with the resort I'd be capable of making that same good impression but i also don't want to feel like I've kind of wasted the last 9 months in stores. Especially when I know that in the next 3 months or so I will have an opportunity to become a lead. So I guess that is my dilemma. )
The reason why I came to Disneyland is because I wanted to finally work somewhere that I knew I would love and where I would also have the opportunity to make a career out of it. That is my plan. As it says below my screen name, "I just wanna be happy."
So however off topic this post might have gotten , I guess my point is that if I weren't in stores the only other role I would want to have at the resort is Entertainmen Host. I have alot of respect for them and I'm pretty jealous of what they get to do everyday. :blush: I'm under the impression that you are, or were, an Entertainment Host yourself so let me say to all of you... I think you ladies and gentlemen have one of the best roles in the resort. I hope you all realize it and don't take it for granted. Much respect to all of you. Keep up the good work. :bow:

[DisneyMouse]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

Like any department, we have some great people who are Hosts, and some others you wonder how they became Hosts. I understand Hosts are a luxury for Characters, though they often seem to remember that they are also part of the show. I'm sure with the Collage Program not using Hosts any longer, the quality is going to go up, though I also think some need to be retrained before going out on stage again.

[drc]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

Peace_N_Love: Yes, I have been hosting for well over 3 years. I love my job and have a great passion for hosting, but I realize it's not for everyone. I am happy to hear that you have found a place in the resort that makes you happy, because after all - we're really just one big team.

DisneyMouse: I definitely agree that in the past couple of years the quality of hosts we have hired has declined. Some of the college program kids were fantastic, but there were also quite a few people that were not cut out for the job. Another factor to consider is the change in audition protocol that took place around the summer of 2007. They seem to be more focused on finding bodies to fill shifts instead of really evaluating if the person will excel in the job or not.

My hopes are high for the coming months, as each new year always brings changes and new additions to the resort. We have not had open auditions for entertainment hosts in almost two years, so I'm hoping when they do get around to holding auditions there will be a larger turnout and they can be more selective. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!!!

[Peace_N_Love]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

I'll try and keep an eye open for information on auditions. If it's something I think about doing, as often as I do, I might as well give it a shot. I'd have nothing to lose and who knows... it could be where I belong. If you by any chance were to get some info on future auditions/openings don't hesitate to PM me with that news. Have a nice day.

[FI183]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

I had no idea this position even exsisted! I would have definately chosen that as my first choice, mainly because I want to be a character, but I don't have the body to do it (too budgy). This whole time I thought you guys were part of attractions. I also herd one time that someone from stores were doing. I would have never guessed you guys have your own department.

As for switching roles, I've kinda gotten over it. After working at Disneyland a lot over the past month, I've come to realize just how good I got it! Better hours, much better breakrooms, a lot more relaxed and backstage isn't confusing or does is smell really bad(or look bad). That doesn't mean I would consider transferring. I might consider Character hosts, but just reading that you have to communicate well kinda turned me off! I sometimes see myself as donald! I sometimes tend to slur my words and jumble up my sentences when I'm excited and doing my spiels! It gets hard for guests to understand (in a comedic way LOL) but it's all in good fun.

I would like to hear more about this though! I might consider joining the cool kids of what is entertainment LOL. But then I might not, I really hate passing by parade staging and seeing the skins and heads of the characters. It just freaks me out!!

[KevRus]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

Well, speaking of which, Disney is holding Entertainment Host auditions on January 6th.

What exactly would an audition for this role entail, anyways?

[BurtGummer]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

Well, speaking of which, Disney is holding Entertainment Host auditions on January 6th.

What exactly would an audition for this role entail, anyways?

I'd assume you'd need to be extremely friendly and outgoing, and able to manage people in a quick fashion. A TON of smiles too.

It's all a guess, but I would think it would be like a normal cast member, except multiplied by 10, haha.

[tothesea]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

Has anyone here ever gone through the audition for this role, or know someone who has and can share what it is like?

I would very much like to try for this, but am wondering what the audition process holds!?!

Any help/insight would be greatly appreciated!

[FI183]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

January 6th? You think you can post or PM me more info, I wanna see more into this and possibly go and audition for a role!

[tothesea]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

One last night for questions, as auditions are tomorrow!

The audition site says to bring a headshot and one page resume for all auditions.

Does that include for Hosts?

Also what to wear, and what to be prepared for?

I would so love to be a host, the characters are what make the magic for so many people!

[FI183]

Re: Entertainment Hosts

I'm not gonna be able to make to the audition for reasons I rather not say. All I'll say is, if you're a CM ALWAYS check your schedule everyday!