I'm planning on working the CP in the fall of 2009. I'm hoping to get a position in the entertainment area, as a character performer or dancer, for parades or shows. I'm wondering a few things, and if any of you have worked the program or know, I'd love some info.
As far as dancers go, is it something that college students can do? For parades, or opening Main Street in the morning?
When you are in the Entertainment department, you are not a "dancer" you are a "mover". When you audition for the college program, you'll get a "Color Code". A color code is your "rating" of how well you dance and move in your audition. Every show and parade has roles that are certain color codes. Shows like "Dream Along with Mickey" have Equity performers. If you want to "dance" your best option would be to go out for an equity dancer audition. Equity is not available for College Program.
Does the Lion King show involve college students ever?
Honestly, no. It's all Full-Time people. College Program Performers usually get things like Day Parade at Magic Kingdom or Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at the Animal Kingdom. Or, if you're a very good "mover" you might learn the Welcome/Trolley Show at the Magic Kingdom. Shows like High School Musical and Festival of the Lion King are for Full-Time, High Color Code Cast Members.
Are those auditions in addition to and after you get into the program?
I'm not sure I fully understand this question...there's no separate audition for shows and parades. It's the luck of the draw pretty much. If they want you, they'll train you. You don't have any say as to what you get trained in. You can preference what you'd like to learn once you're color coded, but it does not guarantee anything.
For being characters, what all is involved in auditioning for a face character?
You stand there, they look at you, you leave. Seriously. That's about it. You stand in a line of about 10 people, 30 or 40 people to a room. You stand there and the Casting Directors stare at you and whisper to each other. If you're auditioning for Entertainment in General, they use your movement/animation audition as a face audition as well.
Do you really have to look exactly like one, or will they take into consideration that your hair can be dyed, eyebrows bleached, etc?
They have a list of physical traits that are needed to portray every face character. Don't be discouraged if they don't pick you. I had a friend who got told she couldn't be friends with Ariel because her eyes were too close together. I was told my "Profile" (a.k.a. my Body Shape) wasn't what they were looking for. The last time I went to a face audition, they picked 5 people out of 40. Plus, I was hopeful for a certain face character, only to find out they weren't even looking for who I wanted to be fitted for. It's all about what they need at the time.
What are the costuming sizes for dancers and princesses/female face characters?
The costume sizes are all over the spectrum. Trust me, they'll have your size. I've seen size 12 girls being friends with Snow White, then i've seen size 4 friends of Snow White. Every girl is different. There's no cookie cutter size.
Just to let you know, if you are chosen for a face character, you won't JUST be a face character. You WILL do fur. A lot of girls come in going, "I want to be Cinderella" and when they're told they have to hang out with Pluto for a while, they become disgusted.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.
