Former character friends?

katexo

Member
Original Poster
So, since my college career is almost at an end and I cant do the CP (le sigh), Ive decided in the time between undergrad and grad school Id really like to work at Disney! (seriously this has been a dream for awhile =) )
Anyway, I used to work as a character friend and another park for about 4 years and eventually got into a leadership position there. Any former friends (or just knowledgeable people) know if that will help my chances in being hired? Honestly Id do anything there but why not go big and audition eh?
 

maryszhi

Well-Known Member
i would take a class at the local community college, and while doing so, apply. your still eligible :) otherwise i would apply for part time/ fulltime . i would also go to an audition if they come close to were you live :)
 

katexo

Member
Original Poster
Have you actually graduated yet? If not you can still apply for the CP and go the semester after you graduate. That is what I am did. I was accepted and now get to go and don't have to pay my university for credits I don't need hehe.
Nope I havent! I was under the impression that you still had to be a student to do the CP but thats great news! Especially about the paying the university bit :D
 

maryszhi

Well-Known Member
yeah i think thats the biggest misconception however, it does put you behind credit wise if you choose to do the program and not take classes while doing it. different college and universities have different policies, so talk to your adviser :)
 

wilkeliza

Well-Known Member
Nope I havent! I was under the impression that you still had to be a student to do the CP but thats great news! Especially about the paying the university bit :D

You don't have to be in college when you do the program you just have to be in college when you apply. I graduated in May and start my program August 29th. I am still eligible to extend to the spring semester as long as I apply while in the program and I can even still apply for professional internships while in the program. If you do it after you graduate shoot for the Fall Advantage program. The advantage programs are almost two months longer than the regular programs. Unfortunately my graduation date didn't allow me to do an advantage but if you end at a normal time and not two weeks late like my school you can totally do one.
 

Yzma

Active Member
Go for it and audition!!

Keep in mind - you will be hired solely based on your audition (which is based in movement/dance), they will not look at your resume to see past experience. If you're strong in your movement ability, and you're the right height, you'll be great!! Depending on your skill/height, it is typically easier to make it as a CP over a regular PT/FT role.
 

wilkeliza

Well-Known Member
Oh just thought of this. Remember with Disney it isn't always about experience or who is the best of the best. They have specific guidelines of what they need and they stick to them. You could be the best character actor of Peter Pan and look just like him but if you are 1" too short or tall they won't even consider you. Also it depends on who else is currently friend with the character if it is a face character. With face characters they don't just look to see if you can play the personality they also look and see if you have similar facial features to the current CMs who are also friends with that character. That is so you can all seamlessly play the character through out the week with no one commenting on how drastically different the character looks from day to day. With costume characters it is about size and height. You may be dying to play Mickey but truth be told (spoiler following) it is mostly girls who play Mickey because they have to be short enough to fit in scale with the rest of the Disney World crew. Tall people typically play Pluto or Sully or Baloo etc. It is very interesting to see the casting notices and realize how specific they are with height and body build when it comes to costumed characters.
 

hollywoodj

Active Member
If you're considering the college program, auditions for entertainment happen in the fall and spring, and they go on a tour around the country. So it could be very easy for you to attend an audition! Typically, there is a movement exercise, and if you move on from it, it gets more difficult, and/or they'll assess your animation skill by putting you through some exercises. Just go in with a smile and you'll nail it! And as others have stated, it truly is about physical appearance more than anything, so sometimes it's out of your control. But if you keep a smile on, no matter what, it will make you look and feel better. Break a leg!
 

katexo

Member
Original Poster
Thanks everyone! Im looking more at costumed characters (even though id love to be a princess, unfortunately I probably dont have the face :() and I hope I can get into an audition this year
 

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