Get a Job as a Character?

[noname70]

I've always had this silly dream of being a costumed character at WDW. I've read that they look for particularly short (under 5') or tall (over 6'). I fit the tall part. However I'm not "young"-just retired.
Any tips from CM's?

 

[Seaweed]

re:

well, what *IS* your height?
They have a very large range of heights you can be. I know a character there. He has told ust alot about it.
It will also depend on your build..
Remember that when you go out to try out for it they have some dance moves you have to do... so being older may not be good.. it is a VERY physical job. Take it from someone who has done characters for different things (not a park)

 

[noname70]

Thanks for the reply. I'm 6' 03' and slender. I'd say in pretty good shape :sohappy:

 

[mkt]

if you have an extremely high level of patience and understanding, as well as a penchant to sweat like a maniac, I'd say you could do it..

there are quite a few people in that department that are "not "young"-just retired"

 

[noname70]

I often wondered about ventilation is those costumes

 

[PhotoDave219]

Ive seen my gf after she's come off sets and all i have to say is "What Ventilation?" I cant imagine how she survived the 100 degree weather earlier this week.....

 

[mkt]

or how I did Dave...

 

[PhotoDave219]

Yes Rob, but 1, I never saw you working and 2, I dont wake up with your ______ in ANY let alone every morning, so naturally she's gonna get the credit :lol:

Friar Tuck Rocks! :lol:

 

[Sir Hiss527]

I'm sure that they have older folks, out there doing characters. I am the proper age now to do characters..God I wish I could start doing it. Soon though...

 

[drew81]

I second that Friar Tuck rocks. Rafiki is not to bad either.

 

[Atta83]

Yeah if you can not stand the heat at all or stupid people do not even consider being a character or even working at WDW! Its harsh to say but the gooness to honest truth! I know a girl who quit cause she got too hot and did not like it.

 

[drew81]

Go Friar Tuck! Go Friar Tuck! Hooray for Friar Tuck and all the characters.

 

[Sir Hiss527]

Originally posted by drew smith
Go Friar Tuck! Go Friar Tuck! Hooray for Friar Tuck and all the characters.

 

[drew81]

Disney characters make the magic for me. My hat is off to them. Someday that dream will come true.

 

[Sir Hiss527]

I am going to bump this thread to the top...

See I really wouldn't even care, about the heat..well I am sure I would, but that would not change my mind about doing it. I just wanna make little kids smile, all over Disney. In my opinion just to make one person smile, is truly magical..I mean i'm sure it's a great job as a young high school student, but for Full Time, that's another thing.

 

[noname70]

I agree- I believe that giving some magic back to children (and children at heart) in the park would bring the magic back to me.

 

[WDWKat26]

Hey!

I just thought i'd post back since I went for my Audition last week Thursday. I'm 19 and i'm a very good dancer and in good shape and even THAT workout had me in my bed next morning unable to move since I was so sore! They teach you a series of dance steps that you are going to dance to. Then, inbetween the 2 sets of dancing that you have to do, they give you a situation in which you have to animate. Mine was "A Fiesta" so pretty much pretend you're at a party, unwrapping presents, limbo, Pinata, all the good stuff. It's very trying since you're bending over and almost bending backwards trying to show the judges that you have the most pep compared to the other 5 people you're in the room with. Hope this helps!

 

[Sir Hiss527]

Hey!

I just thought i'd post back since I went for my Audition last week Thursday. I'm 19 and i'm a very good dancer and in good shape and even THAT workout had me in my bed next morning unable to move since I was so sore! They teach you a series of dance steps that you are going to dance to. Then, inbetween the 2 sets of dancing that you have to do, they give you a situation in which you have to animate. Mine was "A Fiesta" so pretty much pretend you're at a party, unwrapping presents, limbo, Pinata, all the good stuff. It's very trying since you're bending over and almost bending backwards trying to show the judges that you have the most pep compared to the other 5 people you're in the room with. Hope this helps!

So umm..Kat did you pass the audition, and get characters? :lol:

 

[WDWKat26]

Actually no, lol. They told me that I made the audition and that it went well, but since i'm 5'8 (which is a common height) that they didn't have any positions for me, so right now i'm in a character pool. Also i've been playing phone tag with my recruiter all day which kinda stinks, I've wanted the character job for so long and it really hurt to know i'm stuck in a pool.

 

[Sir Hiss527]

Actually no, lol. They told me that I made the audition and that it went well, but since i'm 5'8 (which is a common height) that they didn't have any positions for me, so right now i'm in a character pool. Also i've been playing phone tag with my recruiter all day which kinda stinks, I've wanted the character job for so long and it really hurt to know i'm stuck in a pool.

Well at least you passed the audition..and your in the character pool. My brother was in the 'Pool' for 3 months, and all of a sudden he got a call from casting with an opening. So he starts training August 8, for his 5 day training. If you want, you could have another job until called for characters. Congrats!