Hiring for Nemo musical again?

[Galen]

I understand that people come and go as life changes but I'm curious about why Disney is holding another open casting call for Nemo this month (January 07).

The thoughts I have as possibilites:

1) Those they hired didn't live up to the standards.

2) Those hired found out it's not what they expected.

3) The popularity is more than they expected and planning on doing more shows than originally planned.

Another question I have is, "Why are the auditions in New York only?"
I know the whole Broadway thing, but I figured it would have been easier to hold the auditions near WDW. It allows for a shorter period until the first day of employment and no cost for relocation. I just read what I had written and saw the little blurb about the Actor's Equity Association. Does anyone have any experience with this group? I'm thinking that this must be why they have to do the auditions in New York. Who knows?

I'm just curious what your thoughts are on the subject.

Also, Break a leg if you missed your opportunity last time and are going to audition.

source: http://corporate.disney.go.com/auditions/disneyworld/schedules/schedule_dancersinger.html

January 22, 2007
9 AM
10 AM
1 PM

Sign-in Begins
Dancers
Open Call Singers and Comedic Improv Actors

We are currently seeking potential full-time, part-time, and seasonal replacements and sub performers in all disciplines. Additionally, we are seeking potential performers for Finding Nemo, the Musical Show at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park::
Marlin - Mid 30s to early 40s male singer/actor. Over protective yet very loving father. Huge heart, great comedic talent. Scared of virtually everything. Baritone, able to handle musical "patter."
Dory - 30s female singer/actor. A forgetful, yet very optimistic lady fish and Marlin's companion during his journey. Extremely quirky and an expert with comedic material. Character singer.

*Please note, all peformers employed by Walt Disney World are covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Actor's Equity Association

Side note: Break a leg... What happens when you break your leg? You get put into a cast. Little theatre trivia for ya.

 

[Giraffe Lounge]

Actor's Equity Association is the union for professional stage actors in the United States. It provides a long list of benefits including safety regulations (including exposure to haze, smoke, etc...), break schedules, and (obviously) minimum pay scales. Actors either work their way into it getting "points" participating in Equity shows or a producer can pay a large sum of money to get a person their Equity card. For more info check out http://www.actorsequity.org/

Auditions are in NYC because, quite frankly, that's where the vast majority of working professional actors live. Summer stock/ Regional theater and higher all hire out of there.

 

[Pongo]

Hmmm. I thought Marlin was GREAT in his role. He and Nemo have great chemistry.

Doty I can understand. I've seen three different Dorys up on that stage and was really only satisfied with one of them.

I'm just glad they aren't replacing Nemo. The casting of that role was SPOT ON.

 

[joanna71985]

Hmmm. I thought Marlin was GREAT in his role. He and Nemo have great chemistry.

Doty I can understand. I've seen three different Dorys up on that stage and was really only satisfied with one of them.

I'm just glad they aren't replacing Nemo. The casting of that role was SPOT ON.

I totally agree with Nemo, but not as sure about Dory.

 

[hcswingfield]

Crush is also quite awesome - and seems to be having a blast performing the role.

 

[metscool]

I thought that this guy (even though he is Adv. Club, and there are four people that work at Nemo and doe the club at the ame time). Here is the best and then the other four.
The best Buce the Shark

Another Shark

Nemo's Father

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Adventurers_Club/photos/view/19f4?b=18

 

[CTXRover]

My guess and hope is they need more actors for additional shows. Right now, the show is only performing 4 shows a day even during the very busy holiday season when AK was open until 8am-8pm everyday. Even the later shows were filling up a full 30 minutes prior to show time leaving a lot of guests unable to see it. There is no doubt in my mind that they could and should have more performances a day, particularly during the upcoming sprink break and summer seasons. Another cast may also allow the show to be added to the evening EMH lists.

 

[Vernonpush]

The reason the AEA auditions are in New York is that there are more out of work Equity Actors (per capita) there than anywhere else. "I've got my Equity card, now I'm going to New York and be a STAR". Seen it many times.

 

[Pongo]

Crush is also quite awesome - and seems to be having a blast performing the role.

I've seen two different Crushes, and though I like them both, I do prefer one over the other :lol:

 

[LilDucky]

Those they hired didn't live up to the standards.

2) Those hired found out it's not what they expected.

3) The popularity is more than they expected and planning on doing more shows than originally planned.

If it has to be one of the above reasons, I'd go with number 3. I saw it last week, and loved it. I thought they had an amazing cast. Dory, Nemo, and Marlin were all great!

Anyone else thinks one of the Dory's resembles Alex Borstein?

 

[RonAnnArbor]

First - to squash any further rumors - they are not replacing anyone in the show. THe auditions in NYC are for additional cast, standby's, understudies, and possible a B-cast.

The entire current cast is AEA - there are no Disney "cast members" in the show -- it is entirely a professional acting cast.

If they are posting for additional cast in NYC, it means that they have exhausted their search of appropriate AEA cast in the Orlando area, and have gone to the "Mother Ship" in NYC, where performers of the caliber required for Nemo are a dime a dozen.

I am a professional director and belong to SSDC - professional labor union (Society) for Stage Directors and Choreographers.

It is the same practice used here in Michigan -- when casting a local musical, I will post for local AEA members in SE Michigan. WHen I exhaust that casting pool, most usually I look toward NYC for additional auditions.

But to think that there is something wrong with the current cast, or the cast is somehow not "satisfied" with their roles is ludicrous. Professional acting contracts are just that -- they are assigned for a period of time (like 6 months usually) at which time the producer can choose to renew the contract (usually at higher pay) or replace the actor. Similarly, the actor may choose to renew their contract if it is offered, or leave the part and move onto something else.

Broadway performers move from show to show all the time. It is not unusual to see the same actors in three different musicals over the course of a two year period. THe same is true of AEA shows in Orlando, and at Disney.

Please don't panic folks!

 

[Mecha Figment]

OH yes i'm well aware that it's all equity performers. Several of my fellow puppeteers down there who are a much higher caliburn them myself i should add went to audtions and were basicaly turned away. Even the non speaking roles are equity. But I do have to admit it is a quality show. I don't like it to much because i think it's paced to fast , but it's put to gether well.

 

[Blizz]

They also are holding auditions because of the contract length of some of the performers already in the show. There are a few that were only signed to a 6 month contract. Since the show takes a good bit of time to train for it is understandable why they decided to look now. They are also in need of more understudies for some roles.

The reason for NYC... a good chunk of the A cast in the show now is from NYC (on and off broadway). NYC has a lot of actors and Disney does not mind spending cash on talent, especially when they have no choice and need to keep the show running.