To relocate or Not to relocate...

[Yeti81]

Hey everyone, I've been combing the internet for horror stories, behind the scenes peeks and gossip about working at Disney. Most of what I've found is how poorly "cast members" are treated but we're talking food service, ride operators, and custodial jobs. I've heard college kids do OK for summer jobs and whatnot, and upper management makes bank. My question goes out to the production singers and stage performers.

I live in Atlanta and have auditioned for Disney several times. I've recently gotten a couple callbacks and have been seen by 2 casting directors who said really great things. Now I'm not one to count my chickens, but I have a nice steady desk job here, and were an offer to come from the Mouse, is it worth it? What are working conditions like. I'm not too interested in perks, but more so day to day things. I've heard benefits are great, but what's scheduling like? I know they have a collective bargaining agreement with Equity but how are the contracts? How hard/easy is it to break into another show or park?

I've only been acting for a couple of years, but I found my soul on the stage and I imagine Disney is as good a place as any for it to grow...as long as I'm not a face character/look-a-like or puppet.

 

[SirGoofy]

Hey everyone, I've been combing the internet for horror stories, behind the scenes peeks and gossip about working at Disney. Most of what I've found is how poorly "cast members" are treated but we're talking food service, ride operators, and custodial jobs. I've heard college kids do OK for summer jobs and whatnot, and upper management makes bank. My question goes out to the production singers and stage performers.

I live in Atlanta and have auditioned for Disney several times. I've recently gotten a couple callbacks and have been seen by 2 casting directors who said really great things. Now I'm not one to count my chickens, but I have a nice steady desk job here, and were an offer to come from the Mouse, is it worth it? What are working conditions like. I'm not too interested in perks, but more so day to day things. I've heard benefits are great, but what's scheduling like? I know they have a collective bargaining agreement with Equity but how are the contracts? How hard/easy is it to break into another show or park?

I've only been acting for a couple of years, but I found my soul on the stage and I imagine Disney is as good a place as any for it to grow...as long as I'm not a face character/look-a-like or puppet.

Okay, I'm just a lowly CM, but I love working for the Mouse. I know a few Equity performers, and from what I understand you are trained at you main work location, but you are also trained at one or more attractions. That's about all I can answer, and I'm not 100% sure.

But in all honesty, don't believe 1/2 the horror stories you hear about working for the company. They are the incredibly vocal minority, and 90-95% of the cast members love what they do.

 

[Yeti81]

Thanks! Appreciate the response. And I know people always like complaining more than saying good things, but with a life-changing career move like this I definitely want to find the truth behind the curtain and get real life examples instead of just buying in to the company line. Thanks again! Anybody else with firsthand or secondhand experience?

 

[HDS]

I audtioned for Jack Sparrow in 2006 but didnt work out being the pay was not worth it to relocate. Other then that I would have loved to work there. They were very nice and most the casting guys were.......fay...LOL

Go ahead and try it, what have you to lose?

 

[ClemsonTigger]

While I share your interest in working for the mouse....in these economic times, I would question a move.

The sensible part of me would say that if you have a good stable job now, stick with it.

On the other hand...if it is a dream of your's and you have the opportunity... if you are young and your life is uncomplicated (spouse, children, mortgage etc.) maybe you should go for it. Otherwise, you will always wonder what if.

I guess you need to get that offer first, then weigh your options.

I agree with some of the other posters in that the doomsday people are a very vocal minority. I know of no company in my many years of working that doesn't have them. Wipe away the pixie dust and weigh your options as best you can.

 

[Yeti81]

My first callback in April was for Mack, Capt Jack's First Mate in the Capt. Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial outside the Pirates ride. I can imagine what the pay would be like for that. My 2nd is for Howie in the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. I've gotta believe it's better there...maybe?

Yeah I have a "nice, steady job" but I'm an actor. It's my goal to get paid doing what I love, and be able to do only that. I'm young and single with no attachments, so picking up and moving wouldn't require alot. I'm just curious about how easy it is to get settled in Orlando, and how much help, if any, Disney is at moving performers.

As for the casting directors...neither Kevin nor Darla were fay, lol.

 

[disneychic71]

As someone "who knows better" (see sig.), I say "DO IT!" If you are young and have no strings, what better time to pursue a dream! Not going could mean a lifetime of regrets. I was afraid to try, and now I regret it every day. There will always be an office job somewhere, but being a performer, at Disney no less, could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Break a leg!

 

[HDS]

My first callback in April was for Mack, Capt Jack's First Mate in the Capt. Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial outside the Pirates ride. I can imagine what the pay would be like for that. My 2nd is for Howie in the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. I've gotta believe it's better there...maybe?

Not sure about dinners might be a bit more. "Big bits" being short you can see why the pay wouldnt be so ground breaking. I offerd them sword play hehe being trained in 3 fight styles with the blade which is one reason they took a photo and kept me on file incase they do a stage fight with Jack, which would pay more. I remember auditioning with some real cool people, we were cutting up in the waiting area. I still have my script. You know, I liked Mack better then Jack, his part has more meat.

Yeah I have a "nice, steady job" but I'm an actor. It's my goal to get paid doing what I love, and be able to do only that. I'm young and single with no attachments, so picking up and moving wouldn't require alot. I'm just curious about how easy it is to get settled in Orlando, and how much help, if any, Disney is at moving performers.

As for the casting directors...neither Kevin nor Darla were fay, lol.

Yeah same here, less then being half what I make in my day job, it would have been a bad move on my part.

LOL, well I guess they were just nice. I wasnt shocked or anything being the feild has its fair share. I know one cast director that moved up here to start a spine ajusting biz "The Join" and hes very fay LOL.