Character Performer Auditions

[Joanna71985]

Hi , i was just wondering if someone could tell me how the audition process works and how much is height played in to if you will get a role , i'm 4'11

thankss

Welcome to the DIS!

The audition has 2 parts to it- dance and animation. Animation is like charades (they give you an example, and you act it out). Then for the dance part, they teach you a routine and you perform it back in small groups (around 3-6 people). Some people may also be pulled for face, called back for a second dance round, and others for a puppet audition.

As for height, it is very important. Special consideration is given to people 5'0 and under, and 6'0-6'3. Your height falls into the one range.

 

[QueenofPrideRock]

i've got a bit of a goofy question... I'd loveloveLOVE to do the CP as a princess. Ideally Ariel. Do you think my red hair might help me get pulled for face, lol? (Too bad I'd still have to wear the wig.)

And a slightly-related question: does Ariel hang out anywhere besides her grotto and that princess buffet in Norway? (I can never remember how to spell it!)

 

[Joanna71985]

i've got a bit of a goofy question... I'd loveloveLOVE to do the CP as a princess. Ideally Ariel. Do you think my red hair might help me get pulled for face, lol? (Too bad I'd still have to wear the wig.)

And a slightly-related question: does Ariel hang out anywhere besides her grotto and that princess buffet in Norway? (I can never remember how to spell it!)

It all depends on what Disney is looking for (they can be picky when it comes to face).

And no. Ariel only appears in Norway, and at the Grotto, for meets (she is also in Fantasmic, but it is really hard to get picked for shows).

 

[bellaDisneydncr]

Hey Joanna (or really anyone)- while we're on the topic of Ariel lol

I know that fins Ariel has to be on the shorter side of the princesses (right?) - does Ariel at Norway have to be too? I'm sure the same people play these two but I was just wondering. Thanks!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I am PMing you the answer as we need to be careful of character integrity.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Welcome to the DIS!

The audition has 2 parts to it- dance and animation. Animation is like charades (they give you an example, and you act it out). Then for the dance part, they teach you a routine and you perform it back in small groups (around 3-6 people). Some people may also be pulled for face, called back for a second dance round, and others for a puppet audition.

As for height, it is very important. Special consideration is given to people 5'0 and under, and 6'0-6'3. Your height falls into the one range.

You will be taught a dance routine- typically in groups of about 30. The routine will consist of several counts of eights. It will be high energy, but typically fairly simple. Expect a lot of jazz squares, chasses, etc. The routine might focus on one style of dance (for example hip hop, jazz, ballet) depending on what they are looking for on property. After they teach you the routine they will teach you animation.

Like Joanna said, animation is like charades. It is your ability to tell a story with your body. I will never forget what they told me at my first audition: If you feel stupid, you've almost got it. Remember that you are on a stage. Little tiny movements don't cut it. I've been to three auditions (two for myself and one as a rep). At two of them you were given one scenario that you performed twice. At the other one you were given two different scenarios. You will do dance, animation, dance, animation. You will have a few run throughs to practice, then you will be pulled back in groups of 4-6 depending on the number of judges.

If you perform well you may be called back to learn a harder movement routine. This may mean they are considering you for a parade or show role. This does not mean that you will perform in a parade or show. I had a student who got called back and just complete her Advantage CP- she didn't get trained in anything.

On the other hand, not getting called back is not the end of the world. I did not get called back at either audition but was hired on after both. I was trained in three parades and the Castle show for Christmas.

Your height will be a boon to you. I am 4'10". Let me just say that this was the first time I really liked being short. We have the best height range in the World!

 

[aamuboi10]

When it comes to being a parade/show performer, do you have to have dance traing or dance school on your resume, because i am a great dancer, and can pick up on any 8 count on the first few tries. I was in band in high school and we danced an awful lot, i also did praise dance in church, but i have never had the techincal/professional experience. What are my chances? Also im a male and im 6'0"

 

[bellaDisneydncr]

When it comes to being a parade/show performer, do you have to have dance traing or dance school on your resume, because i am a great dancer, and can pick up on any 8 count on the first few tries. I was in band in high school and we danced an awful lot, i also did praise dance in church, but i have never had the techincal/professional experience. What are my chances? Also im a male and im 6'0"

If you can do the routine they teach you at auditions- you will be fine. They don't ask for resumes at the CP auditions- (at specific dancer auditions they do). I think you should be in great shape. Break a Leg!

 

[aamuboi10]

If you can do the routine they teach you at auditions- you will be fine. They don't ask for resumes at the CP auditions- (at specific dancer auditions they do). I think you should be in great shape. Break a Leg!

Thanx!!!!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

At 6'0" you have a very good chance of getting in. You are an in demand height range. As a pp said, as long as you can pick up the routine, they don't care if you have had dance classes.

A word of warning: Even if you get called back for the advanced movment routine, do not expect to get trained in parades/shows. I was trained in three parades and the Christmas Castle show (Spring Advantage 05 and Fall Advantage 06) but they are reducing the number of CPs in the shows and parades. This past season I had a girl I recruited go down to be a performer. She was called back for a higher movement routine and did very well. However, even with all of the Christmas and Halloween offerings she did not get trained. One sure way to get the full timers to hate you is to complain about not being trained or constantly talk about it.

Don't go down there with the expectatoin that you will be trained in a parade or show. If you get trained- consider it a bonus! Even without being trained, you will still have some amazing opportunities.

 

[aamuboi10]

At 6'0" you have a very good chance of getting in. You are an in demand height range. As a pp said, as long as you can pick up the routine, they don't care if you have had dance classes.

A word of warning: Even if you get called back for the advanced movment routine, do not expect to get trained in parades/shows. I was trained in three parades and the Christmas Castle show (Spring Advantage 05 and Fall Advantage 06) but they are reducing the number of CPs in the shows and parades. This past season I had a girl I recruited go down to be a performer. She was called back for a higher movement routine and did very well. However, even with all of the Christmas and Halloween offerings she did not get trained. One sure way to get the full timers to hate you is to complain about not being trained or constantly talk about it.

Don't go down there with the expectation that you will be trained in a parade or show. If you get trained- consider it a bonus! Even without being trained, you will still have some amazing opportunities.

I will definitely keep that in mind!!! Although one thing i know i need to work on are my kicks. Are there any special exercises that can help me to be more flexible when it comes to kicking?

 

[bellaDisneydncr]

I will definitely keep that in mind!!! Although one thing i know i need to work on are my kicks. Are there any special exercises that can help me to be more flexible when it comes to kicking?

If you mean the flexibility in your kicks- just start stretching every day. Deep lunges, stretching with your foot on a ballet barre or something similar (like a railing or counter), and splits. Stretching every day will really help. Don't push too much, too quick because it will hurt. I can give you some specific stuff to do if you want- just PM me.

 

[FrolloFanatic]

Hello! I will be going for CP auditions in just awhile and I was wondering if height to weight ratio is important. I am 5'9 and 175 lbs. Is that too overweight to be considered as a "friend" of a character? Any info on the weight situation would be wonderful, thanks. Also, could I perhaps get a very brief synopsis of the color code? Thank you so much!

 

[Berlioz70]

Hello! I will be going for CP auditions in just awhile and I was wondering if height to weight ratio is important. I am 5'9 and 175 lbs. Is that too overweight to be considered as a "friend" of a character? Any info on the weight situation would be wonderful, thanks. Also, could I perhaps get a very brief synopsis of the color code? Thank you so much!

Your weight really plays no part when it comes to fur. Based on your height you may need to be "fit" in some of the slimmer characters, but to be honest I doubt that you're really too big for any. Your height is very limited in face so there's nothing there to worry about. Good Luck!

 

[FrolloFanatic]

Wow, I'm so relieved Thank you so much for such a quick response. And thanks for the luck, I'll just have to be myself.

 

[Joanna71985]

Fall 2009 audition dates are up!!

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/students/role_descr/entertainment.html

 

[ZeroToHero]

Fall 2009 audition dates are up!!

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/students/role_descr/entertainment.html

You're going to Rochester, right Joanna? It's the first one, so that's good!

 

[Joanna71985]

You're going to Rochester, right Joanna? It's the first one, so that's good!

I was. But I decided not to in the end. It's a shame, because the date ended up not falling during my FL trip. But it's ok. I'll audition in the fall.

 

[DisneyAfternoonKid]

I'm going to Rochester. Anyone else??

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

I'm going to Rochester as well! I can't wait!