Dumb questions?

[LionKingDramaQueen]

Okay...I have a few "dumb" questions. Dumb as in I know literally nothing about the CP except for the fact that I wanna do it! It's been my dream to work there since I was 5, and I know what you're thinking. "Wow. This is just some wishy washy kid who just wants to work at Disney because it looks 'fun'" Maybe that's true and maybe when the time comes (I'm currently in 8th grade), Disney won't be the thing for me-though I HIGHLY doubt it! Anyways, though...back to the questions

Are there restrictions on jobs that interns can do? Like...are their jobs that interns just are strictly NOT allowed to do?

Also, I'm going to be in High School next year and I was wondering if Disney really looks at your High School credits and classes you took. Are there and types of classes that you recommend?

I really want to work either in attractions, performing theatre, or face character performers (Princesses, specifically). Are there any restrictions on these (besides height and such for Character Performers)? Also, what are the ratios for interns to employees in these areas?

Thanks so much!
Abbi

 

[Traveliz]

Okay...I have a few "dumb" questions. Dumb as in I know literally nothing about the CP except for the fact that I wanna do it! It's been my dream to work there since I was 5, and I know what you're thinking. "Wow. This is just some wishy washy kid who just wants to work at Disney because it looks 'fun'" Maybe that's true and maybe when the time comes (I'm currently in 8th grade), Disney won't be the thing for me-though I HIGHLY doubt it! Anyways, though...back to the questions

Are there restrictions on jobs that interns can do? Like...are their jobs that interns just are strictly NOT allowed to do?

Also, I'm going to be in High School next year and I was wondering if Disney really looks at your High School credits and classes you took. Are there and types of classes that you recommend?

I really want to work either in attractions, performing theatre, or face character performers (Princesses, specifically). Are there any restrictions on these (besides height and such for Character Performers)? Also, what are the ratios for interns to employees in these areas?

Thanks so much!
Abbi

My daughter decided in about 8th grade too that she wanted to do the CP when she was in college.

Sure there are jobs that interns can't do - but of the ones listed you are ok - attractions are filled by alot of CPs -- alot! Characters require an audition and that would be a more difficult role for a CP to acquire but it is possible. Most of the performing theatre roles are equity positions and not available to CPs.

As far as classes and such - honestly Disney does not look at that although during the interview they listen to what your experience is. For the CP you actually have to have a semester of college under your belt first. There is a Career Start program (which is more limited in scope, I believe) for those right after high school.

Liz

 

[Spo0nfulofSugar]

Hi there!

I'm also a few years away from the program, and wonder if I will still want to do it when I am finally able. But right now I think that's a positive

Regarding the princess question, height is definitely a big factor, but since you're only in eighth grade, I wouldn't stress over it too much yet.
This thread really helps me out a lot, too-it was just recently mentioned that about 5% of the people who audition for the CP are selected for character performers, which seems daunting, but you never know!

Like Traveliz mentioned, a lot of performer roles are filled by equity workers, which means they are off limits to CPers. Any shows like the Festival of the Lion King, and the Tinkerbell that flies over the castle, are filled by equity.

As far as I know, Disney doesn't really give two hoots about school as long as you're actually in it. I have never heard of them looking at any high school records.

Hope it helps!

 

[khancock]

it was just recently mentioned that about 5% of the people who audition for the CP are selected for character performers, which seems daunting, but you never know!

Just an FYI- Disney doesn't release this information. Whenever you see something like this, take it very lightly as it would be coming from an unofficial resource going off of rumor/speculation or just completely making it up.

 

[taigirl87]

Just an FYI- Disney doesn't release this information. Whenever you see something like this, take it very lightly as it would be coming from an unofficial resource going off of rumor/speculation or just completely making it up.

That's what I was saying to my husband last night. I told him that statistic but also that it's not official so it shouldn't freak him out! It's also how I look at when people say the earlier auditions give you a better chance at getting in, which could make sense, but then they aren't giving all the dates a fair chance.

 

[khancock]

It's also how I look at when people say the earlier auditions give you a better chance at getting in, which could make sense, but then they aren't giving all the dates a fair chance.

That stuff was somewhat addressed and debunked on their blog too.
3rd answer to "Savannah"- http://www.disneyprogramsblog.com/?p=474#comment-293
http://www.disneyprogramsblog.com/?p=474#comment-370

They have a limited number of positions and obviously do not know if someone better will be at the next location. They may start making decisions on cuts at a location (I bet sometimes it is pretty obvious), but they won't start making casting decisions then.

 

[Spo0nfulofSugar]

Just an FYI- Disney doesn't release this information. Whenever you see something like this, take it very lightly as it would be coming from an unofficial resource going off of rumor/speculation or just completely making it up.

Oh yeah...probably would've been best to mention that originally. Whoops! And thanks for clarifying!

 

[LionKingDramaQueen]

My daughter decided in about 8th grade too that she wanted to do the CP when she was in college.

Sure there are jobs that interns can't do - but of the ones listed you are ok - attractions are filled by alot of CPs -- alot! Characters require an audition and that would be a more difficult role for a CP to acquire but it is possible. Most of the performing theatre roles are equity positions and not available to CPs.

As far as classes and such - honestly Disney does not look at that although during the interview they listen to what your experience is. For the CP you actually have to have a semester of college under your belt first. There is a Career Start program (which is more limited in scope, I believe) for those right after high school.

Liz

Thank you so much! I am actually in POFQ as I type and today we went to Hollywood today and I really started to notice all the CPers. My top attraction interests are Kilimanjaro, Movie Rise, and Jungle Cruise. I didn't see any college kids actually driving but I did notice a lot of them helping people out of the car/boat/jeep. I have heard that they rotate. Like, for an hour or so, someone just helps people out of the vehicles and directs the wait line traffic and greets everyone and such, but then the next hour...they will be the main drivers. Is this just a rumor?

I figured as much about performers and characters, but hey! It cant hurt to try.

Okay. Awesome. Now I won't be stressing AS much during high school. Key words- AS MUCH!

 

[RogerRadcliffe]

Also, I would suggest taking theatre, dance, and acting classes in High School if they are available to you. The more experience you can get, the better.

Have a Magical Day!

 

[LionKingDramaQueen]

Also, I would suggest taking theatre, dance, and acting classes in High School if they are available to you. The more experience you can get, the better.

Have a Magical Day!

Thanks! I have been in community theatre since I was 8 and Im signed up for both choir and theatre all 4 of my high school years. And I don't think I'll EVER stop doing theatre whether it is at Disney or not. I REALLY wanna do Broadway.