? for any former Dapper Dan cast member (not the same as other thread)

[erincon23]

My DS19, a singer, is interested in going to upcoming auditions for DL Dapper Dans. Is this a job that pays a living wage? Is it generally a full-time job? I'm wary of paying (well, him paying) to fly from Chicago to LA for an audition for a job that might be part-time or not pay enough to live on in the admittedly marginal chance (only because of the number of people whom I'd assume will audition) that he'd get the job. Any info about the job itself that you could tell him? Thanks! (He does have barbershop experience.)

 

[Designer Rose]

My DS19, a singer, is interested in going to upcoming auditions for DL Dapper Dans. Is this a job that pays a living wage? Is it generally a full-time job? I'm wary of paying (well, him paying) to fly from Chicago to LA for an audition for a job that might be part-time or not pay enough to live on in the admittedly marginal chance (only because of the number of people whom I'd assume will audition) that he'd get the job. Any info about the job itself that you could tell him? Thanks! (He does have barbershop experience.)

I may be wrong about this, but I *think* it's a contracted job that is usually full time. My uncle used to be one of the Voices of Liberty, and I believe he said he was contracted.

 

[asianway]

I may be wrong about this, but I *think* it's a contracted job that is usually full time. My uncle used to be one of the Voices of Liberty, and I believe he said he was contracted.

DL and WDW entertainment are handled differently. It might not be the same in CA.

 

[WDSearcher]

DL and WDW entertainment are handled differently. It might not be the same in CA.

It's also entirely likely that the LA auditions are also casting for Tokyo and Hong Kong, both of which have Dapper Dan ensembles on Main Street. For either of the Asian parks, the group would have a contract, but would also have a portion of their lodging / board paid, as well as (obviously) their relocation.

PP is correct in that there will be lots of competition, particularly in LA. Disney usually auditions in Chicago at some point during the year. May want to have DS wait for an audition closer to home.

As for whether or not being a Dapper Dan pays a "living wage", there are an awful lot of singers who have been doing that gig for a long time. One would think that if it didn't pay well enough, Disney would go through a lot more performers.

 

[erincon23]

PP is correct in that there will be lots of competition, particularly in LA. Disney usually auditions in Chicago at some point during the year. May want to have DS wait for an audition closer to home.

Yes, but if he waited for Chicago auditions, I wouldn't get to go to California!

 

[WDSearcher]

Yes, but if he waited for Chicago auditions, I wouldn't get to go to California!

Well, no, you wouldn't. But your OP said that you were "wary of spending the money" on the trip if it wasn't a full-time / well-paying job. So I was speaking to that. If you want to go to California anyway, then just schedule the trip around the audition and be done with it!

 

[erincon23]

Well, no, you wouldn't. But your OP said that you were "wary of spending the money" on the trip if it wasn't a full-time / well-paying job. So I was speaking to that. If you want to go to California anyway, then just schedule the trip around the audition and be done with it!

That's true! The more we talked about it over the weekend, though, the more interested we both became -- some other opportunities opened up for that week in LA, so I think we might be going. But thanks! He's seen Disney auditions for other things here in Chicago, and will probably do those as well.

 

[nytimez]

I don't know about Disneyland, but I believe in Orlando the Dans are all Equity. And I don't think the pay is much --$14 an hour or so, which is more than many CMs make but not what I'd call a "living wage."

 

[nytimez]

Sorry for the double post -- but just want to add that the Dans in Orlando are Equity, and here's the contract (for all Equity positions).

I don't know if all Dans are considered principal performers or if some are chorus and others are principals -- but starting pay is either $13.83 or $15.55 depending.

Also, Dans are not allowed to carry guns.

Again, this is for Orlando -- not DL -- but I hope it's helpful to you.

 

[erincon23]

Sorry for the double post -- but just want to add that the Dans in Orlando are Equity, and here's the contract (for all Equity positions).

I don't know if all Dans are considered principal performers or if some are chorus and others are principals -- but starting pay is either $13.83 or $15.55 depending.

Also, Dans are not allowed to carry guns.

Again, this is for Orlando -- not DL -- but I hope it's helpful to you.

Thanks. I think he's changed his mind. The part about not being able to carry a gun is interesting, not that it applies to DS (we live in one of the few states that doesn't allow concealed carry, so it's not a habit...). Thanks for all the help!

 

[WDSearcher]

Thanks. I think he's changed his mind. The part about not being able to carry a gun is interesting, not that it applies to DS (we live in one of the few states that doesn't allow concealed carry, so it's not a habit...). Thanks for all the help!

The "not being able to carry a gun" thing is standard in several of the Disney union's contracts. It's not specific to the Dapper Dans or to Equity performers. You can carry in FL, but not on Disney property, due to "special circumstances". Ever since that decision was handed down, the Disney contracts have included that clause.