Hey yo!
I got accepted for a CP role for Spring Advantage 2009. I did a ton of research beforehand, so I know how desperate some people can be for the 411! I thought I'd put in some Q/A here for everyone so that other folk won't have to scroll through 400 page threads!
First things first...
1.) What do I wear?!?!
This is actually pretty important, believe it or not. Here is my advice:
-VERY comfortable pants. Also acceptable are shorts with leggings.
-A bright colored shirt. I don't recommend pink, because every Sally and her sister will be wearing pink!
-SNEAKERS!! The 1 mistake I made was to wear character shoes. If you know what they are, and were thinking of wearing them, don't! You'll regret it!
-If you have long hair, tie it back. I put in a cute sparkly clip to hold my bangs!
2.) What do I need to bring?
Just your shining, happy face!
3.) So that means...
Right! There will NOT be any singing. They will NOT ask you for a resume, a headshot, or anything else. They have you fill out a brief form and stick a number on you. That's it!
However, you should BOTH mail AND fax your app in as soon as possible!
4.) I want to be a specific character. Is that feasible?
Not really. The other thing they do at the audition is take a photo and measure your height. All your 'friends' will only want to hang out with someone who is the same height as them! There's a list of the heights circulating around somewhere...
5.) What about face characters? Can I be friends with a Prince/Princess?
It is more likely that you will be selected for "fur", but dreams CAN come true, and sometimes the slipper just fits!
The way they generally find "face" performers is through very specific auditions that are held in Orlando. These are usually open call auditions which follow a very different format for FT/PT Equity people. These can involve dancing, singing, line reading, costume trials and more. These are not really available for Interns!
6.) When do I find out whether I was picked?
YMMV! Some people find out less than a week later, some people (like myself!) chew their nails down to stubs for over a month! Just be patient!
7.) When do I find out what character I am friends with?
They'll slam a giant furry head down on you when you get there ;D
8.) What if I get stuck in a "Character Pool"?
That means that they MIGHT want you, but it depends if spots open up. Your options are to either wait it out and hope, or accept another CPI position. If you wait it out and aren't chosen, you may be offered another Role if there is a space available.
9.) What if I accept a different Role? Is it possible I could get pulled for a CP spot?
There is anecdotal evidence, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
10.) How exactly does the audition work?
You figure out where the closest audition will be, and you let them know during your phone interview that you will be there (though it is ok to show up for the audition and apply afterwards!)
They have everyone come in, the auditioners introduce themselves, explain the day, and tell you secrets!
You fill out a form, and get a number tag. Then you get in another line and they take your picture and measure your height.
You get a little bit of time for stretching!
They will teach you a dance that is about 4 counts of 8! The most important part is the arms! And smiling!
You'll practice the dance a bit, and then you will learn to pantomime. This involves a scenario, such as packing a suitcase, eating something delicious, meeting your favorite character, or trying to get to somewhere when you are late. Again, YMMV.
Then, you put the two together! You will have 4 counts of 8 where you pantomime, then you have to go straight into the dance routine. Remember to smile!
After all this has been practiced, everyone gets herded out and they call you in groups. You get 2 chances to show your stuff so make it count!
They will ask some people to stay later for an advanced dance audition - I'll mention this in a minute.
Then you get to go home and wait!
11.) I didn't get asked to stay for advanced dance!!! OH NO!!
Neither did I, and I still got picked! Don't worry!
12.) But what if i've never danced before and what if I've got two left feet and what if -
It's okay! Just go in there, have fun! If you can't get the feet, get the arms! It's all about attitude and energy!
13.) There are so many people here! What do I do?
Just pretend you've all already been accepted! These are your new friends! Be comfortable! Talk about a book you like - someone else will like it too! Talk about a tv show or a movie! Just have fun! This will help you relax and make you more confident in front of the judges! Just don't talk about politics! (My audition was 2 weeks before the election - yeesh!)
14.) What if I have a pressing concern? Those judges are so scary!
Don't be afraid to ask a question. The judges are very nice! Just don't take up too much time
15.) What SHOULDN'T I do?
Ohh, very good question!
DON'T BE NEGATIVE! Just relax, be confident, and show the world your incisors!
DON'T dress like a hootchy! I don't recommend tank tops, short shorts, or anything that shows too much skin. You're going to be working in July sun in a 50 lb furry suit - show them that you can take the heat!
DON'T forget a bottle of water or two!
DON'T bring your whole family! If you need support, 1 friend or parent will be fine!
DON'T try to monopolize the judges's attention! If you are bright and sparkly enough, they'll notice you! (A lime green shirt will help too
)
16.) What else can I do to prepare?
I did a Youtube search for "Disneyworld" "Disney vacation", "disneyworld parade". You'll find a lot of home movies of characters "on the street" so to speak that you can look at for reference! Also, watching clips of the cartoons and movies can help too!
There are many journals out there written by people working in the program - I definately advise checking these out, as this is where I got the best impression of what the program was like. Message boards are good too
I hope this answers most of the questions - if there is anything I forgot, let me know!
Gonna drop some keywords here so that people doing google searches find it and it can help more people - and bring more awesome folks to this forum!
keywords: disney college program audition performer
I got accepted for a CP role for Spring Advantage 2009. I did a ton of research beforehand, so I know how desperate some people can be for the 411! I thought I'd put in some Q/A here for everyone so that other folk won't have to scroll through 400 page threads!
First things first...
1.) What do I wear?!?!
This is actually pretty important, believe it or not. Here is my advice:
-VERY comfortable pants. Also acceptable are shorts with leggings.
-A bright colored shirt. I don't recommend pink, because every Sally and her sister will be wearing pink!
-SNEAKERS!! The 1 mistake I made was to wear character shoes. If you know what they are, and were thinking of wearing them, don't! You'll regret it!
-If you have long hair, tie it back. I put in a cute sparkly clip to hold my bangs!
2.) What do I need to bring?
Just your shining, happy face!
3.) So that means...
Right! There will NOT be any singing. They will NOT ask you for a resume, a headshot, or anything else. They have you fill out a brief form and stick a number on you. That's it!
However, you should BOTH mail AND fax your app in as soon as possible!
4.) I want to be a specific character. Is that feasible?
Not really. The other thing they do at the audition is take a photo and measure your height. All your 'friends' will only want to hang out with someone who is the same height as them! There's a list of the heights circulating around somewhere...
5.) What about face characters? Can I be friends with a Prince/Princess?
It is more likely that you will be selected for "fur", but dreams CAN come true, and sometimes the slipper just fits!
The way they generally find "face" performers is through very specific auditions that are held in Orlando. These are usually open call auditions which follow a very different format for FT/PT Equity people. These can involve dancing, singing, line reading, costume trials and more. These are not really available for Interns!
6.) When do I find out whether I was picked?
YMMV! Some people find out less than a week later, some people (like myself!) chew their nails down to stubs for over a month! Just be patient!
7.) When do I find out what character I am friends with?
They'll slam a giant furry head down on you when you get there ;D
8.) What if I get stuck in a "Character Pool"?
That means that they MIGHT want you, but it depends if spots open up. Your options are to either wait it out and hope, or accept another CPI position. If you wait it out and aren't chosen, you may be offered another Role if there is a space available.
9.) What if I accept a different Role? Is it possible I could get pulled for a CP spot?
There is anecdotal evidence, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
10.) How exactly does the audition work?
You figure out where the closest audition will be, and you let them know during your phone interview that you will be there (though it is ok to show up for the audition and apply afterwards!)
They have everyone come in, the auditioners introduce themselves, explain the day, and tell you secrets!
You fill out a form, and get a number tag. Then you get in another line and they take your picture and measure your height.
You get a little bit of time for stretching!
They will teach you a dance that is about 4 counts of 8! The most important part is the arms! And smiling!
You'll practice the dance a bit, and then you will learn to pantomime. This involves a scenario, such as packing a suitcase, eating something delicious, meeting your favorite character, or trying to get to somewhere when you are late. Again, YMMV.
Then, you put the two together! You will have 4 counts of 8 where you pantomime, then you have to go straight into the dance routine. Remember to smile!
After all this has been practiced, everyone gets herded out and they call you in groups. You get 2 chances to show your stuff so make it count!
They will ask some people to stay later for an advanced dance audition - I'll mention this in a minute.
Then you get to go home and wait!
11.) I didn't get asked to stay for advanced dance!!! OH NO!!
Neither did I, and I still got picked! Don't worry!
12.) But what if i've never danced before and what if I've got two left feet and what if -
It's okay! Just go in there, have fun! If you can't get the feet, get the arms! It's all about attitude and energy!
13.) There are so many people here! What do I do?
Just pretend you've all already been accepted! These are your new friends! Be comfortable! Talk about a book you like - someone else will like it too! Talk about a tv show or a movie! Just have fun! This will help you relax and make you more confident in front of the judges! Just don't talk about politics! (My audition was 2 weeks before the election - yeesh!)
14.) What if I have a pressing concern? Those judges are so scary!
Don't be afraid to ask a question. The judges are very nice! Just don't take up too much time
15.) What SHOULDN'T I do?
Ohh, very good question!
DON'T BE NEGATIVE! Just relax, be confident, and show the world your incisors!
DON'T dress like a hootchy! I don't recommend tank tops, short shorts, or anything that shows too much skin. You're going to be working in July sun in a 50 lb furry suit - show them that you can take the heat!
DON'T forget a bottle of water or two!
DON'T bring your whole family! If you need support, 1 friend or parent will be fine!
DON'T try to monopolize the judges's attention! If you are bright and sparkly enough, they'll notice you! (A lime green shirt will help too
)16.) What else can I do to prepare?
I did a Youtube search for "Disneyworld" "Disney vacation", "disneyworld parade". You'll find a lot of home movies of characters "on the street" so to speak that you can look at for reference! Also, watching clips of the cartoons and movies can help too!
There are many journals out there written by people working in the program - I definately advise checking these out, as this is where I got the best impression of what the program was like. Message boards are good too
I hope this answers most of the questions - if there is anything I forgot, let me know!
Gonna drop some keywords here so that people doing google searches find it and it can help more people - and bring more awesome folks to this forum!
keywords: disney college program audition performer
