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Character Performer Role FAQ

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What does the role of being a Character Performer include?

  • Character Performers play before thousands of guests each day in character greetings across the Walt Disney World®️ Resort.
  • Performers pose for pictures, sign autographs, and help to create magical moments with guests of all ages. All Character Performers will perform as our sculpted characters.
  • Some performers may perform as a Character Look-Alike as well.
  • Character Performers work at indoor and outdoor meet-and-greet locations in the theme parks and resorts, and at dining locations across property.
  • Additionally, there may be opportunities to be a parade or show performer or possibly a puppeteer.
  • All performers, including those in our shows and parades and Disney Character Look-Alikes, also perform as fully costumed Disney Characters.

 

When and where are the character performer auditions?

  • For applicants to the domestic College Program --
    • The Talent Casting Team will be traveling to select cities in the continental U.S. for in-person auditions. Specific locations and times/dates will be listed in the audition posting on DisneyAuditions.com (Click here to open the auditions site).
      • For the Fall 2025 season (arrival dates May - September 2025*):
        • Orlando, FL – Monday, March 3rd, 2025
        • Philadelphia, PA – Sunday, March 9th, 2025
        • Atlanta, GA – Tuesday, March 11th, 2025
        • Dallas, TX – Thursday, March 13th, 2025
      • No sign-up necessary.
      • These auditions are NOT open to current program participants or those arriving Jan - May 2025.
    • Travel may be required to attend an audition. You are responsible for any costs associated with traveling to the audition location.
    • You must attend one of these specific auditions in order to be considered for a character performer role on your College Program. Attending any other audition listed on DisneyAuditions.com (Click here to open the auditions site) will not transfer to or qualify as a College Program audition.
  • For Australia/New Zealand applicants to the Cultural Exchange Program -- information about how to audition will be provided by your Recruiter. You will not need to travel to the US for an in-person audition.

 

Who can audition?

  • Auditions for the Character Performer role is open to new, incoming domestic College Program applicants for the Fall 2025 season (program arrival dates May - September 2025*) and to new Australia/New Zealand Cultural Exchange participants for the Fall 2025 season.
    • There are different audition processes for domestic and international participants. 
  • To fulfill this role, you must be available the full duration of a program.
  • Current Disney College Program participants interested in extending their program in a Character Performer role can learn more about that opportunity by visiting our Support Site (Character Performer Extension FAQs-Click here to access the support site page)
  • Current College Program participants who would like to transfer into a full-time or part-time role as a Character Performer, please visit DisneyAuditions.com (Click here to open the auditions site) for dates and times of auditions.

 

Do I need to apply to the Disney College Program before attending an audition?

  • It is recommended that you complete the Disney College Program application prior to attending an audition for a character performer role on the Disney College Program. You will not receive an offer for this role or for the program if you have not applied.

 

I am already on the College Program. Can I transfer into a Character Performer role?

  • Based on the business need of the Entertainment Team, auditions may be available for those wishing to extend their program. Click here Character Performer Extension FAQs for more details.
    • NOTE: Participants currently in a Character Performer role do not need to audition for an extension. Communication about the extension process for current Character Performers will be emailed to those participants.
  • For those wishing to transfer into a full-time or part-time role as a Character Performer, please visit DisneyAuditions.com for dates and times of auditions and visit the What's Next site (by clicking this link) on Cast Life to learn about the conversion process for Program participants.
    • NOTE: Those selected will not transfer until the successful completion of their College Program.

 

What do I need to do to audition for a Character Performer role on the Disney College Program?

  1. Apply to the Disney College Program (Click here to apply) .
  2. Create a profile on DisneyAuditions.com (Click here for link) if you have not previously done so.
    • If you do not have an account, be sure the email addresses on your Disney Auditions profile and College Program application match.
    • Do not create a new account if you already have one.
  3. Choose an audition city from the auditions specifically for College Program participants posted on DisneyAuditions.com (Click here for the link). (No sign-up necessary.)
  4. Make any necessary travel arrangements to attend the audition.

 

What should I expect at the audition?

  • Auditions may vary depending on the size of the group or participants in attendance.
  • Candidates should be prepared to learn a short movement combination that will be performed across the floor in small groups.
  • Those that are asked to continue in the audition may be taught a more advanced movement combination and an animation exercise (like charades).
  • Measurements may also be taken including height, waist, and head circumference, among others.
  • Some candidates may be kept to do individual readings and have their picture taken if they are being considered for a Character Look-Alike.

 

How should I prepare for an audition?

 

Who do I contact if I have technical issues with DisneyAuditions.com?

  • Please submit a request using the link at the top or bottom of this page with any technical support questions you have. Please make sure to attach any applicable screen shots.

 

When will I hear about my auditions results?

  • Individuals will only be contacted if they are being offered a character performer role for their program.
  • Those selected will hear via email no earlier than three (3) weeks after the end of Talent Casting’s audition tour and no later than one (1) week prior to arrival.
  • Individuals not selected for a character performer role will not be contacted.

 

What if I missed the deadline to audition?

 

If I do not get selected this time, when can I audition again?

  • While you can audition at any time, it is not necessary to attend an audition more than once every six (6) months unless it is a specialty audition (i.e., holiday performer, special event performer, etc.). Keep an eye on the requirements of the audition, and keep in mind that auditions outside of College Program-specific auditions will focus on the needs of part-time and full-time opportunities.

 

What happens after the audition?

  • Those selected for a character performer role will be notified via email no later than one (1) week prior to arrival. Those not selected will not be contacted.
  • If you are interested in the Character Performer role for an upcoming season, please check back and monitor social media once the next season has opened.
  • If you join us on a program in another role, watch for communication regarding audition opportunities to extend your program in a Character Performer role. (Character Performer Extension FAQs-click here).

 

What if I cannot attend an audition?

 

What are you looking for at the audition?

  • We are seeking energetic individuals who can bring our world-famous characters to life.
  • Special consideration will be given to individuals with height ranges between 4’8”-5’, 5’4”-5’7”, and 6’2-6’6”.
  • Performance experience is not necessary.

 

Where will I perform?

  • The character performers at Walt Disney World® Resort perform at our four theme parks, our two water parks, and our numerous resorts.
  • At this time, we only offer character performer roles for domestic College Program participants and for Australia/New Zealand Cultural Exchange participants at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.  

 

Will I be able to do parades and shows as a character performer on the Disney College Program?

  • There may be an opportunity for some candidates, once selected, to participate in shows or parades. Please note that all performers, including those in our shows and parades and Disney character look-alikes, also perform as fully costumed Disney characters.

 

Will I be able to be a character look-alike/face character?

  • Those selected to be considered for character look-alike roles will be contacted for an additional callback. Please note that all performers, including those in our shows and parades and Disney character look-alikes, also perform as fully costumed Disney characters.

 

What if I don’t have performance experience?​

  • The bulk of our opportunities are in meet-and-greet or dining locations where a dance or performance background is not needed. We are seeking energetic individuals who can bring our world-famous characters to life.

 

Can I attend an audition that I found on the Disney Auditions website?

  • You are free to attend any audition listed on the Disney Auditions website at any time. However, to be a character performer on a Disney Program you must go through the audition process specifically for Program participants. Auditions outside of Disney Programs will focus on part-time and full-time opportunities.
  • If you do attend an audition during your program and are offered a role, you will not transfer into the role until you have successfully completed your current program and provided you meet any and all transfer guidelines.
  • If you attend an audition outside of the Program auditions and are offered a role prior to the start of your program, you will need to cancel your program. You will also be responsible for your own housing and transportation. All previously paid Program fees are non-refundable.

 

Will I be paid for this time?

  • No. The audition is part of the requirement to be considered for the character performer role.

 

Will my transportation and travel accommodations be paid for?

  • No. You are responsible for any costs associated with traveling to the audition location.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

  • Please submit a request using the link at the top or bottom of this page. 

 

*All dates are subject to change.

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