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Character Performer Extension FAQs

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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 fully-costumed, sculpted characters.
  • Character Performers work at indoor and outdoor meet-and-greet locations in the theme parks and resorts, and at dining locations across property.
  • Some performers may be identified to perform as Character Look-Alikes in addition to the fully costumed characters.
  • Additionally, there may be opportunities to be a parade and/or show performer or possibly a puppeteer in addition to the fully costumed characters.
  • All performers, including those in our shows and parades and Disney Character Look-Alikes, also perform as fully costumed Disney Characters.

Who can audition?

  • Extension auditions are only for active domestic College Program participants (inclusive of the Summer Alumni program and the HBCU cohort) and Australia & New Zealand Cultural Exchange participants.
    • Participants are not eligible until they have started their program. Further information will be sent once they arrive.
    • Current Program participants who are in a Character Performer role will receive communication with a link to apply for an extension and do NOT need to audition.
  • REMINDER: Participants cannot be on any combination of programs and/or internships for more than twelve (12) consecutive months.
  • Current domestic College Program participants who would like to transfer at the end of their program into a full-time or part-time role as a Character Performer, please click this link DisneyAuditions.com for dates and times of auditions.
  • If you are applying for the domestic College Program and are interested in auditioning, please apply to the Disney College Program by clicking here and visit DisneyAuditions.com to find the College Program audition location that works for you.

Is an audition required?

  • YES! If you are not currently in a Character Performer role and want to extend your program in that role, you must attend one of the auditions specifically for Program extensions to be considered.

***If you are currently in a Character Performer role and you are looking to extend, you do NOT need to audition. Click here to see the process for current Character Performer extensions. 

  • YES! If you are planning to stay with the company in a full-time or part-time capacity, you would need to attend an open call listed on DisneyAuditions.com.
    • For domestic College Program participants, you would also complete the conversion application as explained on the What's Next section of the Disney Programs site.

***If you are currently in a Character Performer role and you are looking to convert to a full-time or part-time position, you do NOT need to audition. You will complete the conversion application as explained on the What's Next section of the Disney Programs site. No roles are guaranteed. 

 

When are auditions?

  • For extension-specific auditions, information will be sent to those eligible and the event will appear in DORMS.
  • For part-time/full-time auditions, please visit DisneyAuditions.com

(NOTE: Current participants are NOT eligible to attend the open call for new applicants to the College Program. You must attend an extension-specific audition to be considered for the role.)

 

Is this opportunity to extend open to any Programs participant?

  • At this time, extension auditions are ONLY for current participants on the Domestic College Program (inclusive of the Summer Alumni program and the HBCU Cohort), and for Australia/New Zealand Cultural Exchange participants.
  • Specific eligibility criteria will be outlined in the DORMS posting.
  • REMINDER: Participants cannot be on any combination of programs and/or internships for more than twelve (12) consecutive months.

NOTE: This is subject to change based on business need. No positions are guaranteed until a formal offer has been presented.

 

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 the audition?

  • For the Character Performer role, be prepared to move and HAVE FUN! Above all else, our Talent Casting Directors are looking for people who can be entertaining.
  • Come as yourself. If you choose to wear makeup, please make it natural. The Talent Casting Directors want to see the real you.
  • Wear something that makes you feel confident (including comfy shoes). You WILL be moving!
  • If you don't already have one, create a profile on DisneyAuditions.com prior to attending. (If you already have a profile, no need to create a new one.)
  • Check out our tips from our Choreographers and our Talent Casting Directors to help you shine.
  • Also take a look at the FAQs on DisneyAuditions.com.

 

Will I hear back after an audition?

  • If you have been selected for a role or a callback, you will receive communication from either the Talent Casting Team or Disney Programs Recruitment.
    • Selected participants may be required to extend their program for up to one full year from their original arrival date to meet business needs.
  • No communication will be sent to those who have not been selected.

 

I am a current Character Performer. How can I extend?

  • Current Program participants who are in a Character Performer role will receive communication with a link to apply for an extension and do NOT need to audition.
    • This is NOT the same link as the one for the general same role/same location extension posting.
  • Character Performer roles are not guaranteed. Offers will be made based on record cards and business need. 
    • In order to extend, you must have no more than eight (8) points and/or one (1) reprimand in the last six (6) months.
  • For those who are eligible to extend but do not receive an offer in a Character Performer role, they may receive an extension offer in another role on the program.
  • Selected participants may be required to extend their program for up to one full year from their original arrival date to meet business needs.

 

Can I apply for other extension opportunities?

  • Absolutely! You can also visit MyDisneyCareer.com and click on “College Program Extensions” in the Student Opportunities section.
    • Be aware - some extension opportunities may require you to make a decision prior to knowing the results of this audition. If you accept another offer, you MAY be removed from consideration for this role. Check with the Recruiter for each role.
    • If you apply for and accept a Same Role/Same Location Extension, you will NOT be removed from consideration for a Character Performer role.
  •  

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 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 remember that you are eligible to attend any audition at any time but would not transfer until the end of your program if you are selected and provided you meet all transfer guidelines.
  • You may not attend more than one extension audition more than once every four months.

 

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

  • If you want to extend your program in a Character Performer role, you must attend an extension-specific audition.
  • If you are interested in a full-time or part-time performer role, you are free to attend any audition at any time. However, you will not transfer until you have successfully completed your current program and provided you meet all transfer guidelines. (We recommend auditioning 6-8 weeks prior to your departure date.)
    • If you are a domestic College Program participant, you will also need to complete the Casting Services application to move into a full-time or part-time role. More information can be found on the What's Next section of the Disney Programs site.

(NOTE: If you are offered and accept a role outside of the College Program, you will not transfer until the end of your program and you will have to provide your own housing and transportation. You will not be able to remain at Flamingo Crossings Village after your program ends.)

 

If I am offered a role, when will I transfer into Entertainment?

  • Your transfer date will be after the conclusion of your program and will be determined by the Entertainment Training Team. This will be communicated to you by the Disney Programs Recruitment Team.
  • For extensions, your transfer date may be postponed due to business need. If this is the case, we will work with your current area to extend you until your transfer date.

REMEMBER: In order to be eligible to transfer you must have no more than four (4) points and no more than one (1) reprimand within the past six months.

 

Will I be able to audition later if I am not eligible for this audition?

  • Any future auditions that Entertainment offers will be communicated through the usual channels.
  • You can always look on DisneyAuditions.com for opportunities outside of the College Program.
  • For any audition, it is important to check the eligibility guidelines.

 

Do I have to have a performance background?

  • Absolutely not! All majors and backgrounds are welcome. Our goal is to find people who can bring our characters to life and entertain our guests.

 

Do I have to be a certain height to attend?

  • You will need to pay close attend to the requirements of each audition.
  • For the College Program auditions, all height ranges are welcome; however, special consideration is usually given to those between 4’8”-5’, 5’4”-5’7” and 6’2-6’6”.

 

I already auditioned and was placed in the Character Pool. What does this mean?

  • The Character Pool is a bench (or "holding tank") for those people Entertainment would like to offer a role but for whom there is not a current opening. Applicants are kept in the pool for up to eight (8) months after their audition date and can be offered a role at any point in that timeframe. A position is not guaranteed.
  • There may be a Character Pool for College Program roles at the discretion of Talent Casting. The College Program Character Pool may have different guidelines from the full-time/part-time Character Pool. These guidelines and dates will be communicated to those it affects.

 

Will I be paid for the time I take to go to an audition?

  • No. The audition and callback are part of the requirement to be considered for the Character Performer role. Auditions are somewhat like an interview for a job (just more fun).

 

Will I get time off to attend an audition?

  • No. Auditions should be attended on your time off. You have a few options:
    • Sign up to attend an audition during your non-working hours.
    • Talk to your leaders to let them know you are interested in going to an audition to see if they can help with your schedule. (Remember that the operation comes first.)
    • If you are scheduled to work, try to trade shifts.

 

What are the record card guidelines to move into a Character Performer role?

  • In order to be eligible to transfer you must have no more than four (4) points and no more than one (1) reprimand within the past six (6) months.

 

Will I be able to do parades and shows?

  • There may be an opportunity for some candidates, once selected, to participate in shows or parades.

PLEASE NOTE: 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?

  • Some candidates may be identified to perform as a Character Look-Alike.
  • Those being considered for Character Look-Alike roles may be contacted for an additional callback.

PLEASE NOTE: All performers, including those in our shows and parades, and Disney Character Look-Alikes, also perform as fully costumed Disney Characters.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

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