Character Performer Audition Experience

New friends!

Hellllo, humans! (Quoted from Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor). I cannot believe that in less than 4 months (121 days!) I will be checking in for my program. Today, I will be sharing my experience about my DCP character performer audition.

As for some background information, the role of Character Performer is one that’s available to participants in the DCP (just Disney World, not Disneyland). If you’re interested in this role and want to be considered for it, you are required to attend an audition. Walt Disney World Entertainment holds a separate “audition tour” in about 10 cities across the U.S. just for potential DCP participants. The closest city to me was New York, which is where I traveled this weekend!

The audition was held Saturday, September 22nd (first day of Fall!) at Pearl Studios in NYC. I wanted to be well-rested, so I traveled to the city by bus/ferry from my hometown the night before. I never before had traveled to NYC on my own, but after studying abroad, it was a breeze! Saturday morning, I left my hotel around 9:15am and headed to the studio! Sign-in was scheduled for 10-10:30am, but I knew from research that people arrived earlier and that it was best to do so.

After arriving to the studio building, I met and talked with a bunch of other auditioners. I actually met my first friend, Kierra, outside before going in and we stuck together throughout the process! We talked about where we were from and where we were in the application process or what our current role is if already accepted. A few minutes later, we lined up to get our numbers to wear (I was #74) and entered one of the studios to start checking in and stretching. 

Soon after, we were greeted by the choreographer and casting director who introduced themselves and talked about what to expect during the audition. They were both so friendly and welcoming that I already felt at ease! 

For the first round, everyone was taught a 16-count dance combination (beginner level). We were told there would be a cut after this round and that not everyone would be moving on. There were at least 150 participants at the audition, so we were split into groups of 3 for the first round. Being #74, I was with numbers 51-100.

When we finished learning and practicing the dance, the casting director entered the room. We danced while traveling across the floor with her watching us. As soon as everyone in my group finished, the casting director called the numbers of those who would be moving on to round 2. This definitely was a bit intimidating, especially since we would know right away if our audition process was over. But, before I knew it, #74 (my number!) was called! I could barely contain my excitement, especially when Kierra’s number (75) was called right after mine! We hugged and said our goodbyes to our friends who weren’t moving on and wished them luck in their application process/program. We also congratulated our friend, Marie, who made it through with us!

After waiting around a bit, we were moved to another studio room to get our heights measured and photos taken. Each character has different height requirements, so they need to know what height range you fall into. At this point, we were with others all the way up to #150, but they had cut about half of the auditioners from round 1, so there were only about 75 total of us left (we guesstimated). Before starting round 2, they again split us in half since we couldn’t all fit (dancing-wise) in just one studio. 

Before getting started with round 2, the casting director said this would be the final round and to not be discouraged if we later didn't get the outcome we hoped for! She said we could have been the best performer and still not be selected because we aren’t what they’re looking for at that time (ex: certain height range). She also explained that Disney needs many people in roles besides just entertainment and encouraged us to still participate in the program even if we weren't accepted for entertainment. Around 2,000 people audition and only approximately 150 people are selected to be character performers.

For round 2, one of the choreographers explained there would be two parts: an animation exercise and a more intermediate/advanced dance combination. For the animation exercise, we were given a scenario/situation and had to come up with our own interpretation of it (about 1 minute long) to perform. (Although I won’t mention what the given scenario was, I will say I felt super prepared for it already because it was right up my alley!) Afterwards, we were taught the new dance combination. It was definitely more advanced and difficult, but a lot of fun!

After practicing and running the dance, they informed us we would be auditioning in groups of 5 while the rest of us waited in a holding room. Since Kierra and I were in the 70’s, we knew we had time to rehearse! Once getting to the holding room, we ran the dance over and over and over again, plus a few more times! :) When it finally came time to audition, Kierra and I ended up in the same group!

While waiting “on-deck” and before entering the room, one of the Disney cast members assisting at the auditions talked with my group and totally calmed any nerves we had! She talked about how great it was to be on the DCP and how this audition is a wonderful opportunity to start meeting others that could be on your program with you.

It was then time to audition! We lined up in front of the casting director and prepared to do our animation first. After performing that, we went through the dance twice and then had a moment to catch our breath and smile while the casting director wrote down her final notes. She then thanked us for coming and told us we were free to go.

So with that, at around 2pm my audition experience had come to a close! The second round was also the final round. A few people (around 10 of the 75) were asked to stay after to potentially do the dance again or get more pictures taken. We were told though that everyone who made it to the second/final round was being considered, just that some people needed to be seen again (mostly for dancing in parades or to get more photos taken).

After saying bye to Kierra, I had some time to spend in the city. I grabbed some lunch, did some shopping (including a visit to the Disney Store), stopped at Carlos Bake Shop, and walked around Times Square for a bit before catching my bus home in the evening.

All in all, this was definitely one of the coolest things I have ever done! It was so surreal to be auditioning in a professional studio...in New York City...for a company I love and respect! I met so many amazing people that made me even more excited for my program. Decisions will be made by the end of October. Overall, I feel great about my audition and am just so grateful for having experienced it!

Whew, another long post! No worries though, my next ones shouldn’t be quite as lengthy...or so I think. Haha thanks for reading and I’ll talk to you all soon!

*If you’re interested in auditioning in the future, I’ve included some tips below!

See ya real soon,

Maddi

Auditions Tips!

-Wear something you’re comfortable in, but also that will make you stand out! I wore a bright, pink-shaded shirt and noticed that not one other person auditioning wore a color similar to mine! I also wore black yoga/workout capri leggings since I knew there would be dancing at the audition.

-Get there early! They said not to come before 9:30am, but it was evident people came slightly before this and ended up going first in the audition process (which can’t hurt!).

-Make friends! Even if you’re traveling alone like me, don’t be afraid to branch out! Everyone is so welcoming and super nice. It’s easy to make instant connections with people, and I recommend doing so because it’s nice to go through the process with friends!

-Bring water and snacks! The audition process can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, so you definitely want to stay energized and hydrated.

-Every audition starts from the moment you walk into the door! You're being judged on your performance abilities, but also your manners and how you carry yourself! Always smile, be friendly, and thank those running the audition!

-Have fun, be yourself, and make it your own! The audition is really what you make of it. The choreographer stressed that you should not have any regrets afterwards because now is the time to leave it all out there and give it everything you got! If you feel silly and over-the-top, you're doing something right! Remember to smile, show lots of personality, and prove to them you have what it takes.