Emily Rose hey girl no shame!! Honestly I would watch SO many Disney cast member videos before I worked for them because I was dying to know what it was like! And I still watch other people's videos just because I love hearing other people's take on things!
Not auditioning for Disney, but this was in my suggested and I got SO EXCITED!!! You were the Princess Ariel that I met at my first visit of Disney World!! You were so magical and you really made my evening. :)
When she said she got casted I hit that like button so fast. After all of the auditions she went to and didn't get very far in, she finally got casted! All I can say is... There's hope for us all. Moral? If at first you don't succeed, Try Try Again. :)
BlakeKaleigh She’s not being salty. She’s using disgusting in a good way and because it’s a strong word. As in, these people are ridiculously good looking, you know?
My voice is like a troll, in my opinion. They do voice training during your Performer training and when I performed meet and greets I changed my natural voice to the annoying high-pitch ""princess tone" lol.
this made me feel so much better about the dance portion. people always say that the dance isn't that hard, but i always doubted it. now i know that i can definitely do it.
+thatdamlex it's hard in the sense that they don't give you a ton of time to learn it! It's doable, but I definitely was far from perfect - especially the stuff at the end! I do have to say the "dance" portion varies at different auditions! Like the dance at the look a like audition was a breeze compared to the other two types of auditions I went to! Other people may have just gone to that one type of audition and weren't aware that the things you do at auditions vary.
You're welcome!! I'm so glad you found it helpful! I worked really hard on planning the video so it makes me so happy to know people find it helpful and that it's served its purpose! :)
Thank you so much! I felt like when I first started to audition I watched literally every video on TH-cam I could find that was somewhat relevant. And there were things that I really wished someone had talked about, and I figured if I felt that way then I'm sure other people probably did too! I spent a lot of time and put a lot of thought into making this video so it really means a lot to me hearing that other people are finding it helpful! :)
hey girl! this video literally popped up on my recommended vids and I was like....wait a minute I know her! I was your photopass a couple times both as a performer and attendant!
Hi Nicole!!!! Oh my gosh I didn't know you had a youtube! I just subscribed!! Are you still at Disney World or did you move back to Washington too? Haha
haha yeah, I don't make videos a ton, but thanks for the subscribe! just subbed to you as well!! I'm over in California actually by San Francisco! Miss you and Ariel tons though!!!
That's so cool!! Would you want to work for Disneyland!! I miss you too!! I honestly miss it so much! Even though I knew moving back was the more adult decision! Haha it was just SO much fun! And I always loved working with you, you were SUCH a great photopass!
Aw thanks! As tempting as it is, I'm in the same boat as you. I miss working there all the time, but moving and getting a better paying job was the adult thing to do haha
Thank you so much for this video this help so so much! I'm auditioning for Disneyland Paris in November and this has really given me some piece of mind ☺️ Obviously we don't have the luxury of trying on the costumes here in England for our auditions but it so amazing hearing about how different all the auditions are. Thank you so much!!❤️
Luckily, if you get to the end of the audition for Disneyland Paris you try on the wig and top half of the costume and that is all (as it'd be too hard to take all the costumes around). Like you don't even have to speak a script but most get fitted for a few characters so I guess there isn't time haha!:) GOOD LUCK!!
kenziemacbrown Hey I loved your video. I am actually using my bfs phone lol I was wondering if I would be able to play any characters at my height of 5ft 1 and 3/4 inches? thank you!!!!!
Yes you could!! If you check the Disney Audition character they'll list all of the heights ranges they're looking for! They definitely cast people in your height range for performer roles!
I just rewatched this and now I'm crying!! Not sure if you'll ever see this comment, but I just wanted to thank you for having such an influence on my life!! When I was in Jr High THIS VIDEO randomly came across my feed, sending me on a deep dive of the Disney College Program. Hours and hours and hours of research passed, with every moment reconfirming my need to participate!! 6 years of dreaming later, I made it! I’m here in Florida making magic and I still can’t believe this is real life. So, thank you! Thank you so very much for helping people like me reach out and find their happily ever after🫶🫶
I'm so rarely on here anymore so I just saw this, but thank you so much for sharing! It made my day and it makes me so happy to hear that my videos were able to help people achieve their dreams!!
This is a great video and perfect information!!! I was a performer for WDW and I was in the college program! and Something I can add for people who are interested in auditioning but afraid to because they can't dance , do not worry. I cannot dance at all haha. Basically just make sure you keep a smile on your face and if you mess up just don't let it show, especially when you are at the final rounds auditioning for the casting directors and as for face look a like auditions , do not let one time of being cut keep you from thinking you'll never get hired. They could see you as a perfect Belle but they just might be looking for Cinderella's and auroras and they will not fit you. They only fit characters that they need :D
YAS girl!! SPOT ON! You summed it up so well!! It can be hard to explain to people, but there are SO many different factors that are going into the audition that people don't always realize! Just because you get cut from one doesn't mean that you'll always get cut! I feel like the animation portion definitely weighed more than the dancing did! I think the dancing can be taught, but you do the animation every day and being able to know how to do that is SO important!
Hi! Unlike most comments I usually see, I'm more concerned with the animation part rather than the dancing. I have a bit of dance experience and am not worried about my movement at all, but I definitely feel nervous about the animation part! Improv is obviously such a huge part of the role and it's one of those things where I feel if I'm in the actual situation I can do it, but when I'm at the audition, I'm afraid I may go blank and not have any ideas. Do you have any more tips for that portion? The ones you gave in the video were awesome but if you have any more to spare, I'd love to hear them!
Hi Haylee! That's a great question! I didn't want my video to be 30+ minutes long so I tried to shorten my answers as much as possible, even though I really wanted to go more in depth on some parts (like more specifics on what the animation is like or the dance portion). So I'm REALLY glad you asked and I hope you don't mind a long and detailed response! Haha Honestly my first audition I did pretty much exactly what you're afraid of doing. The animation was "pretend like you're an exotic animal at the zoo" for 30-60 seconds and then you would switch and "be a zookeeper taking care of the exotic animal". You have no idea how long 30 seconds is until you're trying to create a story for that long! Haha I think at my first audition I did like a lion of some sort and I made my hands in the shape of claws and I did a "rawr" face a lot, but I wasn't really creating a story. When I switched to the zookeeper it was a little bit easier. I spent a few seconds putting on equipment and then went to go wash the animal. The worst thing that happened was that there was still time on the clock and I was done doing my animation, and my animation was pretty generic. At that audition, there were so many people they had us go in two big groups. I had a friend (who I actually became friends with later while I was at Disney) who stood out to me because his animation was SO good. He did a monkey (which sounds pretty generic), but he used tons of facial expressions and he was on the ground and jumping up high and at one point flinging poo at the "zookeeper"? Haha but he stood out to me as a fellow person auditioning and I could see the casting director keep looking at him and laughing and I knew he was definitely going to make it. I promise there is a point to me telling you all of that! Haha at my first audition I didn't really know what to expect, and I felt like I did a pretty poor job at the animating portion. After doing it once, and seeing other people do it better, I got some ideas for what I could do at future auditions to set myself up for success. Just to give you an idea for how I did, I had a movement and animation score of 3 out of 5. Which after talking with other performers is a REALLY good score to get (a 2 is average for most people ) and typically a 3 in animation and movement qualifies you for parades (again, not sure if that's official or not, that's just what I heard from others). You can get different scores for each (like a 2 in animation and a 4 in movement), but I just happened to get a 3 in both. When I went to my fourth audition, I felt a lot more prepared for the animation portion even though it was a different prompt than I had been given before. My two animations were "getting ready for a party" and "wrapping a present". I used those in my video because 1. Those were the animation prompts I felt like I got my best scores at and 2. It's easy to show how they can be done "average" and "great". If I were to think of animating "getting ready for a party" off the top of my head, I would think "put on a dress, fluff your hair, check your makeup, and walk out the door". But that would be a pretty average animation. What I ended up coming up with was something like "hold up a few different dress options, start to almost freak out because you hate all of them, wobble around a little bit in new heels that are a bit too high, look at your watch and realize you're running late, burn yourself while you're trying to curl your hair, etc.". So after giving some real-life examples of what I did, here's how you could apply it to your audition: 1. Don't stress about the prompt itself. They change it all the time so you can't memorize your ideas beforehand (which sucks). 2. Practice/focus more on the small details of the story rather than the big picture. When you're stressed and frantic (because auditioning is nerve wracking) you'll automatically fall back on something safe (i.e. my "average" example for getting ready). But often times it's not long enough, it's not interesting, it doesn't make you stand out, and if your animations are too generic it's not clear on what you're trying to do. 3. Be humorous. I couldn't stop staring at my friend when he was doing his monkey animation because he used a FULL range of facial expressions! You would much rather be big with your animations (using your whole body) because they can see what your range is. If you don't, they'll just assume you don't have much of a range. You would rather be over the top and have to have them tone you down then not expressive enough. 4. Use up as much time as possible. It's better to run out of time than to be standing there without anything to do. Again, if you think of specific details you want to animate (like putting on high heels vs. shoes, curling your hair vs. fluffing it) it will use up a lot more of your time. I could keep going! Haha but let me know if that answers your question enough or if you have any more specific questions you want to ask based off of all that! Sorry for such a long response, I have a ton of things I want to add and I figured it's better to add them all rather than filtering some of it out!
Thank you so much! I actually really appreciate your answer! I never thought about there being a time limit, so I'm glad you told me. This was very very helpful and has made me feel more at ease! I think at this point I just have to go for it and experience it myself and see how I do, and if I need to improve at all. I will definitely let you know if any other questions or concerns pop into my head! I plan on auditioning next month for Disneyland, so I'll for sure be keeping your tips in mind. I love that you went into detail rather than giving a generic answer, I'm the kind of person that appreciates in-depth responses, so thank you again!
Honestly I learned SO much just from my first audition! It's hard to really capture everything in a video or a response! The best advice I could give you is just to be observant of the other people auditioning around you when it comes to the animations (if they break you up into two groups where you have the opportunity to watch other people). You obviously don't want to copy anyone, but watching other people made me more aware of what it looks like to someone else. I was bored watching the people who were doing something repetitive or small (not using their whole body and different levels) but I was drawn to my friend who was being totally ridiculous but it was SO entertaining! You want to be somebody who stands out so don't be afraid to be ridiculous! The more ridiculous you are the better it is! I'm so excited for you!! I'm sure you'll do great! It's a really fun experience (even coming from someone who was cut 3/4 of the auditions I went to!) and it's neat to meet other people who are just as passionate about Disney and performing as you are! There's only so much you can do to mentally prepare for it, but the best thing you can do is just go and see what it's like for yourself! P.S. It's totally normal to be nervous too - at every audition I was shaking like a leaf (and I don't physically anxious too often)! But once you talk to people you realize everyone's just as nervous as you are and it makes it slightly less nerve-wracking! Haha
Exactly! Even if I don't get through, it's still a learning experience that I can use for next time! One of my friends who's a character performer currently said the best advice she received was exactly that, to watch what others are doing for inspiration. So that's definitely some solid advice! Thank you so so much again for all of your help! I feel like a weight has been lifted now that I have some more clarity :)
Thanks for this video Kenzie, super helpful information! My only audition was 3 years ago just after graduating high school, Disney Parks casting randomly appeared in my hometown in the upper midwest and they haven't come back since. The audition was for all Parks and Cruises and they were only looking for Ariel, Tink, Anna, Elsa, Tiana, and some of the princes. I totally went into it blind and I was super super nervous. I remember my Disney Height being significantly shorter than my actual height, and also during the "once-over" one of the casting directors said she liked how I smiled with my eyes. I didn't make it past the first cut, but I'm glad I had that initial audition experience. I've gained a lot of confidence and skills in theatre and improv since that audition, I would love to audition again! Back in February, I applied and was accepted for DCP to work at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and I was so so excited about it, but I couldn't do it because, long story short, the timing really didn't work out. I was planning to audition for Character Performer during the DCP auditions once I had gotten in, but that didn't get to happen. Here's hoping I can find another opportunity in the future when my availability improves! I would really love to work for Disney after graduating college next year (my how the time flies!). I'll definitely let you know if I go for it then! :D
That sounds like you've had some awesome opportunities! Based off what you said I feel like you would absolutely love working for Disney and be perfect at it! As someone who lives at the opposite side of the country, I felt like the easiest transition to moving to Orlando was doing the DCP! I was able to make friends there and then move in with them once my program was over and it was a really smooth transition! You have to apply for the college program while you're in school BUT I had graduated by the time I actually did my program which was really nice because it wasn't like I had to go back afterwards. You could always do that too! Good luck! I can't wait to hear how it all works out! :)
I actually had no clue you could apply the semester you graduate and do the program afterwards, that sounds like a really good idea!! Again, thank you so much for your advice and wisdom, I will definitely keep you updated if and when any big developments happen on my journey! 😍
It worked out really nice! I knew of people who only took college classes just so they could apply to the program! Which I think is a little intense, but hey, you gotta do whatcha gotta do! I'd love to hear from you, I can't wait to see what happens!! :)
Just had the DCP audition and even though I made it to the second round I’m pretty sure that I won’t get it. It’s super encouraging to know that you went to multiple auditions before you got it and even still did the DCP with a different role. I was accepted into the program for merchandise in the fall and I plan on going to the extension audition! This has been my dream since middle school and you definitely give me hope that it can still happen! Thank you for making all these Disney videos I’ve watched them all multiple times!!
The fact that you made it to the second round is huge, great job!! And yes, it's very common for people not to get it on their first try. I know people who have been to DOZENS of auditions before they were finally hired! I hope you continue to do the DCP in the fall - I did the fall program and I absolutely loved it!
I don't live near a Disney park but It's always been my dream since I was a little girl to be a Disney princess. At the very least I want to addition. Thanks you so much for the helpful information
That is so magical they fully dressed you up! The casting I got hired in they just wigged us (this was in Anaheim though). I am actually glad that is all they did...I don't think I could keep it together if they did the whole shabang! haha
This is literally my dream! I am already preparing for auditioning (even though I still have a few years). I promised my mom the first time I ever stepped foot into a Disney park that I would be a princess there! I remember the magic I felt meeting the characters and I dream of the day I could possibly give someone else that magic. This is soooo helpful and this just gets me so pumped for the future!
It was my dream too!! I think it's a wonderful dream to have! Disney is so magical and it's so rewarding to be able to give back! I'm excited for you and all of your endeavors!
This has reassured me a bit! My height that I'm measured at the doctors is 5'5. And then I went to a Disney Cruise audition and they measured me at 5'4.5 and was cut for it :l I was so bummed. I was worried about my height because they either want 5'4 and shorter or 5'5 and taller. But this gave me a tad bit of hope. I guess not for the cruise lines but maybe for abroad. (I'm Canadian so I can't work in the American parks).
+Heather Marie I'm the exact same way! I've never been to a cruise audition but I can imagine it's like a college program audition where they're going to be a little bit more picky on height. Kinda like the abroad auditions the amount of performers they need/have on cruises is limited. Which would make sense that height would play more of a factor because they do need performers for fur character roles! I don't think you'd have a problem working in the American parks though! I knew tons of people from all over the world that worked at Disney World!
I just want to say that this video is spot on! I got to be a character performer in my Disney college program and I still went to many auditions during my time there. It's an amazing experience. My advice to anyone who sees this comment is to HAVE FUN! I wish I had this video for reference before my audition! Thanks for doing this McKenzie!
It will be a dream come true for me to work for Disney, I fell in love with Disney when i was only 5 years, Disney shows inspired in such a way that i decided to do BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance as my coarse here in Unizulu and it is my first year, I hope that my dream will come true one day.
I look most like Moana but knowing how disney likes to hire a lot of lighter people for Tiana (unfortunately 😒) I could see them casting someone like me as her too
I'm actully black/mixed and i use to work for Disney a few years back as a character performer! I was "friends" with Jasmine and occasionally Pocahantas! So i wouldn't count yourself off for Just Tiana(she's my favorite Disney princess btw) some of the best years of my life was when i was working at Disney❤
Oh my gosh, we just flew home from Florida & I'm pretty sure you're the Ariel my daughter saw! She had special Ariel ears with prince Eric and all the characters on and if it was you (I'm 99.9% sure it was!) she LOVED you 😂 so thank you for bringing Disney Magic to life! 💜
You are so sweet! I'm so glad your daughter had such a great time meeting Ariel!! I was performing with Disney from January to June of 2016, so I'm not sure when you went on your recent trip. Regardless, it's so nice to hear that you had a magical time!! :)
kenziemacbrown just found your videos and went back in photos to see that you were Ariel that my son met a few times in March 2016! I wanted to tell you how wonderful you were and how much we appreciated meeting you - I’m so thankful I stumbled across you here!! You’re the only princess he wanted to wait to see when we came to MK each time, even as a 3 year old, and we were so happy when it was specifically you. I know it was your job, but even compared to other Cast and character performers we met time after time, you were consistently sweet and wonderful and went out of your way to make him comfortable, so thank you! 💕
Randomly stumbled on this video and I’m 99.999% sure I was at that “princess” audition with you wayyy back in the day. I remember you getting fit for your fish friend. I was fit for someone, but turns out I was destined to be friends with some different girls later on. What a small world (:
No idea how I ended up here but this was amazing and I am not really an actress or dancer but a Baker/Patisserie and I am seriously considering going to an auditon in 2 weeks time in my town now thanks to this. Not sure it's the best idea but this video was hella inspiring since i do love to dance and acting is ok!!
Awww thank you so much, I love hearing that!! Honestly, even if it doesn't work out they're fun just to go to! Plus it's an easy way to meet like-minded people who also LOVE Disney! :) I bet you'll do great!
I take pictures of characters around the parks and I've seen your fishy friend on Instagram couple of times. I never got to meet her personally though, but it seemed like you were a great friend to her. Happy future endeavors princess.
I’m only 13 and my dream is to be a face character or just be a character at disney. I’m 5’5 and i hope i don’t get too tall to be a face character. This video made me more confident about me doing Disney auditions in the future!! Thank you!!
I went to a DCP audition in Manhattan on a total whim after only applying for the program itself online a few days earlier. I made it to round 2 which was SO EXCITING. I consider myself a singer/actress who can dance well enough, so the dance was not at all bad for me and I felt super confident. They didn't ask me to stay for round 3, but they also said that just because they don't ask you to stay doesn't mean you didn't get hired. I think I really stood a chance because my dancing was better than I thought it would be. I'm too short for princesses, but I'm the right height for Wendy, Alice, and the fairies (I think I look most like Wendy though) and I also would fit Mickey, Minnie, Chipmunks, that height range. Sadly I didn't get hired. I'll never know why actually, but I think there's a big chance it's because I applied for the DCP so late. I never even got a phone interview, and my application never went past "pending". Most people at the audition in Pearl Studios had already gotten phone interviews or were even already accepted. In fact, some people were getting emails that they were accepted while we were there (for general DCP, the audition is a separate). So now I know if I try again to have all my ducks in a row regarding the regular DCP process before going to an audition! Either way, I had the absolute time of my life. Everyone was so beyond kind and so supportive. If I could get paid to go to Disney auditions for the rest of my life, I so totally would. It was one of the most fun experiences of my life!
This is such a helpful video thank you so much! I've been dancing 13 years acting 2 years and singing one year and I would LOVE to work with Disney some day!
go for it!!! I swear my dance experience was what got me the job! I had the body language and just repeated A LOT of phrases during meet and greets. And only 3 months in to working, I was casted as Ariel in the Fantastmic! show, which was a WAAAY better shift than any meet and greets. Go to an audition! Even if it's just for fun. ;)
There are some Princesses I've seen at Disney that look NOTHING like any of the Princesses and aren't 'Disney Standard' yet get hired. I'm not the best looking, but I look like 3-4 princesses since I am auditioning next year. Keep in mind that every single Princess made is attractive. :/ They mostly look at your facial features.
As a former Princess, my opinion is I have to disagree - I've seen it all. It really comes down to your acting abilities. Make up and Wigs take everyone a loooong way. I also suffered from severe acne and had a snaggle tooth when I was hired to play Ariel and Aurora at Disney World Orlando. :)
You are so beautiful and so inspiring! I love your channel. I auditioned in 2012 and got all the way through a look alike audition, but got a call saying I was declined, and did the College Program as an attendant too! And now at 25 I’m auditioning again, and I’m so nervous! I’m scared that I have aged out. But you’ve inspired me to do my best, and my audition is Friday. Thank’s for the extra pixie dust.
I'm so excited for you Kristin and I hope your audition goes well! I have a friend who auditioned when she was 27 and got hired, so I don't think you're too old at all! Getting "aged out" happens to people at completely different times. I had a friend who was aged out at 24 and another who still works there at the age of 33! So you never know and it's definitely worth trying!
Hey there! I auditioned for Disney in 2016 when I was 17 and I was cast as a face character. I was put in the pool but was never contacted. Do you think it was because I was 17? Do you think it's worth auditioning again? Now that I'm 18 I'm hoping I'd be hired!
First off, that is so awesome you were casted! Congrats!! Luckily I got the same email you did you so I know exactly what you’re talking about! I had already worked with a lot of the performers because I was a character attendant so I happened to know (at the time I was auditioning) that they had a huge need for more of my character. I was nervous about being put in a “pool” where I had to potentially wait for 6 months but literally a few days later I got another email saying that I was officially hired. A few things could’ve happened with you. Although I didn’t know any of the performers who were under 18 when I was working there, I’ve talked to friends who had been there for a while and they knew of people who had performed years ago that were 16-17 years old. I’m sure there’s worker laws surrounding employees who are under 18, and honestly if they had multiple performers who were approved and put in the pool, they might prefer to choose someone who’s over 18 first. Not sure if that’s what happened, but that would be my best guess! What could’ve happened too is that there just wasn’t a huge need for the character you were cast as at the time. They obviously saw potential and put you on hold, but if there’s not an opening they won’t be able to hire you. So it could’ve had nothing to do with your age too! To answer your question about auditioning again, I say ABSOLUTELY! If you got to the spot where they put you in the pool that’s HUGE! Obviously, they can see you as a performer and you can be more certain about that than most people! There’s a lot of different factors that play a role in getting hired. You have to look like a “cartoon”, have to have good animation and movement skills, have to look like a specific character, have to look like other performers who are currently portraying that character, and there has to be an opening for performers in that role. It sounds like you already know from previous experiences that you fit those qualities! I say you should definitely keep auditioning!
kenziemacbrown hello! I thought it would be easier to catch your attention here rather than in a sea of comments. So I plan to audition for the DCP and I think I'm fine as far as acting and movement. But my real question is if they cast face characters through DCP or if they have separate auditions if you're interested in being a face character while being in the DCP, can you shed any light on this?
How many girls made it when you did your final audition? How did you do your hair, and how much makeup did you put on? I'm auditioning in Orlando this month and I am super excited!
I feel like the number one thing they look for is pretty eyes and smiles cause literally every princess performer has the BEST of those features. YOU'RE STUNNING
If you remember, what makeup did you wear for your audition? I’ve heard a lot of different advice, so I wondered what you wore in the audition where you made it to the end! Loved this video!! Keep up the great content!
Hi there! First off you're so beautiful and I love watching your videos! I went to the NPAF and a group of my friends sang for Ariel!! Meeting her especially made me consider auditioning at Disney World one day!! You're an inspiration!! ❤️☺️
I love this. Being a face character at Disney World/Land is one of my dream jobs. If I don’t succeed on Broadway, that’s what I’m going to do. I love acting. I love playing different characters.
I am only 16 and being a character performer has been my biggest dream for as long as I can remember and I watch these videos all the time but I have watched this video literally like 3 times and I can’t wait until I am 18 and can audition. I love all of your videos! Thank you for being amazing❤️
I remember being in your exact same position! I knew I wanted to do it since I was a freshman in high school! I hope you get the chance to audition someday, it's a really fun experience!
kenziemacbrown I have been obsessed with doing it since a little bit before freshman year and I watch audition videos all the time! I always meet the characters when I go to Disney. I am amazed with how the characters can create stories and how little kids and even big kids like me get excited to meet the characters! It is something so amazing and exciting and I want to be a part of it! (You could say I want to be a part of that world😉)
Former performer. The terms for the first and third auditions you are looking for, that fit a little better are: open or general audition, also known as a “cattle call” audition. The other is easiest stated as a face audition, since they are looking for male roles as well. There is also puppeteering auditions, for shows like Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
This is so helpful! I want to eventually audition for Disney so I can hopefully be a look alike character! Im not so sure I will make it though because I am still growing and as of right now I am 5' 8"
as a curly haired redhead i’ve been constantly told i look like merida, but so has everyone else with slightly similar features. i’d love to work as her 🥺
1970. A performance group I was in won a competition and was invited by Disney to be in the parade. A couple of our girls were outside the height parameters and couldn't be included. We took a vote and it was unanimous. We declined the opportunity because, well, all for one and one for all. Besides, anyone really wanting to perform there just had to go through the regular channels. I love Disneyland, and am enjoying your videos.
Thank you so much for this video! I'm going to my first audition in three weeks, and I was very nervous about it. After seeing your video, I'm much more confident about my skills and I’ll just see how it goes.
The parade performer audition was one of the most fun things I ever did during my year of being a WDW local - including anything I did in the parks. Although there are some cutthroat girls that you're competing against, most people auditioning become your companions during the audition. The casting directors were absolute joys - so nice, so encouraging and so fun!! Though I was cut after round two, I left with the biggest smile on my face. I'd recommend that anyone auditions even just for fun! The auditions are free and really low-pressure in the beginning. And to anyone auditioning who may get cut - make sure you go out of your way to thank the casting directors! I did that just because it was natural to me and they thanked me, telling me it was really memorable of me to do that. I never got the chance to audition again but if I did, that memorability could've potentially gone a long way for future auditions!
I couldn't have said it better myself! And yes - thanking them is huge! Their time is valuable and making sure you appreciate for them will really help you stand apart from the crowd!
I wish I could be a princess but I'm not pretty enough. I've been told I have good stage presence (I do theatre) and I'm not awful auditions either. The animation part doesn't intimidate me (yet!) and I know I could fake the dance if it was difficult. I'm 5'2 and two thirds. I really wish I could be a princess but again, I would be crushed when I didn't pass the initial face audition.
I enjoyed this video. It has been a long time (20 years) since I auditioned at Disneyland. I will say that while at WDW a character performer will be cross-utilized into face and fur, it isn't (and this may have changed recently) how Disneyland operates. They hired specifically for face, and you could show interest in cross-training into fur.
I have a friend who recently transferred to Disneyland from Disney World and he was telling me the same thing! That at Disney World performers can do fur, face and parades but they're all separate at Disneyland. So interesting!
This is honestly the most helpful audition video I've watched! Just out of curiosity, how much makeup did you wear to your audition that you got hired at? I never know how much to wear!
+Alex I'm so glad!!! I worked really hard to make sure I was covering questions that I had when I went to auditions and I'm glad you found it helpful ☺ when I went I wore makeup very similar to what I'm wearing in the video. I wore like a pink lip and light blush to liven up my face and I wore more medium coverage foundation. I kept the eyeshadow VERY light. You want to highlight your features but you don't want to overdo it so they can still envision what you would look like. Like if I went in with a smokey eye but Cinderella has blue eyeshadow, that would make it harder for them to visualize (or if you were in Orlando and they were putting the makeup on over that it would be kinda difficult). Does that make sense? You can put on enough makeup to highlight your features but not too much where they have a hard time imagining what you look like without it!
Hi, I would adore to be a face character but I'm 5'71/2' and I saw the maximum height for most of the princesses was 5'7" I was wondering how that would affect my chances?
+Aydin Miller I'm 5'4" and 3/4 and they measured me at 5'4.5". And I've heard of them REALLY skewing people's height by inches! They have the height restrictions for safety when wearing the costumes (mainly fur), so it really depends on how they measure you! It could not make much of a difference. I can't really say because I'm not a casting director, but I have heard from several other performers of them saying their height was different (taller and shorter) than it really was! I say just go to an audition and see what happens!
I love this video so much! I'm auditioning for DCP next thursday and im SO nervous! I'm a little under 5' 4" so I think that I can be used for a decent amount of characters. My only concern is dress size. I'm comfortably a size 12 but I could squeeze into a size 10, but dress sizes are so different where ever I go! Do you know what the measurements for dress sizes are?!
I hope it goes well! The costume range is pretty reasonable and I don't think you'd have any issues with that! From what I can remember (for the dresses specifically) it went up to a 14. Not 100% positive though, but I think that you were a 12 or a 10 that shouldn't deter you from getting the role!
I want more fur character information. I always see stuff about being a face characters. Im not saying its not interesting or anything.(And i do love your videos) But i just never find anything on it
So interesting! I did an audition recently here in Dublin and made it through the process for Disneyland Paris. Currently in their system and hoping to get an email offering a contract soon but just playing the waiting game now. Around 150 people at my audition and only 15 got through.
Great video, thank you so so so much. I have an audition next month for Disneyland Paris and I am really really anxious. It has been my dream since I was 5 years old to work at Disney, so even though my parents aren't that excited on the idea of me being a performer, I'm gonna try it. I'm not a dancer and I'm not an actress, so the fact that you mentioned that as well in your video made me feel a lot more comfortable about my actual chanches. I am not even that pretty (I'm not as pretty as you are, and I can't even put makeup on properly, tbh) but I definitely have a cartoon-shaped face, so the fact that you mentioned that as well made me feel comforable. I would definitely know what it's like to work at disney! So please, make that video :') Thank you so much
Good luck at your audition!! I think if it's something you're passionate about it's definitely worth trying! I'm really thankful that my parents encouraged me to pursue what I was passionate about, even if it didn't make me lots of money. I think it's so important to pursue what you love! I would love to make a video about working for Disney in general! I'm doing my Disney guest stories series right now, but once that's done I can make that video!
I saw your video about your experience and it was very helpful. I hope I will be one of the lucky few, it would be such an honor to become such a special memory in some child's mind :3
In response to the first tip you gave, I found this really difficult when I went for my audition. We had a warm up of stretches followed by 100 jumping jacks (I am rather unfit, so fast jumping jacks was painful), and remembering to smile and 'have fun' doing that was really difficult.
I just got a job as a party entertainer (where you dress up as Disney princesses) and this video helped so much getting into character and understanding how everything works . I had my very first event and party and it went amazing ❤️ THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Let's not forget that you need to fit pretty perfectly into their little boxes xP I'd love to be in Entertainment but I don't really have the right face or body type for it :/
The costume sizes for Ariel and Aurora (from my experience) went up to size 16 at Orlando Disney World. I had more difficulty finding a size 2 so I had to come to most shifts early until they gave me a custom shell top, fin and gown skirt. :) Plus, I had severe acne and a snaggle tooth - still got the gig! Wigs and the right application of make up make a big difference. Also, you get to take make up courses with the artists during your training. TH-cam videos helped me sooo much as well. I wish I had a picture of how horrible my make up looked my first day as Ariel.
@@AlexaInNorway That''s encouraging thank you! Do you happen to know if the other face character costumes went up past a 10 and if so to what size? Thanks.
@@TB-fi5lf Yes, they did go past 10 :) But "fin ariel" has to be "fit looking" so they encourage you work on your core strength so you have a decent looking mid-section. You need to be somewhat fit but you don't need to be a supermodel circa 1994 >D If you are at a healthy weight and have the acting talent, you most likely will get the job. ;)
Is there a Disneyland near me? No. Do I want to work at Disneyland? No. Did I watch all of this? Yes
Legit my experience :P
Lexi Hunter lol me too. I'm watching this from Minnesota lol
Alexis Adler, first of all, excellent name and I don't know how far Minnesota is away from Disney land but I'll take your word (I'm in Nz)
Me too. Australian here and (from what I can see) there are NO auditions here. XD Our accent's too strong maybe?
Same lol
I mean she definitely looks like a Disney princess.
I'm not a performer or actor, or dancer, not interested in working for Disney, but I'm just here watching this. 😶👍🏻
Emily Rose hey girl no shame!! Honestly I would watch SO many Disney cast member videos before I worked for them because I was dying to know what it was like! And I still watch other people's videos just because I love hearing other people's take on things!
I'm just a nerd who hoards info on random subjects 🎉
Emily Rose work there on storybook !
Emily Rose omg same 😂😂
I miss working there as a blueberry!! When did you work there? I was there in 2010 and 2015
Not auditioning for Disney, but this was in my suggested and I got SO EXCITED!!! You were the Princess Ariel that I met at my first visit of Disney World!! You were so magical and you really made my evening. :)
キャスリン Kathryn that's such a huge compliment, thank you!! I'm so glad to hear you had a wonderful time meeting Ariel ☺️
@@mackenzhughes my sister is named Ariel I got a basic name Andrea as a kid I was jealous of it
@@choirfandomcookingrantsand496 yah but your sister is also named after a detergent brand
Me: is 15
Me:Lives in Alabama
Also me: checks the Disney audition calendar daily
Fr that’s how it is
Same I check it all the time but they are always in Shanghai and I want to work at Disney World
i am worse from sri lanka ( an island south to india )
Same, but I'm 16 lol
@@Sylph_fae I’m 16 now tho,, the way time flies T_T
When she said she got casted I hit that like button so fast. After all of the auditions she went to and didn't get very far in, she finally got casted! All I can say is... There's hope for us all. Moral? If at first you don't succeed, Try Try Again. :)
How to be successful
step 1: be disgustingly pretty
step 2: have a naturally lovely voice
step 3: everything else lol
Whemsical "disgustingly pretty" lol thats a new one
Seems like you're a little salty.
Honestly, where is the lie???
BlakeKaleigh She’s not being salty. She’s using disgusting in a good way and because it’s a strong word. As in, these people are ridiculously good looking, you know?
My voice is like a troll, in my opinion. They do voice training during your Performer training and when I performed meet and greets I changed my natural voice to the annoying high-pitch ""princess tone" lol.
I’m 4’9 so being to tall isn’t gonna be a problem 😂
LUCKYYYY sadly in around 5’8 1/2- 5’9 ft tall and it sucks so much
your face is so happy
You are so nice!! That is such a wonderful compliment, thank you!
anytime!
this made me feel so much better about the dance portion. people always say that the dance isn't that hard, but i always doubted it. now i know that i can definitely do it.
+thatdamlex it's hard in the sense that they don't give you a ton of time to learn it! It's doable, but I definitely was far from perfect - especially the stuff at the end! I do have to say the "dance" portion varies at different auditions! Like the dance at the look a like audition was a breeze compared to the other two types of auditions I went to! Other people may have just gone to that one type of audition and weren't aware that the things you do at auditions vary.
Were you in Club Red?
This was the most helpful video I've come across regarding Disney Auditions. Thank you so much!
You're welcome!! I'm so glad you found it helpful! I worked really hard on planning the video so it makes me so happy to know people find it helpful and that it's served its purpose! :)
Absolutely! You laid everything out so clearly and you had so much practical information. My audition anxieties have decreased a lot!
I'm so glad!! :)
Morgan Bellavia did you end up getting it
This is definitely the best audition tips video I've seen, and I've seen quite a few. Thank you so much!! :)
Thank you so much! I felt like when I first started to audition I watched literally every video on TH-cam I could find that was somewhat relevant. And there were things that I really wished someone had talked about, and I figured if I felt that way then I'm sure other people probably did too! I spent a lot of time and put a lot of thought into making this video so it really means a lot to me hearing that other people are finding it helpful! :)
" focuses a lot on height..."
WeLl TheN.
floralhobi ikr. Me sitting here on my 5’2” ass.
oop i’m 13 and 5’6 :(
im 5’4.5 and 14... oop
@@vlogsbybrynn4499 im 13 and 5'8 XD
Sierra_grace_026 but for the roles of Tinkerbell, Wendy, and Alice, you have to be 4’8”-5’2”
hey girl! this video literally popped up on my recommended vids and I was like....wait a minute I know her! I was your photopass a couple times both as a performer and attendant!
Hi Nicole!!!! Oh my gosh I didn't know you had a youtube! I just subscribed!! Are you still at Disney World or did you move back to Washington too? Haha
haha yeah, I don't make videos a ton, but thanks for the subscribe! just subbed to you as well!! I'm over in California actually by San Francisco! Miss you and Ariel tons though!!!
That's so cool!! Would you want to work for Disneyland!! I miss you too!! I honestly miss it so much! Even though I knew moving back was the more adult decision! Haha it was just SO much fun! And I always loved working with you, you were SUCH a great photopass!
Aw thanks! As tempting as it is, I'm in the same boat as you. I miss working there all the time, but moving and getting a better paying job was the adult thing to do haha
Nicole cc
Thank you so much for this video this help so so much! I'm auditioning for Disneyland Paris in November and this has really given me some piece of mind ☺️ Obviously we don't have the luxury of trying on the costumes here in England for our auditions but it so amazing hearing about how different all the auditions are. Thank you so much!!❤️
You're welcome! I'd love to hear what the Paris audition is like! That sounds like fun!!
Luckily, if you get to the end of the audition for Disneyland Paris you try on the wig and top half of the costume and that is all (as it'd be too hard to take all the costumes around). Like you don't even have to speak a script but most get fitted for a few characters so I guess there isn't time haha!:) GOOD LUCK!!
kenziemacbrown Hey I loved your video. I am actually using my bfs phone lol I was wondering if I would be able to play any characters at my height of 5ft 1 and 3/4 inches? thank you!!!!!
Yes you could!! If you check the Disney Audition character they'll list all of the heights ranges they're looking for! They definitely cast people in your height range for performer roles!
kenziemacbrown Hey i love your videos you inspire me to audition in this video
I just rewatched this and now I'm crying!!
Not sure if you'll ever see this comment, but I just wanted to thank you for having such an influence on my life!!
When I was in Jr High THIS VIDEO randomly came across my feed, sending me on a deep dive of the Disney College Program. Hours and hours and hours of research passed, with every moment reconfirming my need to participate!!
6 years of dreaming later, I made it! I’m here in Florida making magic and I still can’t believe this is real life.
So, thank you! Thank you so very much for helping people like me reach out and find their happily ever after🫶🫶
I'm so rarely on here anymore so I just saw this, but thank you so much for sharing! It made my day and it makes me so happy to hear that my videos were able to help people achieve their dreams!!
This is a great video and perfect information!!! I was a performer for WDW and I was in the college program! and Something I can add for people who are interested in auditioning but afraid to because they can't dance , do not worry. I cannot dance at all haha. Basically just make sure you keep a smile on your face and if you mess up just don't let it show, especially when you are at the final rounds auditioning for the casting directors and as for face look a like auditions , do not let one time of being cut keep you from thinking you'll never get hired. They could see you as a perfect Belle but they just might be looking for Cinderella's and auroras and they will not fit you. They only fit characters that they need :D
YAS girl!! SPOT ON! You summed it up so well!! It can be hard to explain to people, but there are SO many different factors that are going into the audition that people don't always realize! Just because you get cut from one doesn't mean that you'll always get cut! I feel like the animation portion definitely weighed more than the dancing did! I think the dancing can be taught, but you do the animation every day and being able to know how to do that is SO important!
Hi! Unlike most comments I usually see, I'm more concerned with the animation part rather than the dancing. I have a bit of dance experience and am not worried about my movement at all, but I definitely feel nervous about the animation part! Improv is obviously such a huge part of the role and it's one of those things where I feel if I'm in the actual situation I can do it, but when I'm at the audition, I'm afraid I may go blank and not have any ideas. Do you have any more tips for that portion? The ones you gave in the video were awesome but if you have any more to spare, I'd love to hear them!
Hi Haylee! That's a great question! I didn't want my video to be 30+ minutes long so I tried to shorten my answers as much as possible, even though I really wanted to go more in depth on some parts (like more specifics on what the animation is like or the dance portion). So I'm REALLY glad you asked and I hope you don't mind a long and detailed response! Haha
Honestly my first audition I did pretty much exactly what you're afraid of doing. The animation was "pretend like you're an exotic animal at the zoo" for 30-60 seconds and then you would switch and "be a zookeeper taking care of the exotic animal". You have no idea how long 30 seconds is until you're trying to create a story for that long! Haha I think at my first audition I did like a lion of some sort and I made my hands in the shape of claws and I did a "rawr" face a lot, but I wasn't really creating a story. When I switched to the zookeeper it was a little bit easier. I spent a few seconds putting on equipment and then went to go wash the animal. The worst thing that happened was that there was still time on the clock and I was done doing my animation, and my animation was pretty generic.
At that audition, there were so many people they had us go in two big groups. I had a friend (who I actually became friends with later while I was at Disney) who stood out to me because his animation was SO good. He did a monkey (which sounds pretty generic), but he used tons of facial expressions and he was on the ground and jumping up high and at one point flinging poo at the "zookeeper"? Haha but he stood out to me as a fellow person auditioning and I could see the casting director keep looking at him and laughing and I knew he was definitely going to make it.
I promise there is a point to me telling you all of that! Haha at my first audition I didn't really know what to expect, and I felt like I did a pretty poor job at the animating portion. After doing it once, and seeing other people do it better, I got some ideas for what I could do at future auditions to set myself up for success. Just to give you an idea for how I did, I had a movement and animation score of 3 out of 5. Which after talking with other performers is a REALLY good score to get (a 2 is average for most people ) and typically a 3 in animation and movement qualifies you for parades (again, not sure if that's official or not, that's just what I heard from others). You can get different scores for each (like a 2 in animation and a 4 in movement), but I just happened to get a 3 in both.
When I went to my fourth audition, I felt a lot more prepared for the animation portion even though it was a different prompt than I had been given before. My two animations were "getting ready for a party" and "wrapping a present". I used those in my video because 1. Those were the animation prompts I felt like I got my best scores at and 2. It's easy to show how they can be done "average" and "great". If I were to think of animating "getting ready for a party" off the top of my head, I would think "put on a dress, fluff your hair, check your makeup, and walk out the door". But that would be a pretty average animation. What I ended up coming up with was something like "hold up a few different dress options, start to almost freak out because you hate all of them, wobble around a little bit in new heels that are a bit too high, look at your watch and realize you're running late, burn yourself while you're trying to curl your hair, etc.".
So after giving some real-life examples of what I did, here's how you could apply it to your audition:
1. Don't stress about the prompt itself. They change it all the time so you can't memorize your ideas beforehand (which sucks).
2. Practice/focus more on the small details of the story rather than the big picture. When you're stressed and frantic (because auditioning is nerve wracking) you'll automatically fall back on something safe (i.e. my "average" example for getting ready). But often times it's not long enough, it's not interesting, it doesn't make you stand out, and if your animations are too generic it's not clear on what you're trying to do.
3. Be humorous. I couldn't stop staring at my friend when he was doing his monkey animation because he used a FULL range of facial expressions! You would much rather be big with your animations (using your whole body) because they can see what your range is. If you don't, they'll just assume you don't have much of a range. You would rather be over the top and have to have them tone you down then not expressive enough.
4. Use up as much time as possible. It's better to run out of time than to be standing there without anything to do. Again, if you think of specific details you want to animate (like putting on high heels vs. shoes, curling your hair vs. fluffing it) it will use up a lot more of your time.
I could keep going! Haha but let me know if that answers your question enough or if you have any more specific questions you want to ask based off of all that! Sorry for such a long response, I have a ton of things I want to add and I figured it's better to add them all rather than filtering some of it out!
Thank you so much! I actually really appreciate your answer! I never thought about there being a time limit, so I'm glad you told me. This was very very helpful and has made me feel more at ease! I think at this point I just have to go for it and experience it myself and see how I do, and if I need to improve at all. I will definitely let you know if any other questions or concerns pop into my head! I plan on auditioning next month for Disneyland, so I'll for sure be keeping your tips in mind. I love that you went into detail rather than giving a generic answer, I'm the kind of person that appreciates in-depth responses, so thank you again!
Honestly I learned SO much just from my first audition! It's hard to really capture everything in a video or a response! The best advice I could give you is just to be observant of the other people auditioning around you when it comes to the animations (if they break you up into two groups where you have the opportunity to watch other people). You obviously don't want to copy anyone, but watching other people made me more aware of what it looks like to someone else. I was bored watching the people who were doing something repetitive or small (not using their whole body and different levels) but I was drawn to my friend who was being totally ridiculous but it was SO entertaining! You want to be somebody who stands out so don't be afraid to be ridiculous! The more ridiculous you are the better it is!
I'm so excited for you!! I'm sure you'll do great! It's a really fun experience (even coming from someone who was cut 3/4 of the auditions I went to!) and it's neat to meet other people who are just as passionate about Disney and performing as you are! There's only so much you can do to mentally prepare for it, but the best thing you can do is just go and see what it's like for yourself!
P.S. It's totally normal to be nervous too - at every audition I was shaking like a leaf (and I don't physically anxious too often)! But once you talk to people you realize everyone's just as nervous as you are and it makes it slightly less nerve-wracking! Haha
Exactly! Even if I don't get through, it's still a learning experience that I can use for next time! One of my friends who's a character performer currently said the best advice she received was exactly that, to watch what others are doing for inspiration. So that's definitely some solid advice! Thank you so so much again for all of your help! I feel like a weight has been lifted now that I have some more clarity :)
You're welcome! If you think up any more questions don't hesitate to ask! :)
Thanks for this video Kenzie, super helpful information! My only audition was 3 years ago just after graduating high school, Disney Parks casting randomly appeared in my hometown in the upper midwest and they haven't come back since. The audition was for all Parks and Cruises and they were only looking for Ariel, Tink, Anna, Elsa, Tiana, and some of the princes. I totally went into it blind and I was super super nervous. I remember my Disney Height being significantly shorter than my actual height, and also during the "once-over" one of the casting directors said she liked how I smiled with my eyes. I didn't make it past the first cut, but I'm glad I had that initial audition experience. I've gained a lot of confidence and skills in theatre and improv since that audition, I would love to audition again! Back in February, I applied and was accepted for DCP to work at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and I was so so excited about it, but I couldn't do it because, long story short, the timing really didn't work out. I was planning to audition for Character Performer during the DCP auditions once I had gotten in, but that didn't get to happen. Here's hoping I can find another opportunity in the future when my availability improves! I would really love to work for Disney after graduating college next year (my how the time flies!). I'll definitely let you know if I go for it then! :D
That sounds like you've had some awesome opportunities! Based off what you said I feel like you would absolutely love working for Disney and be perfect at it! As someone who lives at the opposite side of the country, I felt like the easiest transition to moving to Orlando was doing the DCP! I was able to make friends there and then move in with them once my program was over and it was a really smooth transition! You have to apply for the college program while you're in school BUT I had graduated by the time I actually did my program which was really nice because it wasn't like I had to go back afterwards. You could always do that too! Good luck! I can't wait to hear how it all works out! :)
I actually had no clue you could apply the semester you graduate and do the program afterwards, that sounds like a really good idea!! Again, thank you so much for your advice and wisdom, I will definitely keep you updated if and when any big developments happen on my journey! 😍
It worked out really nice! I knew of people who only took college classes just so they could apply to the program! Which I think is a little intense, but hey, you gotta do whatcha gotta do! I'd love to hear from you, I can't wait to see what happens!! :)
Did you go for it!?
Just had the DCP audition and even though I made it to the second round I’m pretty sure that I won’t get it. It’s super encouraging to know that you went to multiple auditions before you got it and even still did the DCP with a different role. I was accepted into the program for merchandise in the fall and I plan on going to the extension audition! This has been my dream since middle school and you definitely give me hope that it can still happen! Thank you for making all these Disney videos I’ve watched them all multiple times!!
The fact that you made it to the second round is huge, great job!! And yes, it's very common for people not to get it on their first try. I know people who have been to DOZENS of auditions before they were finally hired! I hope you continue to do the DCP in the fall - I did the fall program and I absolutely loved it!
I don't live near a Disney park but It's always been my dream since I was a little girl to be a Disney princess. At the very least I want to addition. Thanks you so much for the helpful information
I hope you get the chance to audition someday!
That is so magical they fully dressed you up! The casting I got hired in they just wigged us (this was in Anaheim though). I am actually glad that is all they did...I don't think I could keep it together if they did the whole shabang! haha
I had a REALLY hard time holding it together! I cried when I told my mom afterwards! Haha
This is literally my dream! I am already preparing for auditioning (even though I still have a few years). I promised my mom the first time I ever stepped foot into a Disney park that I would be a princess there! I remember the magic I felt meeting the characters and I dream of the day I could possibly give someone else that magic. This is soooo helpful and this just gets me so pumped for the future!
It was my dream too!! I think it's a wonderful dream to have! Disney is so magical and it's so rewarding to be able to give back! I'm excited for you and all of your endeavors!
So? Did you become a Disney princess? 👁
This has reassured me a bit! My height that I'm measured at the doctors is 5'5. And then I went to a Disney Cruise audition and they measured me at 5'4.5 and was cut for it :l I was so bummed. I was worried about my height because they either want 5'4 and shorter or 5'5 and taller. But this gave me a tad bit of hope. I guess not for the cruise lines but maybe for abroad. (I'm Canadian so I can't work in the American parks).
+Heather Marie I'm the exact same way! I've never been to a cruise audition but I can imagine it's like a college program audition where they're going to be a little bit more picky on height. Kinda like the abroad auditions the amount of performers they need/have on cruises is limited. Which would make sense that height would play more of a factor because they do need performers for fur character roles! I don't think you'd have a problem working in the American parks though! I knew tons of people from all over the world that worked at Disney World!
kenziemacbrown I can work in the parks (I worked at Epcot before) I just can't be a face character :/
No way! I've never heard of that before! That's too bad :( That's their loss!
I'm mexican and I was face!! Go to another audition cause they're accepting 'foreigners' as long as you have authorization to work in the US!
ACTUALLY?!?!? Was it for a college program or did you work a real contract???
I just want to say that this video is spot on! I got to be a character performer in my Disney college program and I still went to many auditions during my time there. It's an amazing experience. My advice to anyone who sees this comment is to HAVE FUN! I wish I had this video for reference before my audition! Thanks for doing this McKenzie!
Thank you so much Brooke!!
It will be a dream come true for me to work for Disney, I fell in love with Disney when i was only 5 years, Disney shows inspired in such a way that i decided to do BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance as my coarse here in Unizulu and it is my first year, I hope that my dream will come true one day.
I took pictures with you at Disney! and you were amazing! I was super impressed on your acting!:)
ariana argueta i
Recognized you because last year we went to Disney and I found a picture of us!! You were so sweet! ❤️❤️
just letting you know I cried when I met Ariel .. I was 17
No shame girl, happens all the time!
So Basically the only princess i would be able to play is tiana ... otherwise i would be in a head to toe outfit.
Olivia Hinson iridessa from tinker bell if you're short
If your talking about race I was really happy to see a black girl playing Pocahontas in LA! Don't give up!
I look most like Moana but knowing how disney likes to hire a lot of lighter people for Tiana (unfortunately 😒) I could see them casting someone like me as her too
I'm actully black/mixed and i use to work for Disney a few years back as a character performer! I was "friends" with Jasmine and occasionally Pocahantas! So i wouldn't count yourself off for Just Tiana(she's my favorite Disney princess btw) some of the best years of my life was when i was working at Disney❤
I would be jasmine but I wish I was her skin color bc ariel Is my fav princessse
Oh my gosh, we just flew home from Florida & I'm pretty sure you're the Ariel my daughter saw! She had special Ariel ears with prince Eric and all the characters on and if it was you (I'm 99.9% sure it was!) she LOVED you 😂 so thank you for bringing Disney Magic to life! 💜
You are so sweet! I'm so glad your daughter had such a great time meeting Ariel!! I was performing with Disney from January to June of 2016, so I'm not sure when you went on your recent trip. Regardless, it's so nice to hear that you had a magical time!! :)
kenziemacbrown Hah, MAGICAL. Have a magical day! Boy, do cast members get tired of saying that
kenziemacbrown just found your videos and went back in photos to see that you were Ariel that my son met a few times in March 2016! I wanted to tell you how wonderful you were and how much we appreciated meeting you - I’m so thankful I stumbled across you here!! You’re the only princess he wanted to wait to see when we came to MK each time, even as a 3 year old, and we were so happy when it was specifically you. I know it was your job, but even compared to other Cast and character performers we met time after time, you were consistently sweet and wonderful and went out of your way to make him comfortable, so thank you! 💕
Randomly stumbled on this video and I’m 99.999% sure I was at that “princess” audition with you wayyy back in the day. I remember you getting fit for your fish friend. I was fit for someone, but turns out I was destined to be friends with some different girls later on. What a small world (:
No idea how I ended up here but this was amazing and I am not really an actress or dancer but a Baker/Patisserie and I am seriously considering going to an auditon in 2 weeks time in my town now thanks to this. Not sure it's the best idea but this video was hella inspiring since i do love to dance and acting is ok!!
Awww thank you so much, I love hearing that!! Honestly, even if it doesn't work out they're fun just to go to! Plus it's an easy way to meet like-minded people who also LOVE Disney! :) I bet you'll do great!
Awww thanks you are so sweet, good luck with the rest of your auditions in the future!!
I take pictures of characters around the parks and I've seen your fishy friend on Instagram couple of times. I never got to meet her personally though, but it seemed like you were a great friend to her. Happy future endeavors princess.
Thank you so much!! :)
I’m only 13 and my dream is to be a face character or just be a character at disney. I’m 5’5 and i hope i don’t get too tall to be a face character. This video made me more confident about me doing Disney auditions in the future!! Thank you!!
I went to a DCP audition in Manhattan on a total whim after only applying for the program itself online a few days earlier. I made it to round 2 which was SO EXCITING. I consider myself a singer/actress who can dance well enough, so the dance was not at all bad for me and I felt super confident. They didn't ask me to stay for round 3, but they also said that just because they don't ask you to stay doesn't mean you didn't get hired. I think I really stood a chance because my dancing was better than I thought it would be. I'm too short for princesses, but I'm the right height for Wendy, Alice, and the fairies (I think I look most like Wendy though) and I also would fit Mickey, Minnie, Chipmunks, that height range. Sadly I didn't get hired. I'll never know why actually, but I think there's a big chance it's because I applied for the DCP so late. I never even got a phone interview, and my application never went past "pending". Most people at the audition in Pearl Studios had already gotten phone interviews or were even already accepted. In fact, some people were getting emails that they were accepted while we were there (for general DCP, the audition is a separate). So now I know if I try again to have all my ducks in a row regarding the regular DCP process before going to an audition! Either way, I had the absolute time of my life. Everyone was so beyond kind and so supportive. If I could get paid to go to Disney auditions for the rest of my life, I so totally would. It was one of the most fun experiences of my life!
When I’m older,I want to work at a Disney park.This helped me a lot because now I know what the auditions will be like when I audition when I’m older
I'm so glad this video was helpful!
Thinking of working for Paris when I turn 18. I'm teaching myself posture, singing and dancing. I'm so excited
That would be so cool! And that's great that you can start preparing now too!
This is such a helpful video thank you so much! I've been dancing 13 years acting 2 years and singing one year and I would LOVE to work with Disney some day!
go for it!!! I swear my dance experience was what got me the job! I had the body language and just repeated A LOT of phrases during meet and greets. And only 3 months in to working, I was casted as Ariel in the Fantastmic! show, which was a WAAAY better shift than any meet and greets.
Go to an audition! Even if it's just for fun. ;)
I too wish to work for Disney, I can dance, act, I love Disney shows so much and inspired by it
I'm too short, and I have a speech impediment. But, I still watched the video 😂
Hey I still watch tons of different videos that don't apply to me directly! I love learning more about Disney too! :)
I have a speech impediment too! That’s what I’m most scared about for my auditions
She forgot to mention the last, and most important criterion for a successful Disney audition: Be attractive.
Disney ain't gonna hire no ugly people.
There are some Princesses I've seen at Disney that look NOTHING like any of the Princesses and aren't 'Disney Standard' yet get hired. I'm not the best looking, but I look like 3-4 princesses since I am auditioning next year. Keep in mind that every single Princess made is attractive. :/ They mostly look at your facial features.
Celeste R I thought she was going to mention it. I read it somewhere that you have to have a good profile
As a former Princess, my opinion is I have to disagree - I've seen it all. It really comes down to your acting abilities. Make up and Wigs take everyone a loooong way. I also suffered from severe acne and had a snaggle tooth when I was hired to play Ariel and Aurora at Disney World Orlando. :)
Alexa Baxendell how long ago did you work there?
Sleepy hammy05 2012-2013
When you're performing as a Disney Princess, are you required to give any guest a hug, if they ask for one?
You are so beautiful and so inspiring! I love your channel.
I auditioned in 2012 and got all the way through a look alike audition, but got a call saying I was declined, and did the College Program as an attendant too!
And now at 25 I’m auditioning again, and I’m so nervous! I’m scared that I have aged out. But you’ve inspired me to do my best, and my audition is Friday.
Thank’s for the extra pixie dust.
I'm so excited for you Kristin and I hope your audition goes well! I have a friend who auditioned when she was 27 and got hired, so I don't think you're too old at all! Getting "aged out" happens to people at completely different times. I had a friend who was aged out at 24 and another who still works there at the age of 33! So you never know and it's definitely worth trying!
I’m 10 years old and I’m so excited to audition when I turn 18 I know it’s very strict but I love Disney so much ❤️🙂
This is so helpful! I want to be a character performer next year and these tips are amazing! tysm!
I've always wanted to be a Disney princess and I know I'd be great at it. But my love for tattoos has gotten in the way 😂😂😂
You should really audition for Alice the height range for her is 4,8 -5,3
Sweet I fit right it 😀
Hey there! I auditioned for Disney in 2016 when I was 17 and I was cast as a face character. I was put in the pool but was never contacted. Do you think it was because I was 17? Do you think it's worth auditioning again? Now that I'm 18 I'm hoping I'd be hired!
First off, that is so awesome you were casted! Congrats!! Luckily I got the same email you did you so I know exactly what you’re talking about! I had already worked with a lot of the performers because I was a character attendant so I happened to know (at the time I was auditioning) that they had a huge need for more of my character. I was nervous about being put in a “pool” where I had to potentially wait for 6 months but literally a few days later I got another email saying that I was officially hired.
A few things could’ve happened with you. Although I didn’t know any of the performers who were under 18 when I was working there, I’ve talked to friends who had been there for a while and they knew of people who had performed years ago that were 16-17 years old. I’m sure there’s worker laws surrounding employees who are under 18, and honestly if they had multiple performers who were approved and put in the pool, they might prefer to choose someone who’s over 18 first. Not sure if that’s what happened, but that would be my best guess!
What could’ve happened too is that there just wasn’t a huge need for the character you were cast as at the time. They obviously saw potential and put you on hold, but if there’s not an opening they won’t be able to hire you. So it could’ve had nothing to do with your age too! To answer your question about auditioning again, I say ABSOLUTELY! If you got to the spot where they put you in the pool that’s HUGE! Obviously, they can see you as a performer and you can be more certain about that than most people! There’s a lot of different factors that play a role in getting hired. You have to look like a “cartoon”, have to have good animation and movement skills, have to look like a specific character, have to look like other performers who are currently portraying that character, and there has to be an opening for performers in that role. It sounds like you already know from previous experiences that you fit those qualities! I say you should definitely keep auditioning!
kenziemacbrown hello! I thought it would be easier to catch your attention here rather than in a sea of comments. So I plan to audition for the DCP and I think I'm fine as far as acting and movement. But my real question is if they cast face characters through DCP or if they have separate auditions if you're interested in being a face character while being in the DCP, can you shed any light on this?
I’ve always wanted to work at Disney. I’m 15 now so I still have some time to practice for the auditions.
You look like Veronica Lodge in Riverdale! :)
SweetSweetAlien I can totally see that!
The necklace, the shape of her eyes and her smile... it reminds me so much of Riverdale!
SweetSweetAlien On point! They're both beautiful
You are so sweet! She is gorgeous!
Haha you're welcome :) kisses from France!
OMG, this dance is the same one i had to practice at my dance studio....wow.
How many girls made it when you did your final audition? How did you do your hair, and how much makeup did you put on? I'm auditioning in Orlando this month and I am super excited!
How did your audition go!?!
I’m a chemical engineering major. What am I doing here. Oh yeah, it’s because your videos are THAT GOOD! Good job; get it gurhl 💪
Thank you so much! This is useful information.
I feel like the number one thing they look for is pretty eyes and smiles cause literally every princess performer has the BEST of those features. YOU'RE STUNNING
You would make a super pretty Elsa!
If you remember, what makeup did you wear for your audition? I’ve heard a lot of different advice, so I wondered what you wore in the audition where you made it to the end! Loved this video!! Keep up the great content!
I actually created a tutorial explaining how I did my makeup and advice on what you should/shouldn't do :)
th-cam.com/video/gJZxpLZOi9k/w-d-xo.html
kenziemacbrown thank you so much!!
My secret wish is to be a cast member at Disneyland or Disney World.
I think that's a great wish to have! I was the same way! It's a fun place to work!
you're such a perfect match for ariel! i love you... you're just so bubbly and have a lovely voice
Omgg you're the Ariel I met when I went in May 2016! You were so awesome, because Ariel is my fav princess! 💕💕💕
JazzySalsa14 I think I met her as Ariel too!!!
Hi there! First off you're so beautiful and I love watching your videos! I went to the NPAF and a group of my friends sang for Ariel!! Meeting her especially made me consider auditioning at Disney World one day!! You're an inspiration!! ❤️☺️
I'm 5'1" and POC but I want to be a Disney Princess/ Fur Character 😂😭😂😭
You could be a fairy or one of the children (Alice and Wendy) those characters are shorter.
Alice is 4’8 to 5’3 and tinker bell is quite short
I have dreamed of working for Disney FOREVER! This was so helpful!
Btw this was super super helpful so THANK YOU!!
I love this. Being a face character at Disney World/Land is one of my dream jobs. If I don’t succeed on Broadway, that’s what I’m going to do. I love acting. I love playing different characters.
You're absolutely gorgeous. Nice video♡
You are so sweet, thank you Blanca!
I am only 16 and being a character performer has been my biggest dream for as long as I can remember and I watch these videos all the time but I have watched this video literally like 3 times and I can’t wait until I am 18 and can audition. I love all of your videos! Thank you for being amazing❤️
I remember being in your exact same position! I knew I wanted to do it since I was a freshman in high school! I hope you get the chance to audition someday, it's a really fun experience!
kenziemacbrown I have been obsessed with doing it since a little bit before freshman year and I watch audition videos all the time! I always meet the characters when I go to Disney. I am amazed with how the characters can create stories and how little kids and even big kids like me get excited to meet the characters! It is something so amazing and exciting and I want to be a part of it! (You could say I want to be a part of that world😉)
animate made me confused till you explained it out
ty ty
Former performer. The terms for the first and third auditions you are looking for, that fit a little better are: open or general audition, also known as a “cattle call” audition. The other is easiest stated as a face audition, since they are looking for male roles as well.
There is also puppeteering auditions, for shows like Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
This is so helpful! I want to eventually audition for Disney so I can hopefully be a look alike character! Im not so sure I will make it though because I am still growing and as of right now I am 5' 8"
I think you should definitely go to an audition! At least give yourself the chance :)
I hear that the villains tend to be taller, which makes me very jealous. I LOVE the villains, but I was always too short. 😜
as a curly haired redhead i’ve been constantly told i look like merida, but so has everyone else with slightly similar features. i’d love to work as her 🥺
Kenziemacbrown OMG! I met you at Disney world!!!!! I just found a picture! You were Ariel! It was definitely you!
1970. A performance group I was in won a competition and was invited by Disney to be in the parade. A couple of our girls were outside the height parameters and couldn't be included. We took a vote and it was unanimous. We declined the opportunity because, well, all for one and one for all. Besides, anyone really wanting to perform there just had to go through the regular channels. I love Disneyland, and am enjoying your videos.
When I am older I want to audition for a Disney princess! 🙂😀 I want to be Belle!!
Thank you so much for this video! I'm going to my first audition in three weeks, and I was very nervous about it. After seeing your video, I'm much more confident about my skills and I’ll just see how it goes.
This is such a great video!!! Thank you!!! I subscribed ❤️
Thanks girl!! :)
The parade performer audition was one of the most fun things I ever did during my year of being a WDW local - including anything I did in the parks. Although there are some cutthroat girls that you're competing against, most people auditioning become your companions during the audition. The casting directors were absolute joys - so nice, so encouraging and so fun!! Though I was cut after round two, I left with the biggest smile on my face. I'd recommend that anyone auditions even just for fun! The auditions are free and really low-pressure in the beginning.
And to anyone auditioning who may get cut - make sure you go out of your way to thank the casting directors! I did that just because it was natural to me and they thanked me, telling me it was really memorable of me to do that. I never got the chance to audition again but if I did, that memorability could've potentially gone a long way for future auditions!
I couldn't have said it better myself! And yes - thanking them is huge! Their time is valuable and making sure you appreciate for them will really help you stand apart from the crowd!
😁😁Thank you for all of your videos!! I absolutely love everything you post.
You are so sweet, thank you so much!
I wish I could be a princess but I'm not pretty enough. I've been told I have good stage presence (I do theatre) and I'm not awful auditions either. The animation part doesn't intimidate me (yet!) and I know I could fake the dance if it was difficult. I'm 5'2 and two thirds. I really wish I could be a princess but again, I would be crushed when I didn't pass the initial face audition.
Maria P Alice from Alice in Wonderland is short.
I enjoyed this video. It has been a long time (20 years) since I auditioned at Disneyland. I will say that while at WDW a character performer will be cross-utilized into face and fur, it isn't (and this may have changed recently) how Disneyland operates. They hired specifically for face, and you could show interest in cross-training into fur.
I have a friend who recently transferred to Disneyland from Disney World and he was telling me the same thing! That at Disney World performers can do fur, face and parades but they're all separate at Disneyland. So interesting!
This is honestly the most helpful audition video I've watched! Just out of curiosity, how much makeup did you wear to your audition that you got hired at? I never know how much to wear!
+Alex I'm so glad!!! I worked really hard to make sure I was covering questions that I had when I went to auditions and I'm glad you found it helpful ☺ when I went I wore makeup very similar to what I'm wearing in the video. I wore like a pink lip and light blush to liven up my face and I wore more medium coverage foundation. I kept the eyeshadow VERY light. You want to highlight your features but you don't want to overdo it so they can still envision what you would look like. Like if I went in with a smokey eye but Cinderella has blue eyeshadow, that would make it harder for them to visualize (or if you were in Orlando and they were putting the makeup on over that it would be kinda difficult). Does that make sense? You can put on enough makeup to highlight your features but not too much where they have a hard time imagining what you look like without it!
Such good tips, defiantly seen these come up at auditions I've been too! x
Hi, I would adore to be a face character but I'm 5'71/2' and I saw the maximum height for most of the princesses was 5'7" I was wondering how that would affect my chances?
+Aydin Miller I'm 5'4" and 3/4 and they measured me at 5'4.5". And I've heard of them REALLY skewing people's height by inches! They have the height restrictions for safety when wearing the costumes (mainly fur), so it really depends on how they measure you! It could not make much of a difference. I can't really say because I'm not a casting director, but I have heard from several other performers of them saying their height was different (taller and shorter) than it really was! I say just go to an audition and see what happens!
i read that if you are much taller but still really good you can play as a villain :)
I've just discovered your channel, subscribed and discovered your Disney playlist. I plan on watching all 58 of them fully 😅
I love this video so much! I'm auditioning for DCP next thursday and im SO nervous! I'm a little under 5' 4" so I think that I can be used for a decent amount of characters. My only concern is dress size. I'm comfortably a size 12 but I could squeeze into a size 10, but dress sizes are so different where ever I go! Do you know what the measurements for dress sizes are?!
I hope it goes well! The costume range is pretty reasonable and I don't think you'd have any issues with that! From what I can remember (for the dresses specifically) it went up to a 14. Not 100% positive though, but I think that you were a 12 or a 10 that shouldn't deter you from getting the role!
thank you!
Wow this was soooo helpful I am really looking into being a character performer someday so all your tips in this vid was SUPER helpful!!!!!!
I want more fur character information.
I always see stuff about being a face characters. Im not saying its not interesting or anything.(And i do love your videos) But i just never find anything on it
So interesting! I did an audition recently here in Dublin and made it through the process for Disneyland Paris. Currently in their system and hoping to get an email offering a contract soon but just playing the waiting game now. Around 150 people at my audition and only 15 got through.
Great video, thank you so so so much. I have an audition next month for Disneyland Paris and I am really really anxious. It has been my dream since I was 5 years old to work at Disney, so even though my parents aren't that excited on the idea of me being a performer, I'm gonna try it.
I'm not a dancer and I'm not an actress, so the fact that you mentioned that as well in your video made me feel a lot more comfortable about my actual chanches. I am not even that pretty (I'm not as pretty as you are, and I can't even put makeup on properly, tbh) but I definitely have a cartoon-shaped face, so the fact that you mentioned that as well made me feel comforable.
I would definitely know what it's like to work at disney! So please, make that video :')
Thank you so much
Good luck at your audition!! I think if it's something you're passionate about it's definitely worth trying! I'm really thankful that my parents encouraged me to pursue what I was passionate about, even if it didn't make me lots of money. I think it's so important to pursue what you love! I would love to make a video about working for Disney in general! I'm doing my Disney guest stories series right now, but once that's done I can make that video!
I saw your video about your experience and it was very helpful. I hope I will be one of the lucky few, it would be such an honor to become such a special memory in some child's mind :3
I've seen a number of disney actor videos, and all the ladies are so unbelievably lovely! You're stunning, and your boyfriend is sooo lucky.
i'm pretty sure i have pictures with you 😂😂
your eye lashes are so pretty oml
I love your necklace so much!
Thank you!! I got it at Forever 21 for like $5! :)
In response to the first tip you gave, I found this really difficult when I went for my audition. We had a warm up of stretches followed by 100 jumping jacks (I am rather unfit, so fast jumping jacks was painful), and remembering to smile and 'have fun' doing that was really difficult.
Patrick McCool 100 jumping jacks?! For which Disney park? (I can do 100 jumping jacks easily but poor you!)
I'm 12 and I wanna work at Disney this is so helpful thank you
You're welcome!! :)
Yes this was my experience when I was a character ! Great video
The woman who plays:The Evil Queen,Cruella,Malficent is the goat.
I just got a job as a party entertainer (where you dress up as Disney princesses) and this video helped so much getting into character and understanding how everything works . I had my very first event and party and it went amazing ❤️ THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I'm so glad to hear that! I'm glad you can help create magic for kids! :)
Let's not forget that you need to fit pretty perfectly into their little boxes xP I'd love to be in Entertainment but I don't really have the right face or body type for it :/
Moments with Molly :( the feels
The costume sizes for Ariel and Aurora (from my experience) went up to size 16 at Orlando Disney World. I had more difficulty finding a size 2 so I had to come to most shifts early until they gave me a custom shell top, fin and gown skirt. :)
Plus, I had severe acne and a snaggle tooth - still got the gig! Wigs and the right application of make up make a big difference. Also, you get to take make up courses with the artists during your training. TH-cam videos helped me sooo much as well. I wish I had a picture of how horrible my make up looked my first day as Ariel.
My friend was hired and she had terrible acne. She said in this video its NOT about how pretty you are. That's like the last thing they look at.
@@AlexaInNorway That''s encouraging thank you! Do you happen to know if the other face character costumes went up past a 10 and if so to what size? Thanks.
@@TB-fi5lf Yes, they did go past 10 :) But "fin ariel" has to be "fit looking" so they encourage you work on your core strength so you have a decent looking mid-section. You need to be somewhat fit but you don't need to be a supermodel circa 1994 >D If you are at a healthy weight and have the acting talent, you most likely will get the job. ;)
I want to be a princess when I grow up! (I'm not a little girl, i'm a preteen and genuinely love to act) Thank you for making these videos!