How to Get a Job Acting in Disney Musicals
With two theme parks and a handful of Disney shows currently running on Broadway, becoming an actor for Disney is becoming easier and easier. There are National Touring Casts and theme park casts who all are on the road to Broadway. With these odds, why wouldn't you take a shot and audition for a Disney Musical? All you need is a little experience, some recent photos, some dance shoes and you're ready to nail your Disney audition.
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Instructions
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Look at theater job websites and trade newspapers such as "Backstage" and "Playbill Jobs" (websites listed in the Resources section below). It is required for Broadway shows to have an open call for both principles and chorus members each year. Check when the open calls are and try to get there as early as possible.
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Prepare to wait to be seen. If you are attending an open call, you will not have a specific audition appointment time, so even if you arrive at 6:00 a.m., there is no guarantee that you will audition in any reasonable amount of time, or even at all. If you have a day job, you may want to think about calling in sick. Saying you have a doctor's appointment probably won't cut it if you end up being gone for most of the day.
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Because open calls are so large, you may not be seen to dance or act at the audition. Usually open calls for Broadway Musicals will always want you to sing, even if only a few bars. Usually you will be asked to sing either 16 or 32 bars, which is only a couple of lines to a verse. Make sure you bring your sheet music in a binder so it is easier for the accompanist. Bring your headshot and resume to the casting agent, and break a leg. Always be prepared with jazz shoes, just in case you are asked to dance.
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If you are auditioning for a Disney theme park character, you will be given an audition appointment. Be sure to arrive promptly and follow the same instructions above as far as what to bring. Dancing and moving in difficult costumes is a big deal in Disney World or Disney Land shows, so always bring clothing you can move in and your jazz shoes.
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Bypass the open call by getting an agent. An agent can get you an appointment with a specific casting director in order to get seen for a specific part. Although it is not mandatory to be a part of AEA (the Actors Equity Association) before you audition, you will be signed to AEA if you get the part (unless you are in a non-equity tour or production). Thank your agent for getting you the audition and send the casting director a "thank you" note.
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Tips & Warnings
It's very difficult to score a role in a Disney musical--don't give up!
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu/profile/omster-com
