Look carefully because each audition is looking for something in particular – parade performers, male comedic actors, look-alikes, etc. You may need to travel to find the audition you’re really looking for. You shouldn’t show up to a Mad Tea Party audition even if you’re Jasmine’s doppelganger unless you want to sip tea with Alice! Each audition is open. You simply need to check-in early the day of the audition. They may fill up however, so the only thing you absolutely need to do is be prompt.
There’s a physique look too, obviously. Characters without full suits must look like their character; those in suits must fit in it comfortably. It all depends on who you’re playing (and you may be assigned to play several). In general, Disney prefers their “faces” not to have distinguishable features. For example, if Cinderella has a huge mole on her face one day and then it is “gone” the next, children may get suspicious. That’s just how it is.
If you don’t already have a headshot and resume, get on that! Find a friend that’s a blooming photographer and ask them if you can be a (free) guinea pig. Then get on a quick internet search to see what your resume should look like. It’s not that daunting of a process if you get on it now!
It’s always good to have a back up, too. You don’t want to see the three girls in front of you all singing, “Good Morning Baltimore,” knowing that’s your song, too. Always, always, always have a back up. If you’re looking to be a specific character, study the movie. If you can bust out Snow White at a moment’s notice, the judges are bound to be impressed.
Be careful in stretching. If you over stretch (especially when your muscles are cold), you could hurt yourself and have less flexibility for the day of the audition. Always exercise caution when it comes to your body!
While you’re at it, eat a decent, normal breakfast. You don’t want to eat anything too different in case it upsets your stomach, but do eat something substantial enough to get you through the morning. You could be waiting a long time.
Once you get there, only auditioners will be allowed in. So your family/cheerleaders may have to go on their merry way once you’re in. Hey, this way you can make friends!
If you’re not looking to be any type of dancer, they’ll probably have you doing improvised scenes. This is where you mime anything from packing a suitcase to experiencing ice cream the first time to chasing after the guy who stole your hat. You could be running around quite ferociously! It may take a while and you may get a little thirsty, so bring your own bottle of water. And whatever else you may need! Chapstick, anyone?
If you’re in auditions for a specific character, just be conscious of not dropping it. They’re looking for someone who’s this person in mind, body, and spirit. Every little quirk, every little movement, has to be this character. It’s no longer you – it’s how Cinderella would pack a suitcase, it’s how Goofy would pirouette down the hallway. From the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes, you are this character. The first part of the audition will be the dance, unless you’re in a musician’s audition. Although it is not very complicated, if you are unable to master the dance you will not be able to continue to the second part of the audition. After the dance, the judges will give you a scene they would like you to act out (eg. Goofy getting/decorating a Christmas tree, you getting your favorite dessert).
If you’re a suited character, they’ll have you concentrating more on mannerisms and the handwriting. After all, if a child gets two Goofy autographs, they’ve got to look the same!
Disney can get pretty serious about this. From your words to frowning too much, they can get on you about it. Of all the rules, this is the most important. And it makes sense! If you don’t keep up the magic, you’ll ruin it for the kids who have been waiting their entire lives to experience the Disney magic.
Unfortunately, being a Disney character isn’t all fun and games (no job is). The pay isn’t phenomenal (you get to dress up, isn’t that incentive enough?) and there’s a definite pecking order a la mean girls (“faces” before “furs”). But many workers say that even after months or years of working there, they still feel the Disney magic.
