Disney Film Auditions

Acting in show business as a young performer can be a great experience. It can give you a head start by helping you develop leadership skills, teamwork skills, self-confidence and the ability to earn some money for your future.

This industry is called show business for a very good reason - it is a business. It is also a lot of fun, and for a young performer it should always be fun. If for any reason it is not fun and educational for you, talk to your parent or guardian and let them know. You can always take a break from the business and decide later if you want to come back. You should only be in this business if you are dedicated to it and are passionate about acting.

For people residing in or visiting the Los Angeles area who wish to work as an extra on Disney films shows, please visit the following website:

Disney Extras Information

NO! Never ever pay someone to audition. If they ask you to pay, then it is surely a scam. Legit casting directors, agents, and managers never charge any upfront fees whatsoever. You should never be asked or required to attend any specific classes, use any specific photographers, or pay ANY upfront fees.

Agents typically get 10% of your paycheck AFTER you work. Managers typically get 15%. Casting Directors get paid by the studio or production company. The only fee you should ever pay for is legit extras casting agencies, such as Central Casting in Burbank, CA. They may charge a small photo imaging fee of around $20, this is because they must take a digital photo of all extras for consistency in their files, and to make sure that they know what the extra looked like when they registered.

So the answer is NO! It costs absolutely nothing to audition for the Disney Films!

1. Always know what you are auditioning for.

2. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. This will allow ample time to check in and warm up, check out your competition.

3. Bring at least 2 photos and resumes. Photos should reflect current physical likeness (should always be updated!).

4. Do not chew gum ( all directors hate it).

5. When attending callbacks, always wear the same attire worn at audition. Try to do everything you did the first time because it has already worked during the first audition.

6. Be confident, smile, always have a positive attitude.

7. Act excited about everything you asked to do.

Actors/Improvisation:

Be prepared for improvisation.
Different voices and dialects are a plus.
Prepare a dramatic and comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length.
Note if the audition is going to provide sides (a portion of the script).

Singers:

Bring 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad, in legible condition.
Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Know your vocal range.
Sheet music should have full musical notation and in the key in which you will perform.
If audition requires movement, dress appropriately.

Dancers:

Wear appropriate dance attire.
Bring appropriate dance shoes.
If the audition requires singing, bring at least 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad. Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.

Do NOT send a home address when submitting. I always recommend using a PO BOX. Also, this is another reason that getting an agent as soon as possible is of utmost importance. Then your agents contact information is all that is listed on the resume, cover letter, and envelope. There is an earlier post about how to get an agent in my blog archives (or table of contents).

Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio or casting/agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.

And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.

1) Respect the word "business" in "show business”. Do not let the spotlights and excitement overshadow that this is, in reality, a business.

2) Be honest with your child and make sure he/she understands the commitment involved and truly wants to pursue a career in show business. Make certain your child understands that contact with peers at school may be limited and time to devote to social/school/sports activities will decrease as well. Auditions are usually after school and there is often little advance warning. Emphasize that auditions can be as frequent as three times per week and that performing arts instruction will also take up “free time.” Also, make it clear that booking a job can involve a time commitment of one day to several months, and can sometimes include touring or relocating.

3) Be prepared! Pack an audition/work bag and refresh the contents periodically. Include a change of clothes, grooming supplies, snacks (nothing messy or sticky), quiet games, coloring books/activity books, juice boxes (light colored juices that will not stain), your child's work permit and social security card, your child’s set aside trust fund information (if applicable), your child's birth certificate or passport, union identification (if applicable), your identification (license or passport), toll money, change for parking meters, audition diary. Have this all ready to go at a moment’s notice.

4) Your child must be within your sight and sound at all times while working in film/TV/commercials. If there is an obstruction on the set preventing you from viewing your child, ask the employer/production to please provide a monitor for your viewing. This is a Union regulation; so do not feel intimidated about asking or speaking up if you feel uncomfortable with a situation that will affect your child's safety and/or welfare. Do not bring siblings to set. This will distract you from keeping a close eye on the child working.