Disney Auditions for the upcoming live-action feature film 'The Muppets'

Disney Auditions for the upcoming live-action feature film 'The Muppets' | Disney Film Auditions Find Disney Movie Auditions 2012

I have worked in the Entertainment Industry as long as I can remember. I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists since 1985. I decided to create and maintain this blog in my spare time to help people who are interested in becoming a professional actor for Disney. I hope the free information on this site can help you continue working as a professional actor, or help aspiring actors achieve your dream of working as an actor or extra in Walt Disney Company Feature Films!

Sincerely,

Alan Baltes

2012 Actors Resource Guide eBooks

The 2012 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are now available. Comprehensive actors resource guides that include listings of talent agents and casting directors, sample actors resumes, acting classes, headshot photographers, extras casting agencies, work permits, child talent information, and many valuable tips and advice. Each eBook contains a minimum of the following:

• Casting Directors List
• Extras Casting Directors List
• Talent Agents List
• Acting Schools List
• Headshot Photographers List
• Actors Unions
• Sample Actors Resume
• Sample Beginning Actors Resume
• Sample Cover Letters
• Audition Tips
• How To Make an Audition Video
• General Talent Agent Information
• Entertainment Industry Terminology
• Child Work Permit Information
• Immigration Work Permit Information
• Non-Immigrant Visa Application
• Miscellaneous Resources
• PDF Users Guides

The 2012 Actors Resource Guide eBooks are now available for Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore/Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Austin, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Michigan, Vancouver, New Zealand, Australia, and London.

More locations coming soon.

Your 2012 Actors Resource Guide eBook will be emailed to you in the form of a PDF Portfolio attachment upon receipt of payment, usually within 24 hours but commonly within several hours or sooner. Also included is a “Single File Format” PDF Actors Resource Guide eBook that can be viewed on any computer, tablet, or smart phone. If payment is made using an "eCheck", the payment must clear your bank before the eBook is sent, and that process usually takes 3-5 business days depending on your bank and country of payment. Please include a preferred email address in the payment form that you would like your eBook sent to, otherwise it will be sent to the email address used for PayPal or Google Checkout payment.

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Note For Young Performers

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.

How Films and TV Shows are Cast

The executives give the "green light" for movies and TV shows to be produced. Then the production company of the project hires casting directors, who in turn send out "breakdowns" of the characters being cast.

These "breakdowns" actually are sent out by a service called "Breakdown Services" and are only available to licensed Talent Agencies.

Then the agents at these agencies submit photos, resumes, and sometimes "demo-reels" to the casting directors. Then the casting directors call in the actors that fit the roles they are casting, usually many many actors are called in.

Then they narrow it down to the best actors who came in and "call back" these actors to read again for the director, sometimes the writer, producer, etc. Then they narrow it down further, and sometimes there are 3 - 4 "call backs" before an actor is finally hired.

Occasionally a casting director will call in an actor who sends a photo and resume on their own without an agent, however it is difficult for talent to find the addresses and casting directors. That is what this website is for. To help people get their photo and resume to the correct casting directors, and to find legit open casting calls.

Back Stage

I am happy to announce my partnership with Back Stage, the industry leading trade magazine in the United States. Back Stage is the top resource for audition information, casting calls/casting notices, training opportunities, and entertainment-industry jobs, news, and interviews.

Film and theatre are the main topics reviewed and reported upon, but the television, radio, dance, music, cabaret, voice-over, modeling, commercial advertising, and stand-up comedy industries are also included in Back Stage's coverage. Back Stage is closely tied to its primary sister publications, The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard.

Readers of my blogs receive a special offer from Backstage.

Demo Reel Information

An actors demo reel (or "demo tape") is a short compilation of clips from professional acting work on films, commercials, and television shows. It is usually no more than a few minutes in length.

A demo reel IS NOT the same as an "Audition Video". An Audition Video IS a homemade video that you make when casting directors are accepting audition video submissions.

It is NOT necessary to send in a demo reel when submitting for roles. Only submit a demo reel if the casting directors request it, or through an agent.

Will casting directors consider me if I randomly send in my photo/resume and don't have an agent?

Here is what casting director Gayle Pillsbury of Zane/Pillsbury Casting said in regards to general submissions when asked the following question:

If an actor does not have representation by a talent agent, what is the best way for them to get noticed by a casting director?

"You can also try and send a general submission of yourself to a casting office – I’ve opened some pictures and just really liked the picture of the person and held onto it until an appropriate role came up so I could audition that actor. And while I don’t want to sound discouraging, general submissions are a long shot – you’re really bargaining on timing and luck. But again, it’s about being pro-active and creative-minded."

Read the entire interview here:

Gayle Pillsbury Interview

Click Here for Gayle Pillsbury at IMDb

Here is casting director Jeff Greenberg's response to the following question:

Do you ever cast actors who are without representation?

"We do cast actors without representation."

Read the entire interview here:

Jeff Greenberg Interview

Click Here for Jeff Greenberg at IMDb

These statements mirror what the vast majority of casting directors have told me over the last 20+ years. I have a separate website that addresses talent agency issues. It includes FAQ, scam alerts, and a state-by-state listing of all legit talent agents in the USA.

Click Here to go to my Talent Agents information and resources website.

Does It Cost Anything To Audition For Disney Films?

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!

Important information about uploading audition videos

A large number of casting directors and studios are now using Cast It Systems' ActorCast to allow people to upload audition videos for specific projects and roles.

When uploading audition videos, make absolutely sure to follow the directions exactly as stated. If they want it done a specific way, then do not disregard the instructions and do whatever you want.

Not following the instructions is a sure way to NOT get a call back. If you can't follow simple directions on how to tape and submit an audition video, then the casting director will assume that you may not be able to take direction well on set during filming. And that is not a good thing. So be very careful and follow the directions exactly as they are explained. Remember that not following directions can cost you the part!

Why You Should NOT Call Casting Directors

Unsolicited phone calls and personal visits to casting directors are prohibited in the entertainment industry. Not only does it display a huge level of non-professionalism, it is extremely inconsiderate of casting directors time. They receive hundreds, and even thousands of photos and resumes every week. They certainly can not accommodate being inundated with phone calls from actors, and aspiring actors.

Talent Agents who know casting directors can call them if it is for a very important reason such as rescheduling a client for an audition. But calling casting directors, production companies, producers, and studios is an agents job, NOT an actors.

The only exception to this extremely important rule is if you are RETURNING a phone call after they have contacted you first.

Audition Guidelines

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.

Desire To Be Famous

Just a note about wanting to be famous. If your goal is to be "famous", the best thing to do is to keep it to yourself.

When you audition with a casting director or an agent, they almost always ask you what your goals are and why you want to be an actor. If you say "I want to be famous", they will surely end the interview and show you the door.

Always say something like "Acting is my passion and destiny. I can't be happy doing something else, and I want to be the very best actor that I can possibly be. I want to always learn and study acting (or dance, singing, etc) and never be satisfied at where my talent level is!". Now they will definitely LOVE hearing something along those lines!

But be sincere when you say that, because "being famous" should never be a reason that you want to be an actor.

Advice For Parents

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.

Advice For Child Actors

1. Have fun and enjoy every performance.

2. Learn as much as possible from the professionals you work with.

3. Get your rest, and drink plenty of water!

4. Be respectful and do what you are asked to do to make the child wrangler's job easy.

5. Remember you are there to do a job.

6. Share the experience with your friends and family.

7. Visit as many places as you can.

8. Be thankful for the opportunity.

9. Use your down time to keep up with schoolwork.

10. Laugh, Laugh, Laugh.

Important Safety Information

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.

Disney Film Auditions