A Very GOOFY Adventure

For those of you who don’t know, we have a projection show we play on the castle nightly, titled “The Magic, The Memories, and You.”

I was watching said show one night with some awesome pals (aka, I was working parade audience control). I noticed that a photo of me was put on the castle. They use photos from that days different events such as shows, parades, family gatherings, et cetera. I was on the castle. How cool!

It got me thinking how much art can impact someones life. Theatre has the ability to connect with people in a way that transcends a physical level. I do this day to day. That is super cool! I am someones memory.

I wish that every actor may have this experience. Whether you are reciting a timeless classic, or meeting someone in an unscripted environment, the memories you can create are worth a lifetime. 

On an unrelated note- Shout out to my girl Becca. I know she follows my blog. She wrote a new play and it is INCREDIBLE.

Which means we are working so much harder to keep the park running.

I’ve been learning a lot about the reality of being a working adult and actor. 

Yes, I am very lucky to have a job. I have the consistency of work that most people as working actors do not get. However, casting is also very much miming the realities of any working actor. 

That being said, I need to keep my mouth shut on a lot of things. Just know that connections, and networking are so important. Part of your job as an actor will always be making friends, keeping good relationships, and being able to keep yourself in the front of peoples minds. That, and a lot of hard work at the “bottom of the totem pole” is how you get “good work.”

Is my job fun? yes. Is it glamorous? absolutely not. 

And I’m learning this is my future and my reality. I have to spend my time at the bottom, so I can some day possibly move up. 

That being said, I am loving work. I am blessed to touch the lives of so many people. 

So on the real… Disney has been messing with my brain!!

I can just throw out there that I was never super into the whole magic and fantasy thing. I was definitely a realist as a kid. Even when I first applied to the program, and up until I moved in. It was just a job; a cool job. I knew Disney was a fun place to be.

Maybe I’m getting brainwashed! I feel like I believe so much more in the magic and fantasy of it all. It’s probably the fact that I hear phrases like “May all your dreams come true” all day.

I guess maybe I’m crazy. When it comes down to it, I think the following things have happened.

1) I know how much effort goes into making and preserving the fantasy and magic. I know there are thousands and thousands of people who come in to work to make your day great. Knowing that is heart warming. I see every cast member in our backstage areas. Are there assholes and divas? Absolutely. There are also people who come off just so happy to have interacted with the guests. 

2) I get to watch happy children all day. I think that makes me automatically happy. Except when theyre annoying. Then I get angry. I actually love older guests. I think they’re the real kids. Adults love to get so child like when they see us. I think it’s helped me remember to not take myself too seriously. Just because I am twenty, and someone is giving me a pay check does not automatically make me some stuffy old adult. Live a little.

So when it comes down to it, I’m definitely living in this fantasy world in my head right now. The end. 

… am I crazy?

SORRY!

I’M SO BAD AT BLOGGING!

Well hello there world! It’s been a while since I posted something actually worth reading and insightful. 

Let me start by saying it is an insane week here at the WDW. Daytona 500, Princess Marathon, and All Star Weekend. InSaNeE

Since my last post, I’ve made some new “friends.” Specifically Baloo, and I visted my friend Goofy at breakfast for the first time. 

I’ve been struggling with what my role in the company has been. My program ends on May 18th. I know I am going to want to stay. Moreover I really am going to want to move down here, forget school, and perform in parades, shows, etc.IF I TELL YOU I AM MOVING DOWN HERE, YELL AT ME. I realized this week that I really really really need to place more value on my degree. I feel like I am successful in my roles here. I want to think it is because I have the skill set necessary to do my job well. I have this skill set because of the fantastic training I’ve had from my college, high school, theatre camps, shows, et cetera. 

So I want to move down here, never get a degree, and have just Disney on my resume. Does that sound dangerous to anyone else. So as much as it kills me to come to this realization, I have to admit I have to finish my degree. 

I value my degree, my school, and all that I have learned so much more knowing what sorts of opportunities it will bring me. I can not at this time in my life put myself at risk of losing opportunities. Disney will not be gone in then next few years. I can return. So, sorry Mickey. I’ll be back! For now, I got two and a half more months to LIVE IT UP! 

If you’re looking for another great Disney blog, check out http://bird-of-passage.tumblr.com/. She posts some stunning photographs of the characters. Love it!  

So as you all know, I’m a performer. However today they needed someone in PAC, or parade audience control. Aka I get to talk to and interact a lot today. I’m excited. It’s actually fun to do something new.

“please don’t stand there, and have a magical day”

Yeah, you. I know you read this blog. You should start following me! Also, there are links for you to submit questions. I’m dying to get some questions and feedback from everyone. 

As for now, happy day off to me! 

We create happiness by providing the finest in entertainment.” - Walt Disney World Resort Company Philosophy. I chose to open with this quote, because in these nine words, I can explain exactly what my passion in life is.

It took moving halfway across the country to really “put my thumb on it.” That is, I have just recently moved to Orlando, Florida to accept an internship with the Walt Disney World Resort as an Entertainer. In my time here, I really have been able to discover why entertainment is so important to me. I will be able to speak about my internship to a greater extent if requested.

First and foremost I like to think of myself as an entertainer, or performance artist. From my very youngest years, I enjoyed the concept of play. In that sense I suppose I have always been a performer. The simple game of “house” developed and became my passion in life. The ideas of play, creation, and imagination have always been of value to me. That naturally evolved into a life in the theatre. I have been “acting” for as long as I can remember. The real passion for me is the creation aspect of entertainment. Many acting theorists believe that acting, or the art theatre, is about creating an alternative world; a world that parallels reality, and coexists in however we so chose.

That being said, I am particularly interested in theatre with a loaded social context. I believe that with creation comes much responsibility. We are responsible for the alternative world we create. Why then would it be farfetched to create a world where we address otherwise intangible issues? I believe strongly that the theatre—creation—rightfully should address issues in social justice, history, human rights, or politics.

This is where happiness becomes a factor. In my time here at the Walt Disney World company, I have been able to create happiness for guests. For each of my guests, I am part of a larger project where we create “the happiest place on earth.” Some can argue that there is nothing different about Disney World. It is on the same earth. We breathe the same air. There is no literal “magic.” However, there is something created here. The guest areas are referred to as “on stage.” That is exactly what it is. There is a new magical world created at the Walt Disney World Resort. When Walt first opened his park, he had intentionally built it so that there was no view to the outside world. Disney World, as he saw it, was an escape to the trying and harsh reality. I am a piece in this beautiful and happy creation. In that sense, I am creating happiness by providing the finest in entertainment.

I feel confident to say that creating happiness is a passion of mine. I achieve this through the medium of performance art. My time at the Walt Disney World company has helped me really actualize this is where my passion truly is.

I’m starting to carry an “idea journal” with me.

It’s about to get real creative up in here!! 

Expect many unrefined, ridiculous, and absurd ideas to be posted!

Happy creating! 

Hey hey hey!! 

So it has been a week since I posted. Sorry! To let you all know, I wanted to wait until today after I officially began the courses I am taking. If you are unaware on top of my employment through the company, they are also offering me college level courses to take to betten enhance my experience here. I am enrolled in two courses through Walt Disney World, “Creativity and Innovation,” and “Professional Development Series: Entertainment Show Production.” 

Which takes me to today’s post! Yesterday (Wednesday) was my first day of Creativity and Innovation. The course is focused on how to focus a creative energy and process into whatever we do. For me it is theatre design, performance, color guard, dance, et cetera. This also can be applied to any area like business, marketing, human resources, and many more. 

My big discovery of the week has to be what it really does take to be a creative person. More importantly I am thrilled seeing the principals I have learned over the years manifest themselves in the here and now. I can’t pretend I haven’t always thought of myself as being creative. 

I think the biggest thing I will take from this course is that I have so many opportunities in the world ahead of me. My biggest concern as a student has been how a theatre degree will translate to the job market. Creative individuals are needed in every level of every company world wide. Creativity is a skill that can be refined, shaped, and molded. I am not always sure it can be learned. 

So my discovery this week. I have a huge gift. 

So in the end, thank you. Thank you to my professors who have pushed me to think beyond the conventional. Thank you to my parents for driving me to acting classes as a kid, and never missing a show. Thank you to all my coworkers who allow me to create magic every day. Thank you to my friends and your continuous support in everything I do. 

My backyard being EPCOT. 

Epcot was made to be an epic prediction of a future society. “experimental prototype community of tomorrow.” Where the sky was the limit, and the impossible was indeed possible. They then added the world showcase. People like to think of them as two separate parks. I however see them as one. The world showcase highlights a society where countries are living harmoniously. Is this not a feasible goal for our tomorrow? What about countries coexisting is really that absurd? So I offer you this… The epics of space travel was a dream made reality. Then, when can we make the world showcase a today instead of a tomorrow. Just my socially conscious thought of the day. Perhaps, this is what Walt really wanted to see.

I’ve officially begun work. Got my first big kid pay check, too! Programs in full swing. Still loving it down here.

One thing I’m getting super excited for is for our ‘bidding.’ So when you audition, the casting directors assign you a number 0-5 in your dance skills, and your “animation” skills. That number then determines what shows and parades you can preference to be in. If you do so, the rehearsals will show up on your schedule and boom you can be in that show whenever needed. So, in theory you could be a 3 dancer, 5 animator. Lets say Festival of the Lion King needs a 5/5 (I’m just throwing some random numbers). You would then be ineligible. However, lets say Beauty and the Beast Live needs a 2/4 code… You would then be able to put in a preference to be called to rehearse that show. There are of course other factors, such as seniority that play a big part in it all. Pretty efficient system for a company that consistently has people coming in and out, and can not keep a consistent cast. 

Another great thing we do as a company is create what we call “magical moments.” This is basically any time in the day where you get to make someone feel a little special. Can’t say too much about my individual ones, since it would tell a little too much. However, I can say these are very special. It really is something special when you realize that you have become reality. To many of these kids (and adults too) they are meeting their childhood heros. In drum corp we discuss the costume not being a superhero suit. I think it definitely is one here. There is something very special being able to create something that touches everyone. This to me, although not always the best working condition, is what theatre is supposed to do. To create a sort of fantasy for our audiences to become so absolutely taken away, that all the problems of the world seem to fade.

Quick Disney fact: there is no place in any of parks where the outside world is viewable. This was an intentional design choice by Walt himself. He wanted to create a world where the problems of today disappear and we enter an ideal fantasy world of joy and play.  

Love this video of our friend Jack and Sally. Wish they still came to visit us here in, WDW. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ourUgiRjAas&feature=related

One thing that thrilled me today in training class was when we discussed the idea of simple and specific. 

This is a topic we cover quite a bit in the Cornell College acting classes. Especially with Jim! I found that this lesson has applied perfectly with my work as a performer in the company. 

Since I am often trying to convey messages to my audience with no voice, I am charged with using physicality to convey what I want. Furthermore my costumes often block a great deal of movement. All this together makes a very muddy communication between me and my partners (both guests and fellow performers). 

That, my friends, is where “Keep it Simple and SPECIFIC” comes in. If I am asking my guests to take a picture, I can use ten gestures, or I can use three. Three is the better option

I am risking saying a tad too much here. However, I’d like to emphasize the importance of keeping things simple and specific as an actor. ESPECIALLY when you are relying only on full body physicality for communication 

Yesterday was my birthday. Spent it working, and in the park. FUN!

On another note. I’ve made a few new “friends” in the parks. This is going to be an exciting adventure  

One of the biggest question I get is “Well how do you become a character performer in WDW?” 

AUDITIONS!

The company holds regional auditions all the time, so you can check the website for the next audition in your area!

My day started by a nice train ride into the city of Chicago on a brisk October morning. The audition was held at a professional dance studio in the city. You’ll go in, walk in to the studio and so it begins!

First thing you’ll do is walk in and go to sign in. A couple of employees will greet you. I must say, they are so friendly and welcoming! Then you’ll get a chance to chill out… STRETCH! They do not give you a designated stretch time, so take this chance to stretch. You’ll be on your feet all day.

Next thing is the entire group will begin the audition together. There will be a choreographer who will give you an eight-count dance “across the floor.” This is a term for a dance that is made to travel you from one place to another. This is pretty simple routine and is able to really separate who is ready, and who needs more movement skills to continue on to become a character. Each person is given the chance to go across the room one time, in a line of five. After that they will immediately call out the numbers who will remain in the audition.

SO, you past the first round. Now it is time to DANCE! Wait! First there are logistics to do. They will then measure each person in the audition, take the weight, and have you fill out a full application. This indicates they are in fact interested in you. If you do not complete these steps, they will not be considering you for a role in the show! 

Next it is time to dance! You will begin to learn a full routine. There will be a single choreographer there to teach the dance. Meanwhile there are two casting directors who will be watching, taking notes. They are looking for “pixie dust.” That is, that special little something you can bring as a performer. That being said, my biggest advice is to NOT TRY to show off what you can do. Leave the flashy costumes at home. Do not push yourself to the front as much as possible. Do not add your own choreography. This is not the time to show off your skills. This is time to show them you are a talented individual with a little special something. A good face when you perform, a little magic. A note to “non-dancers.” This round will NOT knock you out… IF you are able to stay animated and have this pixie dust through it all. Not all characters can dance well. In fact, most characters are not well trained ballerinas. JUST PERFORM. PERFORM PERFORM PERFORM. Additionally, breathe! These are the best two words to have in the back of your mind the whole time. You will mess up. You will look a fool. The best thing you can do is enjoy it all. This is your time to be you and show them what a talented performer you are. If you are a dancer, the choreography will be nothing for you. Nothing complex. This is definitely achievable by non dancers.

Congrats! That part of the day is over… for now. Next is what we will call “animation.” This is Disney terms for character acting. THIS IS THE TIME TO BE BIGGER THAN LIFE. You will be given a situation, or a full story. An example commonly used at auditions is “washing a dog.” You must then tell the story of washing a dog as a character. The character is not assigned. They will guide you the entire time. You will add it piece by piece (entrance, beginning, middle, end, exit, etc). Just keep in mind that you are being a character here (Mickey, Goofy, Genie, Stitch…) so you can not go too big here. You will still be in a large group for a while, so you need to stand out. The audition pool is talented! 

Now we repeat. Over and over. Both dancing and animation. Over and over. Drink tons of water. Don’t give up. Almost done!

Alright, so now we need to do our final audition. In this you will do both your animation and dance together (INSANE!!). The music for the dance will come on, and before you come in you have ALL that time to animate. You will do this in a small group setting (approx six people) two times in a row. The rest of the pool will be in the room watching you. Give them a show!!! This is your last chance. Everyone will finish.

Then you are dismissed… Have fun waiting! (If you’re wondering, waiting does suck. If they say its going to be “at latest ____date” then it will be the last possible day. There is too much talent, and too many auditions to make a quick decision. Remember approximately 2000 will audition for a little over 100 spots!

Now, you MAY be asked to stay after everyone is dismissed. There are a few options they may chose to better evaluate you. In my personal experience, there were 10 of us asked to stay (including me). 3 of us were “pulled for face.” If this occurs, they will take multiple photos of your face. They are considering you for a face character role. Such as the princesses, princes, and many of the villains. Others are selected to dance more. They may do the same dance, or learn an entirely new routine. This is dependent on the audition. BEING CHOSEN/NOT CHOSEN FOR THIS PART OF THE AUDITION HAS NO INDICATION OF YOUR LIKELIHOOD OF BEING CHOSEN. Many of the current character performers were not selected after auditions, and many who were not offered positions. 

If you’re waiting for your decision to come in the e-mail, just wait it out. I know it is terrible, but seeing “Congratulations!” is one of the best things you can see on your email.

If you’re now reading this as a new CM, well then I welcome you! 

Apartment 15202 ROCKS!

I currently reside in Chatham Square, one of the three CP housing complexes. The others are Vista Way, Patterson Court, and The Commons (used for international students.) Each of these is like a neighborhood in a way, composed of anywhere from 20 to 40 buildings, with about 6 apartments in each building. They do have to house 3,000 at a time! In each apartment there can be between 2-8 CPs. In mine there are six including myself. There are four of us working as CPs (is the CP thing getting confusing yet? in this case CP is character performer), and two are working in QSFB (quick service food and beverage). 

Its a great place to live, complete with a pool, work out facility, open areas, lots of parking, laundry, and a full (I mean FULL) security force. 

Lets talk about security! It’s pretty tight. No one enters the neighborhood without a company issued housing ID. It says your building. You must have this to enter the neighborhood. Theres a huge pavilion when you enter with about four guards at a time. NO ONE enters the neighborhood unseen. That’s for sure! 

Lets just throw this out there- They are tight on their rules. Some are ridiculous: No hanging anything from the walls in the apartments. Some are obvious: no drinking in the apartments designated as dry. Some are great: they’re fast and free to fix apartment issues. Such a convenient company running the complex. They came on in and fixed out broken outlet nearly immediately. Furthermore the security that greats you as you enter is very friendly. Everyone is very interested in each other. I’m big on family, and I’m getting that sense in a very larger sense.  

They are more than ready to send home people not serious about the program! You can be terminated from the program for a “simple” violation on the first time. I.E. underage drinking. Looks like a very sober program for me!! (Good thing I’m under 21!). If anyone in the apartment messes up, we could all go home for it. I’m glad I have a great group of roommates so I’m not too worried about that. Guys, don’t make me regret saying this! 

Orlando is a great area. Tons of food! Obviously a great deal of entertainment as well. As CMs, we get TONS of discounts on area attractions. Full Chic-fil-a meal for 3 dollars? I’ll take it! 50% off Cirque-du-soleil? Absolutely! I’m getting cultured!!! Work hard, play hard! 

Let me know if you have any questions on living during the program! I’d love to hear feedback from you all!!

Couple terms that might help you along in the blog:

CP- College Program (either the program, or a member of program)

HUB- Disneys employee webpage, used for company communications

MK- Magic Kingdom

“friends”- a term I will not be able to disclose. Use some context clues!

Cast Member (CM)- Disney’s term for employee

Guest- We don’t like to use customer

On stage- Anytime ANY CM can be seen by a guest. Including non “performance” roles

Traditions- Company wide CM training. Foundational training on things such as park policy, the utilidors (or “the underground city.”), and company history.

I’ll update these as more come up! It is only day two!! 

 

Hello all!

Since this is my first post and all, I’ll start by introducing myself. I’m Nick Benz. I’m about to turn twenty and I am a sophomore theatre student at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. I am currently a character performer in the Walt Disney World College Program. I’ll attach a link at the bottom of the post if you’d like to read their publications.

For this entire semester I’ll be working as a character performer in the parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, et cetera), resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, etc) or anywhere else you might meet a Disney friend such as at a character breakfast! This is a program offered to 3,000 college students per semester. Cast Members can be placed in a multitude of different roles, such as custodial, food service, hospitality, attractions, and many others. 

As part of the program, we are also offered the opportunity to take courses through the company. These are non-credited courses. They have however been suggested by the American Council for Education to be accepted for credit hours. It is then up to each individual college if they would accept the credit. In my case, Cornell College has not accepted the credit. I will be taking the courses Creativity and Innovation and Entertainment Show Production. These courses don’t start for a few days, but I plan on submitting all my course work to this blog for your enjoyment! 

As for living here, there are different Disney provided apartment complexes for College Program Interns. I live in Chatham Square, one of said apartments. Chatham is more so the neighborhood than anything  We then live in building 15! 
Orlando has been a great place for living so far! Great food options and of course the most magical place of all right next door!! 

Well, that is all for now! I’ve got early morning training tomorrow (6:45am!!) called Traditions. Traditions will definitely be getting its own post. It is a six hour session for all new cast members!

Photos will come as well!