Buzz
Disney hires performers to portray its iconic princesses at theme parks across the globe. This is an exciting and highly coveted job, especially for Disney enthusiasts. However, the industry is competitive with strict requirements. Take some time to understand the role of a Disney princess before pursuing this career. It's crucial to know how to succeed in auditions and be prepared for the work environment.
Steps
Meet the Requirements
Understand the Basic Standards. If you're passionate about becoming a Disney princess, there are certain basic criteria you'll need to meet. These include fixed characteristics like height and age. To pursue this role, at minimum, you should meet the following requirements:
- Disney princesses must be between 1.62m and 1.7m tall. This ensures they resemble their on-screen counterparts.
- The minimum age for a Disney princess is 18, with a typical age range from 18 to 23. However, the most successful Disney princesses have usually been between 24 and 26. It’s rare to find a princess older than 27.
- In terms of body size, Disney princesses must fit into a size 10 dress or smaller.
Gain Acting and Performance Experience. Disney doesn't require prior experience to portray a princess. However, acting and performance will be a major part of the job. Your chances of succeeding in an audition will increase if you have acting experience.
- Join a drama club at your high school or college if you're still in school. You can also enroll in acting classes to learn performance techniques. If you're not attending school, look for acting classes nearby.
- Seek out performance opportunities. Audition for school plays or community theater productions. Think about jobs that require you to perform. For example, you could work in a restaurant while playing a character.
- Learn a bit about improvisation. Take an improv class at a local theater or community center. Join an improv group to gain practical experience. You'll need to answer questions when portraying a Disney princess, so learning basic improv skills is essential.
Consider Earning a College Degree. Disney doesn’t set a specific degree requirement for princess roles. However, a degree in fields like theater can increase your chances of success.
- The only drawback of obtaining a college degree is the age factor. Most students graduate around the age of 22, while most Disney princesses are between the ages of 18 and 23.
- On the other hand, earning a degree has its advantages. Disney offers a university program that allows you to work at a Disney theme park while earning credit. You'll gain valuable behind-the-scenes experience and have the opportunity to meet actors, which can lead to a job with Disney and help you land a princess role.
Maintain Your Physique. Disney princesses must not exceed a dress size 10, so keeping your weight in check is important. Having toned muscles is a plus as well. Since auditions primarily focus on non-verbal acting, your physical appearance will give you a significant advantage.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of intense activity each week to stay healthy and fit. Moderate activities include brisk walking or leisurely cycling, while intense activities could involve running. It’s also recommended to do strength training twice a week. If you're aiming to lose weight, you might need to exercise more. Talk to your doctor about weight loss methods as they can offer guidance based on your medical history and current weight.
- It’s best to choose activities you enjoy. For instance, if you dislike running, don’t force yourself to run every day as part of your fitness routine. Instead, try activities you like such as swimming or cycling.
- You can also build strength with classic weight training exercises. Pilates and yoga can also help strengthen your core by using body weight instead of weights.
- A healthy diet can also support your fitness goals. Focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Opt for whole grains and lean proteins such as poultry and fish.
Familiarize Yourself with Disney Princesses. When portraying a Disney princess, you won't get to choose your character. Even if you're passionate about Belle and know every detail about her, you might be cast as Mulan. Therefore, it's essential to learn about all the Disney princesses before your audition.
- There are officially 13 Disney princesses: Jasmine, Ariel, Rapunzel, Tiana, Belle, Merida, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan, Elsa, Anna, and Snow White.
- Disney provides training for those selected to portray princesses. The training includes watching and analyzing the films to help you better understand the character's style and voice. You don't need to memorize every detail about each princess, as Disney doesn't expect you to be an expert on them. However, it's a good idea to watch all the Disney princess movies before your audition. Doing so will demonstrate your commitment to the casting panel.
Attend Auditions
Taking a Portrait Photo. A portrait photo is essential when auditioning to become a Disney princess. High-quality photos printed on standard letter-sized paper work best. Make sure the image represents your current look.
- Select an outfit that suits a portrait photo. Opt for solid-colored clothing instead of patterns to avoid distracting the viewer. However, avoid white as it can be too bright. A V-neck top can make you appear more elegant. Choose a professional yet lively look. Sleeveless tops or short sleeves can also be charming. Avoid wearing jewelry to keep the focus on your face.
- Make up as you would for a normal day. Take extra time to groom yourself thoroughly. Don’t overdo the makeup, as clumpy mascara or smeared lipstick will be noticeable in a portrait. Shimmering eye shadow or glossy lipstick might cause glare, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Avoid cutting or dyeing your hair before the shoot. Stick to your usual hairstyle. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the shoot to ensure your skin looks fresh and smooth.
- You can hire a makeup artist before the photo session. However, this can be costly, and there’s no guarantee you’ll like how you look in the photos. Consider asking a friend with a good camera to take a few flattering shots, then get them printed at a photo lab.
Preparing Your Resume. A resume highlighting your acting and performance experience can be very helpful. Disney recommends keeping the resume to just one page. They do not require prior experience, as you will be trained once hired.
- An actor's resume differs slightly from a regular resume. However, just like a regular resume, it should include basic details such as your name, phone number, and address.
- List any special acting skills. For example, if you've taken professional voice training, this is important information to include.
- List any performances you’ve participated in, specifying the time, location, and role you played.
- Some actresses also list their measurements, height, and weight on their resume. Disney has specific size requirements, so this can be helpful.
- Bring a copy of your resume to the audition. Keep it in a file folder to keep it neat.
Register for an Audition. You can find a list of auditions on Disney’s audition website. Look for auditions for ‘Disneyland Female Look-alike Characters.’ When you click the link, you will see a list of character requirements. If you meet these criteria, you can register for the audition online.
Preparing for the Audition. During the Disney princess audition, no dialogue is required. You will impersonate a Disney character and use gestures to convey emotions. The selection process focuses on coordination, expression, and movement.
- Practice smiling. Disney princesses are expected to always smile while working, so take time to practice smiling in front of a mirror.
- Recording yourself performing the movements is also a helpful way to practice. You can compare your posture and movements with those of the princess you’re impersonating from the movie.
- There’s no need to wear a costume. Disney suggests wearing comfortable clothing for the audition, as you will be asked to perform a series of movements. Choose an outfit that allows you to move freely.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the audition to feel refreshed and energized the next day.
Arriving at the Audition. When you arrive at the audition, there will be staff to assist you with the check-in process. They will record your name, arrival time, and collect your portrait photo and resume.
- Time is crucial for Disney. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled audition time.
- You may feel nervous entering the audition room, but try to stay calm. The Disney director will introduce themselves. You will receive instructions and be asked to perform.
- All Disney auditions are closed to the public. You cannot bring friends or family into the audition room.
Proceed with your work
Participate in Training. If you're selected to be a Disney princess, you will undergo a 5-day training program. You’ll be assigned a character and study the films featuring that character. At the end of the training, you will be able to effectively portray the character's movements, voice, and other traits.
Follow Disney's Rules. Disney has specific guidelines for actresses portraying princesses. Violating any of these rules can lead to termination of your contract.
- You are prohibited from discussing the character you're playing. Additionally, you can't post anything related to your character on social media. This rule is strictly enforced, so make sure you adhere to it.
- While portraying a Disney princess, you should not mention anything outside of the Disney universe. For example, you cannot talk about a Cartoon Network show while playing Mulan.
Understand Your Responsibilities. If selected as a Disney princess, your contract will last for at least one year. While the job seems exciting, it can also be demanding. In some roles, you may have to work outdoors all day, enduring hot or cold weather while wearing costumes. Make sure you're prepared to commit to being a Disney princess for at least a year before signing any contracts.
Be Ready for Quick Thinking. As a Disney princess, you will embody your character all day. At times, you'll also need to answer questions from fans. You should be able to respond on the spot. For example, if you're playing Ariel and a child asks where Flounder is, you should be able to reply with something like, 'Flounder is out playing with Sebastian by the sea today.'
Prepare for Awkward Situations. Many Disney princesses have shared their experiences of being harassed by men in the Disney park. They may ask you when your shift ends, give you their phone number, or behave inappropriately. If you encounter any form of harassment that you can't handle, notify your manager immediately.
Advice
- Many YouTube users post videos showcasing their experiences as Disney princesses, including their work hours. These videos can be a valuable resource for learning more about the audition process and daily life as a Disney princess.
