If you’re wondering how to audition for Disney, the first thing to understand is that there isn’t one type of Disney audition.
A character performer at Walt Disney World, an actor auditioning for a Disney Channel series, and an actor being considered for a Disney+ drama can all be working toward a Disney job, but they enter the process through very different doors.
The good news is that those doors are identifiable. Once you know which part of Disney you’re actually targeting, you can stop looking for a mythical universal submission form, and start preparing for the casting process that applies to your particular kind of work.
As a major brand, auditioning for Disney can feel daunting, but the more you know, the easier it’ll be to approach it.
Key Insights
- Disney auditions follow different casting routes depending on whether you’re pursuing Parks & Resorts, film, television or Disney+ projects.
- Disney Parks posts public opportunities through its official auditions hub, while screen projects are typically cast by independent casting directors through agents and casting platforms.
- Strong, accurate submission materials and authentic performance choices can help actors stand out without trying to fit a stereotypical idea of what “Disney” looks like.
How To Find the Right Disney Audition for You
There are essentially three different routes to think about: Disney Parks & Resorts, screen productions, and Disney+ or other streaming projects. Each route has its own process, and it’s important to understand which one relates to the type of production.
For Disney Parks & Resorts, there is an official auditions hub, which lists opportunities across Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland Paris, international Disney resorts, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Auditions are searchable by location and talent type.
For film and television, whether that’s through Disney+ or a third-party casting company, a casting director and their team are usually hired to cast the specific production. This way, you can avoid a generic search and ask to be submitted by your representation, or be invited through casting platforms.
How to Audition for Disney Parks and Resorts: Characters, Dancers and Singers
The auditions for Disney Parks are the most direct type offered, because they’re publicly advertised. The breakdowns specify what kind of performer they’re looking for, what they need to prepare, and if there are any special skills required to apply.
Some roles involve character performance, where you’re interacting with guests while upholding the Disney performance standard. A costumed character would perform inside a full costume, whereas a face character, portraying a recognizable Disney figure, would require a more visible appearance.
When it comes to the audition itself, former Disney character performer-turned casting director Saroya Zadeh, says, “It takes a lot of courage to place yourself into any audition setting, and the goal of our team is to make the experience as comfortable as possible.” Be prepared to move, dress comfortably and have fun.
How To Get Seen for Disney Film, TV, and Disney+ Projects
Typically, Disney projects on screen are cast in the same way as any other film or television production. A casting director will release a breakdown, requesting a self tape or live audition. Agents then submit their clients directly, or you can apply via the relevant casting platform.
Generally, Disney will use trusted casting teams like Sarah Finn (Marvel) or Koczara/Shevchenko Casting (Wizards Beyond Waverly Place). So while the projects fall under the Disney umbrella, the process is usually outsourced to independent casting directors.
For Disney auditions, the brand name can make actors overthink the performance, but the fact that something is Disney does not mean the audition requires you to become a generic version of what you think that looks like.
Casting director David Rapaport (Gossip Girl) has spoken about the importance of actors making choices, rather than trying to reverse-engineer what they believe casting wants. This ethos should especially be applied here, so you can go against any preconceived notions when you see those famous ears.
What Your Submission Materials Need To Look Like
Before you worry about getting a Disney audition, make sure the materials casting receives are doing their job. There are certain professional standards that Disney requires you to adhere to, in order to ensure your work gets seen.
Make sure your headshot is current, and that it actually looks like you. Choose theatrical ones where appropriate, especially for screen work, and choose commercial headshots for character performance roles.
The credits on your resume should be accurate, the special skills listed should be truthful, and the links to your reel should work. While these things feel simple, their absence can make a major difference. The goal is to make your materials as clear and accessible as possible, so that casting can find the relevant information that will make them more likely to call you in.
Building the Career That Gets You in the Room
To get a Disney audition, you should have a functioning professional skill set and experience. Knowing which skills are relevant and where, will help you get in the right room.
A Disney Parks performer may need strong dance ability and experience with choreography. Disney Talent casting director Kelly Goff explains, “What we’re looking for is their ability to pick it up quickly, retain it, and also be able to perform at the same time.”
While these skills can keep you in the running, what can push you over the finish line is your enthusiasm and personality. Disney’s official character performer guide states: “We are seeking energetic individuals who can bring our world-famous characters to life.” Union status is also not automatically required.
For a Disney+ streaming series, on-camera experience and training in acting techniques hold more weight. While union status depends on the production agreement and whether it is indeed covered by SAG, it is possible to audition without it. Research what is being cast and by who, and assess whether you have the experience to put yourself forward.
Common Mistakes That Kill Disney Auditions Before They Start
The first is using the wrong route. If you’re interested in Disney Parks, use Disney’s official auditions site. If you’re interested in screen acting, don’t spend your time looking for a generic Disney+ submission form. Build access to the professional casting system instead.
The second is falling for unofficial casting opportunities. Disney is a major global brand, which unfortunately makes it useful bait for scammers. Be cautious about anyone claiming they can guarantee you a Disney audition, asking for unusual upfront payments, or offering a role simply because you’ve submitted photographs online.
The third is trying to look like “Disney.” You don’t need to arrive dressed as a princess because you’re auditioning for Princess Jasmine. You also don’t need to make your self tape artificially wholesome. Read the material and understand the character, approaching the work in the same manner you would any other audition.
The Practical Route to a Disney Audition
Disney is a major employer with different divisions, different casting processes and different requirements. Once you identify which one you’re actually targeting, the process becomes much less mysterious.
Think about the work being done on both sides. According to Sarah Finn, who has cast every single Marvel project since Iron Man in 2006, “It’s an incredibly thorough, detailed, painstaking, thoughtful process that happens over months, if not years, to try to arrive at the best possible match of actor and role and material and director.”
There’s no single path to landing a Disney audition. Knowing where to look puts you much closer to the right opportunity. Disney may be one of the biggest names in entertainment, but the fundamentals remain the same: be prepared, make strong choices and bring your authenticity to the role.
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