Don't kill me when I say, I'm not a huge fan of Disney, and I rarely put myself through the pain of watching Disney films. So it was a bit of a random decision to audition to be a character and parade performer at Disneyland Paris. I must be mad.
The auditions were an experience to say the least, a crowded room full of crazy Disney fanatics (and one butch woman who was clearly pissed and lost) prancing around, was not my idea of fun. I never thought for a second I would get through, but here I am, waiting to be jetted off to Paris, to dress up everyday, listen to those annoying songs and interact with the millions of children. Sounds like my idea of hell.
So, why do I want to go so bad?
I honestly have no idea. I'm known to have pretty random ideas of what to do with my life, that change on a day to day basis and I've always loved to perform and travel, so this maybe is not as crazy as it seems. But you see, Disney being Disney- one of the most powerful companies in the world; would have to over complicate a simple casting procedure.
I auditioned back in April, and they're allowed to keep our files until October, which after that mean we have to audition again. There was about 500 people in my audition and about 25 made it through. You'd think that was a pretty low amount, but I doubt a single one of us is yet to hear any news about a position.
Their method is putting everyone on a list, and we have to wait for someone to leave that matches our criteria. That's height to the cm and our dancing and acting ability on a scale of 1-10. So the chances are pretty slim that anyone is going to leave in that time that matches me exactly.
It's quite annoying that your whole life goes on hold, waiting for this one call to say your going. Do you start a new job? Go to university? The fact they say you have a job, but then its not 100% (probably not even 50%) is highly frustrating.
Whilst waiting and wondering whats going on I did a little research, not being too happy with what I found.
Firstly, the high rates of suicide of workers at Disneyland Paris - WTF?
And, the rumour you get sacked if you dont smile 24/7 - which is quite easy to believe after the audition.
So, I have kept myself from doing anymore research that may put me off, its living in Paris getting paid pretty good money and an apartment for doing very little - an idea which I do not like, but love.
So here's the latest on my situation, I emailed the casting director last week to just ask what was going on.. It seems a lot of people must feel as frustrated because I got what looks very likely to be an automated email. Joy. Here it is:
"Dear Lucy,
Thank you for your patience and understanding in waiting so long for a
position here at the Character and Parade Department at Disneyland
Paris. As of this moment you are still on our books and awaiting a
position to be come available. You will not need to attend our next set
of auditions.
We will contact you as soon as we have any news.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding in this matter."
So, as I wait for the inevitable I can think about more crazy ideas for my life plan. If anyone has any good ones, I'm all for open ideas...
