Welcome to That's Entertainment! In this issue, we'll explore part one of a three-part serial - Audition Tips - Straight From
Source.We spoke with Judy Thomas, production coordinator and artistic talent director with Walt Disney's World on Ice, to learn more about auditioning process. With seven shows currently rotating world, Walt Disney's World On Ice (WWOI) employs about 400 skaters, both men and women. If you're interested in becoming one of next recruits, read on. We'll uncover facts about what it takes to become a professional Disney performer.
6.0 Skate: What should interested skaters do to arrange an audition?
Judy Thomas: We ask that they send a videotape, resume and current photo [see below for address]. Some skaters will just phone, they know that show's coming into, say Boston area at Christmas, and they'll call and enquire about audition time and date. Throughout year, we take names and phone numbers and then contact them when we have an established time and date, and call and let them know.
6.0: Who conducts onsite auditions?
Judy: Performance directors with line captains demonstrating.
6.0: What do you want to see on a video audition?
Judy: Well, what I ask first is that they introduce themselves, and just tell us a bit about themselves. It gives a little more in-person view to video, and also maybe with regards to why they want to perform professionally with Disney on Ice. We request that they perform all elements within a practice session and perform those as though they're performing in front of a house of 18,000 people. Then we ask that they include any competitive programs of their choice as well as any exhibition-type programs. Any time they're able to include a program that's entertaining and shows performing skills, it's really appreciated.
6.0: What don't you want to see?
Judy: I'd say it's best to send a tape of your most current work as opposed to a competition four years ago. It's interesting ... you may receive a tape where someone's falling, and some people think they should edit that out, but it's way they respond to that fall sometimes shows me exactly what I want to see. If they have ability to get up and perform as if it never happened, that's wonderful!
6.0: How many skaters do you hire each year?
Judy: It really depends on our turnover. The amount of auditions vary and it's interesting because you can almost see cycle ....In Toronto four years ago we may have had 45 auditions, where everyone was graduating that year ... and that's usually all seniors in club, and so you almost have to wait until next generation of seniors grow up. So we audition in every city, I'd say we have several hundred auditions a year around world. [It also depends on] how many shows we're building.
6.0: How many shows are currently on road?
Judy: We have seven shows -- five domestic and two foreign tours. The one tour does Japan, Asia, Australia, and then we have a Europe tour, and then one of our domestic shows does part USA and part South America.
6.0: In your opinion, is 17 years of age old enough to travel with a show?
Judy: I think it really depends on person and not everyone is old enough. During audition process we try to determine a maturity level and a level of professionalism. We have a lot of skaters now that come to work with us after they've completed college, and they have that experience behind them, which really helps. I would say our average age is probably higher than 17 or 18, probably more like 21 or 22.
