Cast Members/Entertainers

[HisChildBeth]

I'm still working on my trip report but something else interesting triggered in my mind that I failed to mention in some of minor threads. I went to a lecture on Stageworks and interviews with performers and I highly recommend it for everyone from about 10 and up.

 

What I didn't know was that on the cruise there is a cast of entertainers and that each of those entertainers does multiple roles. I believe they said there were a total of 37 on the Magic. They may be the star in production number, and in the next performance only a walk on dancer. They each one understudy other roles so they can step in for any performer who is sick or injured. They also do "shows" in the night clubs, lead some of the game events, head up evac teams, escort characters when they are going out for pictures and autograph signing, sometimes they are the characters in the costumes, they perform in all the deck parties, and the list goes on and on!!!!!!!!!!

 

These are very talented performers who go to casting calls in locations all over the world. These casting calls are the same as any other casting calls for shows in New York, summer stock, traveling shows, etc. Sometimes they will even have to re-audition to see if they would fit into a new production show or other role. If they make the cut then they are offered a contract. They begin intensive training in Toronto where the entertainer training facility is, about two months before they come aboard ship. When that contract is up, there is no guarantee that they will be offered another one. There are different entertainment teams rotating in and out of contracts, on and off the ships at various times. There will always be a mix of veterans, newbies, and all other types so in that two month training period they have to form a tight, close team that knows each other in and out so they know how each person is going to respond.

 

They are "on" all the time. When they are on contract every detail of their responsibility is put in their contract, even if they get any full or partial days off. On some days they will have rehersals, costume fittings and changes, etc. and in they will 2 or 3 major production numbers, escort or be characters that move around the ship, MC an activity, and then do a late night performance in one of the night clubs. They work so hard to put on a totally mind blowing performances all over the ship and there are not many of us who could do the rigorous job they do.

 

So, when you see a Disney entertainer (they will be seen some times moving around the ship in "plain clothes too) thank them for their hard work and dedication to making your vacation the best it can be. They really do care about each guest on the cruise. If you actively participate in all the available activities you will get to know many of them personally by first names and they will know you. My daughter could name each member of the adult performers (their evening job) and on numerous occasions I would hear them greet her by name.

 

Beth

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Beth,

 

we went to the same lecture and it was very interesting.

I am happy to hear they are still offering it to people.

 

We know a couple of people who have been entertainer swith DCL in the past and they really apreciate it when someone tells them how much they appreciate all they do.

 

They often come and go without being noticed but they do so much for all of us everyday on board. I always go up to the duo in the Promenade at least once during a cruise and thank them for their performance and tell them how much enjoyement they have brought to our cruise.

 

They are so surprized that we thanked them, it doesnt happen often enough to these hard working people.

 

Thankyou for bringing up this subject. Perhaps a few more people will take the time to acknowledge their hard work.

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[cruisedawgg]

I'm still working on my trip report but something else interesting triggered in my mind that I failed to mention in some of minor threads. I went to a lecture on Stageworks and interviews with performers and I highly recommend it for everyone from about 10 and up.

 

What I didn't know was that on the cruise there is a cast of entertainers and that each of those entertainers does multiple roles. I believe they said there were a total of 37 on the Magic. They may be the star in production number, and in the next performance only a walk on dancer. They each one understudy other roles so they can step in for any performer who is sick or injured. They also do "shows" in the night clubs, lead some of the game events, head up evac teams, escort characters when they are going out for pictures and autograph signing, sometimes they are the characters in the costumes, they perform in all the deck parties, and the list goes on and on!!!!!!!!!!

 

These are very talented performers who go to casting calls in locations all over the world. These casting calls are the same as any other casting calls for shows in New York, summer stock, traveling shows, etc. Sometimes they will even have to re-audition to see if they would fit into a new production show or other role. If they make the cut then they are offered a contract. They begin intensive training in Toronto where the entertainer training facility is, about two months before they come aboard ship. When that contract is up, there is no guarantee that they will be offered another one. There are different entertainment teams rotating in and out of contracts, on and off the ships at various times. There will always be a mix of veterans, newbies, and all other types so in that two month training period they have to form a tight, close team that knows each other in and out so they know how each person is going to respond.

 

They are "on" all the time. When they are on contract every detail of their responsibility is put in their contract, even if they get any full or partial days off. On some days they will have rehersals, costume fittings and changes, etc. and in they will 2 or 3 major production numbers, escort or be characters that move around the ship, MC an activity, and then do a late night performance in one of the night clubs. They work so hard to put on a totally mind blowing performances all over the ship and there are not many of us who could do the rigorous job they do.

 

So, when you see a Disney entertainer (they will be seen some times moving around the ship in "plain clothes too) thank them for their hard work and dedication to making your vacation the best it can be. They really do care about each guest on the cruise. If you actively participate in all the available activities you will get to know many of them personally by first names and they will know you. My daughter could name each member of the adult performers (their evening job) and on numerous occasions I would hear them greet her by name.

 

Beth

 

My DW was a crew member on the Wonder for a few years. She had the leading roles in Hercules, Disney Dreams and for all of you ol' schoolers' Mad Jack. She also participated in just about everything Beth mentioned above. She always appreciated when someone recognized her walking around the ship and gave her a "great job!". It made her day every time :)

[Lynart]

My DW was a crew member on the Wonder for a few years. She had the leading roles in Hercules, Disney Dreams and for all of you ol' schoolers' Mad Jack. She also participated in just about everything Beth mentioned above. She always appreciated when someone recognized her walking around the ship and gave her a "great job!". It made her day every time :)

 

My daughter also was a crew member on the Magic and had the leading role in Disney Dreams. She also had a leading role in Hercules. She was also a dancer/singer in all of the other productions and worked 6 days a week! Disney Dreams was performed 3 times a day at that time and she never relied on an understudy. It was really tough on her vocal chords!!Because of all the wigs and makeup, no one ever recognized her on board ship, so she just blended in and became one of the passengers.