1-18-08
Dancing in Itchy Costumes
Time to start thinking about summer! Yes, it’s somewhere between minus-6 and 53 degrees outside, but now is the time to plan your summer gigs. Many actor/singer/dancer/stage combat folks find gainful summer employment at theme parks nationwide. The advantage of these gigs is you get experience. The disadvantage is that you’re doing the same cheesy show seven times a day for people who are taking a break from all that walking around to sit in the air conditioning.
Fortunately, some of us like cheese. Face it, theme park shows are fun and light, a bonding experience for the cast, a chance to be some kid’s hero and play outdoors all summer (and winter, too, if you get a job in Florida).
The downside is, most of these gigs don’t pay very well. The average singer/dancer at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg made only $465/week according to their Web site. While not bad for a summer job, it’s not exactly going to pay a mortgage.
If you are more of a backstage type, these places are also looking for stage managers and technicians. Generally speaking, you should send your resume in and if they want to speak with you, they will conduct interviews on the same days as the audition calls.
Below is a list of what I’m calling “DUH” items—you know, those things that you’d think everyone would know in order to be a working professional. However, several parks specifically addressed these items on their Web sites, indicating a certain level of cluelessness to which our readers will not be able to lay claim after this article. So pay attention and make us look good.
Bring a professional photo and resume, which will not be returned, so don’t even ask. If you don’t have a professional headshot, and you know you want to be a performer, use this opportunity to invest in one. If you’re still in school and can’t afford a professional photo, please do not submit your school ID picture. Have someone take a decent snapshot of you and use some of the money you make this summer to get a professional photo done.
Make sure you can be at all rehearsals and performances as required. Seriously, they had to specifically note this?
You will have to get yourself to and from the park, which can be far from public transportation, so plan accordingly.
Since space here is limited, be sure to call or check out the Web sites for more details.
With these in mind, here are a few places to look for summer employment as a performer (in no particular order).
Disney World, Orlando, FL
Audition dates: Jan. 18 and Feb. 15 (these are open calls for actors, singers and dancers with sign-in beginning at 8:00 a.m.). Callbacks will be held in Orlando on Feb. 28.
Requirements: Singers should prepare one 16-bar musical selection and bring clear sheet music in the appropriate key as an accompanist will be provided. Pre-recorded accompaniments or a capella auditions are not allowed. Dancers should wear comfortable, form fitting dance attire and appropriate shoes—there will be both a ballet and jazz combo. Actors should prepare a 1-minute comedic monologue and be prepared to read from a side.
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
Audition Dates: In Nov/Dec the Busch Gardens team goes on an audition tour, getting as close to Chicago as Muncie, IN (Ball State Univ.). However, you may also send in a taped audition. (Contact them for deadlines, since none were listed on the Web site.)
Requirements: In general your audition should be no more than 90 seconds. Actors should prepare a 1-minute comedic monologue. Singers are asked to prepare two songs (a ballad and up-tempo) with accompaniment. Bring sheet music prepared in the correct key. A cassette tape or CD may also be used for accompaniment. They are looking for singers that are proficient in more than one performance style, including: rock, pop, musical theatre, swing, and classical. Dancers will be taught a brief combination at the audition.
Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL
www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/jobs/Auditions.aspx
Audition Dates:
Saturday, Jan. 26 and Feb. 16 (open call) with 8 a.m. registration for singers
and 10:30 a.m. registration for dancers. You may also call 847/249-1776 ext.
4646 to schedule an appointment.
Requirements: Six Flags lists
very detailed audition requirements on their Web site, and are looking for
similar talents as the previous two parks listed—singing various styles of
music, dancing and comedic acting. They also are auditioning for Fright Fest on
Feb. 16 and for Justice League character actors who can bring Batman, Robin,
The Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Two Face, and The Joker to life.
Custer’s Last Stand, Evanston, IL
Audition Dates: None, contact John Szostek, executive director of Evanston Festival Theatre, the producing organization for the Custer St. fair as well as Piccolo Theatre. Phone 847/328-2204 to discuss opportunities.
Requirements: While street fairs in Chicago my appear to be a great place to showcase your theatre company or acting skills, in reality competing with nine kinds of sizzling meat on a stick and the el rolling by is not conducive to a theatrical performance, unless it is one based more on circus arts and spectacle. The Custer fair is notably different in that there is a small theatre right in the middle of the action, which is air conditioned and fully stocked with snacks and cold drinks, making it a nice stopping off point for fair-goers. In the past Piccolo Theatre has presented a short melodrama written by the company, and this year Szostek has said he might entertain the idea of giving a few performance slots up to other companies. He also said that there is an outdoor stage where he likes to program variety acts and spectacles—think Actors Gymnasium and puppet shows alongside a Native American pow-wow. Children’s theatre groups may find success in the street fair market as well. Check metromix.com and the City of Chicago Web sites for listings of street fairs that may have a children’s stage.