Walt Disney World announces auditions for Star Wars performers
Have you ever wanted to portray a Star Wars character? Have you ever made “pew-pew” or “vwhoosh” blaster and lightsaber noises? Are you between 5’10” and 6’4″? If so, Walt Disney World might have the perfect job for you. Star Wars auditions are happening in February for upcoming part time and full time roles.
As a former Star Wars performer at Walt Disney World, I can confirm it is one of the most fun jobs you will ever have. You must also know that you do not need to be nervous for the audition.
I went to my audition with no formal training in acting or dancing. I did have what Disney sought though: a body-size that fit the role. Don’t attend an audition with fear of not being the best. I can assure you, I was not the best dancer nor performer, but I kept working through my mistakes in the audition and didn’t get caught up. I also believe my exact height and body shape (which wasn’t a six-pack, model-type by any means) and my willingness to continue through my audition “mess-ups” is what got me the role.
Alongside Star Wars characters, Disney is also searching for look-alikes for the upcoming live action “The Little Mermaid.”
Darth Vader, the strongest force-user in the galaxy
Disney describes this role as, “strongly placed presence, determined, and athletic with full range of body movement.” To portray this character you must be 6’1″ to 6’4″.
Currently, Darth Vader meets at Star Wars: Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He has also previously been in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple show and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Chewbacca, the loyal-friend and cunning war hero
Disney describes this role as, “warrior, loyal, athletic, and energetic with full range of body movement.” To portray this character you must be 6’1″ to 6’4″.
Currently, Chewbacca meets at Star Wars: Launch Bay and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He can also be seen at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser multi-night experience. He has previously been in Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Stormtroopers, the serious enforcers, comic relief, and iconic soldiers of the First Order
Disney describes this role as, “athletic and energetic with full range of body movement.” To portray this character you must be 5’10” to 6’0″.
Currently, Stormtroopers can be seen in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser multi-night experience. They have previously been seen in Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away, March of the First Order, and enforcing masks at Disney Springs.
Audition Requirements:
These Star Wars auditions will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, and Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. To best set yourself up for an audition, I suggest showing up 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled time. I also recommend wearing gym shorts or sweatpants, as well as a comfortable shirt. To inspire my casting directors to hire me, I wore Kylo Ren sweatpants to my audition (and yes, I am aware that in no way helped me get the job). Closed-toed shoes are a must.
Potential performers will be taught a movement routine and then have to perform that routine in front of the casting directors and other performers. These movement routines are dances, so don’t get them confused with showing off your best lightsaber move or force push. You can show that off in your Star Wars training later. Trust me, as a mega Star Wars fan, the Disney Star Wars performer training is incredibly fun and insightful.
Disney has requirements as well. You must be 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States. You must also create a Disney Audition profile before arriving. Current Walt Disney World International Program and Walt Disney World cast members are not eligible to audition.
Auditions will be held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wardrobe & Rehearsal Facility at 3271 Sherberth Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34747. The building is a large green and tan warehouse. You will enter through the red-marked doors. There is a water fountain and bathroom easily accessible indoors, but I do recommend bringing a small bag to store a water bottle, wallet, keys, and other personal items.
Disney also mentions, “performers will have the opportunity to bring these roles to life, in addition to performing as the world famous Disney Characters, at the Walt Disney World Resort.” I mention this to say, you will not just be one of these characters. Most Disney performers will be with numerous characters a week, sometimes numerous characters in a day.
These auditions are for roles within the next eight months. In my experience I started within a few weeks, although others did have to wait a while before they were called. Keep your head high, show up with a smile, try your best, and have fun.
May the force be with you in these upcoming Star Wars auditions!
