Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Meeting the requirements
• Part 2 of 3: Auditioning for the part
• Part 3 of 3: Continuing your career
• Tips

Disney hires artists to play various Disney princesses in their theme parks around the world. The work can be fun and rewarding for a hardened Disney fan. However, it is competitive work with strict requirements. Take time to learn about the job before pursuing the career. Make sure you know how to audition successfully and what kind of work atmosphere you can expect.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Meeting the requirements

1. Learn the basics. If you want to become a Disney princess, there are several basic requirements. Some of these requirements are based on immutable traits, such as your height and age. If you want to work as a Disney princess, make sure you meet these basic qualifications.
   • Disney princesses must be between 1.62 and 1.70. This is to make princesses look like the characters on the screen.
   • You must be at least 18 years old to be a Disney princess. The maximum age you can be to be a princess varies. Most Disney princesses are between the ages of 18 and 23. Princesses who have successfully worked for Disney in the past can be between the ages of 24 and 26. It's rare to find a Disney princess over the age of 27.
   • In terms of size, Disney princesses cannot be larger than a dress size 40.
2. Gain experience in acting and performing. Disney has no specific requirements regarding previous work when it comes to hiring princesses. Acting and performing will be a big part of your job, however. Experience can help you to audition successfully.
   • Join a theater group in high school or college. You can also take drama classes to learn the trade of acting and performing. If you are not currently in school, see if there are acting classes available in your area.
   • Gain experience with performing. Audition for school or community theater plays. See if you can find a job that requires you to present. For example, you can work in a restaurant, such as Medieval Times, where you have to play a character as part of your job.
   • Learn about improvisation. Take an improv class at your local theater or art center. Join an improvisation group to gain hands-on experience. Because you answer character-filled questions while working at Disney, you need to learn basic improvisation.
3. Consider a college degree. Disney has no specific diploma requirements for princesses. However, a college degree in something like theater can increase your chances of career success.
   • The only downside to getting a college degree is Disney's age requirement. Most people graduate around the age of 22. Remember that most Disney princesses are between the ages of 18 and 23.
   • However, there is one benefit to a college degree. Disney offers a college program where you work in a Disney theme park for a semester. You will get an invaluable behind-the-scenes experience and the opportunity to meet cast members. This can later lead to a partnership with the Disney company, giving you a role as a princess.
4. Stay in physical shape. Since Disney princesses cannot be larger than a size 40, you should work to maintain a healthy weight. Muscles can also give you an edge. The audition process is largely non-verbal, so your physical presence makes a big difference.
   • The Department of Health recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week to stay fit. Moderate aerobics includes things like brisk walking or light cycling. Heavy aerobics include running or jogging. It is also recommended to do strength training twice a week. If you are trying to lose weight, you may need to exercise more. Talk to a doctor about weight loss as he or she can give you advice that takes into account your current weight and medical history.
   • It is best to choose activities that you enjoy. For example, if you hate running, don't plan on getting fit with a daily jog. Instead, try something you enjoy like swimming or cycling.
   • Strength training can come in the form of classic weight lifting. However, activities such as Pilates and yoga help you build your core muscles by simply using your body as weight.
   • Eating healthy can also help you get fit. Aim for a diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. You should also eat whole wheat and healthy, lean proteins, such as those in poultry and fish.
5. Familiarize yourself with various Disney princesses. You cannot choose which character to play as a Disney princess. If you love Belle and know every detail about her, you might be asked to play Mulan. Therefore, try to familiarize yourself with all the Disney princesses before starting the audition process.
   • There are 13 Disney characters who are officially recognized as princesses by the Disney franchise. These are Jasmine, Ariel, Rapunzel, Tiana, Belle, Merida, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Mulan, Elsa, Anna and Snow White.
   • Disney offers an extensive training process for those chosen to be princesses. It includes extensive viewing and analysis of the films to help you properly recreate the character's mannerisms and voice. Hence, you don't have to memorize everything about every princess because Disney doesn't expect you to be an expert before you enter. It's still a good idea to watch all of the Disney Princess movies prior to your audition. This shows your commitment to the Disney franchise.

Part 2 of 3: Auditioning for the part

1. Take headshots. Headshots are an important tool for auditions to become a Disney princess. Quality photos printed on standard letter size paper are ideal. Make sure your photos match your current look.
   • Choose the right outfit for headshots. Go for a solid color rather than something with a pattern, as this can distract the camera. However, white can give a blinding effect. A V-neck is usually flattering. Keep the outfit somewhat professional but also fun. A tank top or sleeveless shirt can be a nice touch. Avoid jewelry as it can be distracting.
   • Do your makeup as you normally wear it. Take some extra time and apply gently. Don't put on heavy makeup as clumpy mascara or smeared lipstick will show up in a headshot. Shiny eyeshadow or lipstick can cause camera glare and should therefore be avoided.
   • Avoid cutting or dyeing your hair before a shoot. Wear it as you usually do. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your headshot to keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy.
   • You can pay to have professional headshots taken. However, this can be expensive and there is no guarantee that you will like the photos. Consider asking a friend with a good camera to take some pictures of you. Go to a local print shop to make copies.
2. Create a resume. It can be helpful to have a resume describing your acting and playing experience. Disney recommends keeping your resume one page long. They also say that lack of experience is okay. Much of your training will come after you are hired.
   • An actor's resume is slightly different from a standard resume. As with a normal resume, include all basic contact information such as your name, phone number, and address.
   • You should also list any special skills you have. For example, if you have followed a professional singing education, this is good to mention.
   • You must list all the performances you participated in, and include the time, location, and role you played.
   • Some actresses list their measurements, height, and weight on a resume. Since Disney has specific requirements for dimensions, this can be useful information.
   • Bring a copy of your resume to your audition. Keep it in a folder to keep it tidy.
3. Sign up for an audition. You can find a list of auditions on the Disney auditions website. Look for "Beautiful Female Disneyland Characters" auditions in areas near you. When you click on the link you will see a description of the requirements for that role. As long as you meet these requirements, you can register online for an audition.
4. Prepare for your audition. Disney princesses do not speak during auditions. You imitate a Disney character and use gestures to communicate. The selection process is based on coordination, posture and movement.
   • Work on your smile. Disney princesses often have to smile on the job, so take the time to practice your smile in front of the mirror.
   • It can help to record yourself moving and then study your shape. You can compare your movements to a scene of the princess you are portraying.
   • You don't have to come in costume. Disney recommends wearing comfortable clothes during the auditions as you will be asked to perform a specific sequence of movements. Choose clothes that are easy to move in when planning your audition wardrobe.
   • Make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before your audition so that you have plenty of energy in the morning.
5. Go to your audition. When you are at the audition, a cast member is always on hand to assist you with check-in. They write down your name, your arrival time and you give them your headshots and resume.
   • Time is very important to the Disney company. You should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled audition time.
   • The audition room can be somewhat intimidating, but try to stay calm when entering. A Disney director introduces himself. You will then be given a few instructions and asked to perform this.
   • All Disney auditions are closed. You are not allowed to bring family members or friends into the audition room.

Part 3 of 3: Continuing your career

1. Follow the training. If you have been chosen to be a Disney princess, you will follow a five-day training process. You are assigned a character and analyze all movies with that character. At the end of the training, you should be able to successfully imitate the mannerisms, voice, and other aspects of your character.
2. Follow the Disney protocol. Disney has several protocols that princesses must follow. Violating rules can lead to your position being terminated.
   • You are not allowed to talk about the character you are playing for Disney. You cannot post about your character on social media. This is a very strict rule, so make sure to follow it.
   • When you play a Disney princess, you cannot refer to anything outside of the Disney universe. For example, you can't talk about a TV show on Comedy Central while playing Mulan.
3. Understand the scope of your obligation. If you've been chosen to be a Disney princess, that's a commitment of at least a year. While the job may seem fun, it can get frustrating at times. In some positions, you work outside all day and must learn to tolerate both very hot and very cold temperatures while in a suit. Make sure you are committed to remaining a Disney princess for at least a year before signing a contract.
4. Be prepared to improvise. As a Disney princess, you have to stay in character all day long. Sometimes you have to answer questions from fans. Make sure you are able to come up with a ready answer. For example, if you are playing Ariel, a child may ask you where Bot is. Be prepared to respond with something like, "Bot is hanging out in the ocean with Sebastian today."
5. Prepare for awkward situations. Many former Disney princesses have admitted that older men at the Disney park often tried to hit on them. Men may ask you when you are free, give you their phone number, or otherwise behave inappropriately. Notify your supervisor if someone is behaving inappropriately.

Tips

• Many YouTube users upload videos about their time as a Disney princess. This can be a great resource to learn more about the audition process and everyday life at Disney.