You've surely heard of some of the guys who started their careers on the Disney Channel, only to become real stars on an international level. Names like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake are sure to tell you something. All these celebrities have something in common: they started their careers with the Disney Channel. Why don't you try it on yourself too? This article will tell you how to make your dream come true and become a star.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Obtaining the Necessary Skills
Step 1. Act
One of the fundamental ingredients for a rising Disney star is the ability to act. It's not that difficult, if you think about it: you already act every day, in your daily life. You may find yourself acting when your parents ask you something and you don't want to tell them the truth. Or it can happen to you to flaunt confidence, even if you are scared to death. To become a Disney star, however, you will need a little more. If you really want to make your way in this industry, here are some tips to follow:
- Apply to participate in as many performances as possible. Even professional companies sometimes hire kids (with parental consent). The more acting experience you can boast on your resume, the more chances you will have of successfully passing an audition for Disney Channel.
- Take acting lessons. Find an actor who is also a good teacher, check his references and try to learn as much as possible from him. After all, learning to cry on command is a skill that can always come in handy.
- Join your school's theater group, if one exists. The more time you spend acting, the better you will become as an actor.
Step 2. Sing
Do it in the shower or with headphones, but the important thing is to have faith in your voice. Whether you are sure of yourself or not, your goal is to impress the Disney Channel executives who have seen and heard all sorts of things. Standing out from the crowd is key, so try to take precautions before attempting an audition:
- Take singing lessons. Not only will you develop your singing skills, but you will also become a better actor. Because? By learning to control your voice you will be able to project any tonality or volume you want, adapting perfectly to the various roles you will have to play. Train consistently.
- Sing in a choir. Whether it is the choir of the school, of your city or of your parish, it does not matter: what matters is to practice in a group. Singing in a choir will help you learn to listen to others and set the tone of your voice based on that of the other singers. If there are professional choirs in your city or region, try to join them.
Step 3. Dance
You've probably done this before. Like acting and dancing, dancing is also something people do all the time, even if not professionally. To present yourself to the Disney staff as a complete talent in every respect, knowing how to dance well is a skill that can be very useful.
- Take ballet lessons. While not your favorite style, ballet is a discipline that will be useful to you throughout your life. It gives elegance to your movements, even when you are not dancing.
- Take modern dance lessons. Specializing in modern dance will help you practice an unusual discipline that features very different dance steps. And the music might be to your liking!
- Take a gymnastics or martial arts class. Learn to do movements that aren't necessarily related to dancing, but that teach your body to move with strength and confidence. The more control you have over every fiber of your muscles, the more ready you will be for a Disney audition.
Step 4. Combine all the skills you possess
Work out a workout routine that combines all the skills you have. Practice until it feels like a second skin for you. Try to make progress in all areas, so that you can put on a performance that will impress the Disney leaders.
While it's not about preparing for the Olympics, a coach might be useful for you. An adult who can help you perfect your training, letting you know when you are doing well and where you need to improve, could be a great help for you and your career. Ask your school teachers or your acting teacher. Even if they're not interested, they might recommend someone to turn to
Part 2 of 3: Get Photos and a Resume
Step 1. Get portrait photos taken
No audition will be complete without one, and those at Disney are no exception. The better your photos are, the better you will look. Typically you will be prompted for a portrait photo and a full-length photo.
- Try having a friend take some photos of you.
- Even better if you go to a photography shop, where they can take advantage of professional lighting and backgrounds.
- An even better alternative is to hire a portrait photographer. Not only will it have professional equipment: being specialized in exactly what you are looking for, it will be able to offer you the best result on the market. Contact your nearest office or, if you have more alternatives available, compare the prices and availability of the various photographers.
- Make sure your portrait photo is recent and printed in a standard size. If you change anything in your appearance before the audition, remember to update your photos as well.
Step 2. Write a resume
It's a necessary tool to show people your experiences, skills and goals. Combined with the portrait photos, it will be your business card so make sure to make it as complete and interesting as possible.
- Remember that your resume should be no longer than one page and should list your most recent experiences and achievements. Don't worry if your experience is still limited - Disney seeks the best, not the busiest.
- Remember that resumes and photos represent your business card - people will remember you thanks to them, so make sure they represent you in the best way possible.
Part 3 of 3: Doing an Audition
Step 1. Search the internet for Disney Channel professional audition dates
You can find all the information you need online, such as the type of show for which auditions are open, the age required for the part and other preferential requirements.
- Visit the Disney Channel Italia website. You will find all the updated information on upcoming news.
- For more information you can always contact the Disney Channel office in Italy, located in Milan. Remember that auditions and competitions will generally also take place in this city.
- Disney-ABC TV Group
- Via F. Aporti 6/8
- 20125 Milan
Step 2. Good luck
Advice
- Many people will try to discourage you, telling you that your choice is difficult and that very few are successful in the industry. Don't get swayed and follow your heart.
- Remember that you will need to send photos and resumes to the Disney Channel managers. You can find all the necessary information on the internet.
- Type on Google "Disney Channel Italia auditions", you will immediately find many sites that talk about upcoming events scheduled.
- Don't let the negative opinions of others discourage you.
- Even if you have a one-in-a-million chance, it's still better than zero. Someone will also have to be hired, why shouldn't that be you?
- Be prepared not to succeed on the first try. Don't be discouraged.
Warnings
- Never pay an agent upfront. You could fall into a scam.
- Don't try to get hired only by Disney. Try to show up at auditions of other companies as well - this way you will gain more experience and get noticed.
- If you are not satisfied with the number of auditions you are able to attend, make an appointment with your agent and discuss what you can do to get more work.
- Your parents will have to accompany you to auditions. If they cannot, you will still need to be accompanied by a trusted person chosen by your parents, who will also have to provide you with written consent to allow you to work.
- If your agent is lying, making excessive promises, or asking you for money upfront (to cover the costs of phone calls or postage made in your name), look for another one. A true professional does not ask for money to cover business expenses.
- If you are rejected, don't cry. Keep looking around!
- Never agree to meet someone outside of a professional setting, such as a studio or casting office.
- Agents make their living by taking a percentage of the jobs they can get their client. Never pay anything in advance.
