Cast Members Who Never Have to Smile
Do you love the theatrics of Disney World and dream of becoming a Cast Member? Are you also someone who doesn’t see themselves smiling and skipping down Main Street U.S.A. to hear the Dapper Dans?
Well, believe it or not, several Cast Member roles require little to no cheerfulness. In fact, acting peppy wouldn’t make sense at all.
Let’s discuss some dream roles for folks with an edgier, more cynical sense of humor. In the right role, a sarcastic attitude could be practically perfect.
Haunted Mansion Servants
The Haunted Mansion is a perfect marriage between the silly and the twisted. Performing as a Cast Member on this attraction is so much more than loading people on and off the doom buggies.
As a servant in this foreboding estate, you have a responsibility to set the mood. This means having a dour expression and a Lurch-like way of speaking to guests.
No one will find it strange if you’re staring into space. And no one will find it unsettling if you use phrases like “dead center of the room” or “the Ghost Host will lower your safety bar”.
Disney World guests actually expect a lack of friendliness here, similar to their interactions with real-world haunted house actors.
The more you embrace the freedom to be eerie and strange, the better the show is.
Tower of Terror Bellhops
Another delightfully creepy attraction, The Tower of Terror puts a little more emphasis on fright. As a bellhop in an abandoned hotel, you can’t ask for a spookier setting.
Instead of providing first-class hotel service, your job will be to set the ominous mood. Escort guests into the cursed service elevators and keep smiles at bay unless they’re sinister.
Similar to The Haunted Mansion, guests aren’t expecting a peppy attitude and you can take full advantage of that. There’s room for creativity.
Guests have talked to bellhops who improved creepy laughs, spouted one-liners, or have run their fingertips slowly down the ascending elevator windows.
Former haunted house performers will find themselves in their element.
Face Characters – Villains
Villain fever is at an all-time frenzy and has been steadily brewing for years. Sure, Mickey Mouse is still the most popular character, but guests can’t get enough of the sarcastic, foreboding Disney villains.
In part, Mickey’s-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is so popular because guests love interacting with Disney baddies. From amusing conversations to theatrical photos, meeting “face” (non-mascot) villains is more fun than frightening.
You might catch smirks from Gaston or Dr. Facilier, but most “face” villains feature more stoic faces.
The Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937) is renowned for her unbreakable icy stare, and Cinderella’s Stepsister, Drizella, has made guests cry.
If you have a flair for drama and being the center of attention then playing a wicked “face” character may be a dream come true for you.
Fur Characters – Villains
Who says only the face characters get to have fun? “Fur” villains also are relieved of smiling and are encouraged to make mischief.
For any Disney newbies, “Fur” characters, refer to performers who wear mascot costumes. And there are plenty of Disney troublemakers who are mascots in the park.
While these performers have their faces hidden, they are trained to mimic the mannerisms of their characters. Communicating without words is a must.
I’m sure that if you’re being trained to be a scheming hyena from The Lion King (1994) or the selfish Prince John from Robin Hood (1973), you’re probably not smiling to get into character.
Give your facial muscles a break and practice your RVF (resting villain face) in any of these costumes.
First Order Army
With the successful opening of Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, visitors had more chances to interact with beloved Star Wars (1977) heroes and villains. Only so many performers can play Darth Vader, but the notorious First Order needs a lot of recruits.
If cast as a First Order soldier, you may find yourself escorting marching Storm Troopers, commiserating with Kylo Ren, or interrogating possible spies on the Rise of the Resistance attraction.
As a part of the First Order, you will be encouraged to chide and even gently scold, guests. Your ultimate mission will be to sniff our rebel sympathizers in Hollywood Studios.
This is another great opportunity for improv and out-of-the-box riffing. The more you’re into your character, the more guests will get immersed in this already immersive land.
So even if you don’t consider yourself a cheerful person, there are plenty of Cast Member roles that will play on your strengths. Remember, true Disney magic is made by many diverse, talented, and unique individuals.
We wish you nothing but luck scoring your perfect role!
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Feature Image: Disney