Michael Laughlin, manager of entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, sheds some light on the pros and cons of theme park performing. "I like to say that Universal Studios Hollywood provides a phenomenal training ground and practical workshop for every type of acting experience an actor will encounter," he says. "It can be very demanding at times, but it is also extremely rewarding. Our actors are essentially performing live theater every single day, and with every performance they experience the audience's appreciation."
Laughlin assures performers that the benefits do outweigh the costs. "We challenge our actors to really elevate their skill sets to help prepare them for performing for varied audiences," he says. "Our actors become astute in how to give dynamic performances that are full of the energy and sparkle our audiences have come to expect, from the first to the last show of the day. Our shows last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, so that energy level has to be sustained all day long."
Clayton Lawrence, entertainment manager of California's Great America, also stresses the importance of physical stamina. "Park performers usually do four to six shows daily and can be worked up to six days a week," he says. "It is important to find performers who have a strong sense of self and can take care of their body, especially during rest periods."
Below, Laughlin and Lawrence offer vital tips for cracking the code of theme park auditions.
Tip No. 1: Know What They Want. Laughlin says, "Read, then reread, the audition ad. Many of our roles are type specific, meaning that they are based on a particular movie and television character. Performers will probably be typed out if they do not fit what we are looking for when we're casting something as specific as a Marilyn Monroe or Elwood Blues."
Tip No. 2: Connect. "The most appealing performers are natural and allow the guests to be removed from their everyday lives, and become a part of the show through their performance," Lawrence says. Adds Laughlin, "In some instances this may be the first time some of our guests have seen a live show, so our actors are required to guide them through this first experience."
Tip No. 3: Have Fun. "Theme park shows are often lighthearted, as they need to appeal to a crowd that may never go to the theater," Lawrence says. "Let's face it -- theme parks get a bad rap for being cheesy. Have fun. You are at a theme park, which is based around fun."
