So, you're dreaming of twirling onto the ice with Mickey and Minnie? Landing a job with Disney On Ice is a fantastic goal, and let me tell you, it's totally achievable with the right approach. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make that dream a reality. We're talking about skills, qualifications, the application process, and even some insider tips to help you stand out from the crowd. Are you ready to turn your passion for performance into a career with one of the most magical entertainment companies in the world?

Understanding Disney On Ice

Before diving into the specifics of getting a job, let's understand what Disney On Ice is all about. It's not just about skating; it's a spectacular theatrical production that brings beloved Disney stories to life on ice. Think dazzling costumes, impressive sets, and, of course, incredibly talented performers. These shows tour around the globe, bringing joy to families everywhere. Working for Disney On Ice means becoming part of a massive, well-oiled machine that delivers top-notch entertainment. You could be a skater, a technician, a wardrobe assistant, or part of the marketing team – the possibilities are vast!

The Magic Behind the Scenes

Disney On Ice isn't just about what you see on the ice; it's a huge production involving many different roles. From the skaters themselves to the costume designers, stagehands, and even the marketing teams, every role is crucial to making the show a success. Understanding this helps you appreciate the scope of the operation and identify where your skills might best fit.

Different Roles Available

When most people think of Disney On Ice, they immediately picture the skaters. And yes, being a skater is a prominent role, but there are so many other positions available! Consider these:

• Skaters: These are your stars, the performers who bring the characters to life through skating and acting.
• Technical Crew: This includes lighting designers, sound engineers, riggers, and stagehands who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create the magical atmosphere.
• Wardrobe and Costume Team: These are the folks who create and maintain the stunning costumes that make the show so visually appealing.
• Touring Staff: This includes everyone from the physical therapists and medical staff who keep the performers healthy to the chefs who provide meals on the road.
• Management and Administration: These are the people who handle the logistics, marketing, and overall management of the tour.

Understanding these diverse roles can help you identify where your skills and interests align, even if you're not an Olympic-level skater!

Assessing Your Skills and Qualifications

Okay, let's get real. What do you bring to the ice? Disney On Ice hires a wide range of talent, so it's essential to assess your skills honestly. Are you a triple-threat performer, or are you more passionate about the technical side of things? Maybe you have a knack for costume design or tour management. Whatever it is, knowing your strengths is the first step.

Skating Skills

Obviously, if you're aiming to be a skater, your skating skills need to be top-notch. But what does that mean exactly? Disney On Ice skaters typically need to have a strong foundation in figure skating, including jumps, spins, and footwork. They also need to be able to perform consistently and adapt to different ice conditions and performance spaces.

• Technical Proficiency: You should be proficient in basic figure skating elements, such as jumps (single, double, and sometimes triple jumps), spins, and footwork sequences.
• Artistic Expression: It's not just about the technical skills; you need to be able to express emotion and character through your skating.
• Endurance: Performing in Disney On Ice is physically demanding, so you need to have the stamina to perform multiple shows per week.

Non-Skating Skills

Don't think that you need to be a skater to be part of the Disney On Ice family. Many other roles require different skill sets.

• Technical Skills: If you're interested in the technical side, skills in lighting, sound, rigging, or stage management are highly valued.
• Creative Skills: Costume designers, set builders, and other creative roles require a strong artistic vision and attention to detail.
• Organizational Skills: Touring staff and management positions require excellent organizational and logistical skills.
• Medical and Physical Therapy Skills: Having medical training, as a physical therapist for example, is always a plus to help the skaters stay in shape.

Educational Background

While a formal education isn't always required, it can definitely give you an edge. For skating roles, having a background in figure skating or dance is a huge plus. For technical or management roles, a degree in a related field (such as theater, stage management, or business) can be beneficial. Even certifications or vocational training can set you apart.

The Application Process

Alright, you've assessed your skills, and you know what roles you're interested in. Now it's time to tackle the application process. Disney On Ice, which is produced by Feld Entertainment, typically posts job openings on their official website and other job boards. Keep an eye out for these postings and be prepared to apply.

Finding Job Openings

The first step is to find those job openings. Here's where to look:

• Feld Entertainment Website: This is the primary source for job postings related to Disney On Ice. Check the careers section regularly.
• Online Job Boards: Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor often list positions with Feld Entertainment.
• Industry-Specific Websites: If you're looking for technical roles, check websites related to theater or live entertainment.

Crafting Your Application

Your application is your first impression, so make it count! Here's how to craft a compelling application:

• Resume: Highlight your relevant skills and experience. If you're applying for a skating role, include your skating accomplishments and any relevant performance experience. If you're applying for a technical role, detail your technical skills and any relevant projects you've worked on.
• Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to the specific position you're applying for. Explain why you're interested in working for Disney On Ice and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
• Demo Reel (for Skaters): If you're applying for a skating role, you'll likely need to submit a demo reel showcasing your skating skills. Make sure your demo reel is high-quality and highlights your best performances.

Auditions and Interviews

If your application catches their eye, you may be invited to an audition or interview. Here's what to expect:

• Skating Auditions: Skating auditions typically involve performing a routine or demonstrating specific skills. Be prepared to skate your best and showcase your personality.
• Technical Interviews: Technical interviews may involve answering questions about your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with specific equipment.
• General Interviews: General interviews are designed to assess your personality, work ethic, and fit with the Disney On Ice team. Be prepared to answer questions about your background, interests, and career goals.

Tips for Standing Out

Okay, you've got the basics down. But how do you really stand out from the crowd? Here are some insider tips to give you an edge:

Networking

Networking is huge in the entertainment industry. Attend skating events, theater conferences, or industry workshops to meet people who work in the field. You never know who might be able to offer you advice or connect you with the right people.

Showcasing Your Personality

Disney On Ice is all about bringing joy to audiences, so they're looking for performers who are energetic, enthusiastic, and have a positive attitude. Let your personality shine through in your application, audition, and interviews.

Persistence

Don't get discouraged if you don't get the job on your first try. Persistence is key. Keep honing your skills, networking, and applying for positions. Eventually, your hard work will pay off.

Life on Tour

So, you've landed the job! Congratulations! But what's it really like to work on tour with Disney On Ice? Life on tour can be exciting and rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges.

The Glamorous Side

• Travel: You'll get to travel the world and see new places.
• Performance: You'll have the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of people every night.
• Camaraderie: You'll become part of a close-knit community of performers and crew members.

The Challenging Side

• Long Hours: Tour schedules can be demanding, with long hours and frequent travel.
• Living Out of a Suitcase: You'll be living out of a suitcase for months at a time, which can be tough.
• Being Away From Home: Being away from family and friends can be challenging, especially during holidays and special occasions.

Final Thoughts

Getting a job with Disney On Ice is a dream for many performers and entertainment professionals. It requires skill, dedication, and a lot of hard work. But with the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can make that dream a reality. So, lace up your skates (or sharpen your technical skills), and get ready to bring the magic of Disney to audiences around the world!