Disney Job Update

[DanB315]

Just spoke to three top Ent. people at Disney (including Jeff Conover who wrote the Journal ads) via conference call. While they did agree to exempt me from the character portion of the job it seemed they emphasized the aspects of the job's essential functions that I can't do (as required by the EEOC), for instance nealing, sliding, running, the steps onto the parade floats (didn't offer assistance). Far worse was the fact that they were proud of the fact that they hire character performers who have never done puppetry, with a ten minute workshop with ping pong balls on the hand. Also stated that all hirees must work in food or ticket service for an undetermined period of time, full time, 6.50hr. I'm certainly aware the puppetry is a grueling profession, but this is unreal. They also said they rarely have rehearsals! No apologies for the Journal ads, and Disney still maintains they "don't hire puppeteers".

Danny Burge

[radionate]

Danny,

That is really Sh*tty. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that you are unable to work down there as a puppeteer. I wish I could say more as I'm sorry just doesn't seem powerful enough. Know that good things will come your way soon though. And you will be able to do what you want!!! Regardless of Disney and their crappy hire practices.

[Buck-Beaver]

I sympathize with the whole unfortunate situation. Disney as a whole is not known for treating it's employees well. I have never worked for any of it's divisions, but I know people who have and their experiences are more or less consistant with yours.

One thing I would like to point out (bear in mind I am not defending Disney here - my wife would divorce me! :eek: ) - while I think it's a sad state of affairs that puppeteers at Disney World have to hawk hot dogs and the like between shows, most people have this illusion that show business/performing is a glamourous business - it usually isn't.

I worked for several years at a Dinner Theatre & touring company that does exclusively puppet shows. I got to puppeteer and do what I love everyday, I travelled around the world, perform for and with celebrities, even met the Princess of Japan. For the privledge I worked long hours for very little money.

On tour we set up stage, tore it down, sold concessions and did a bazillion other jobs alot of people I know would consider beneath them. Back at home in the dinner theatre we set a restraunt, rehearsed shows, served food, greeted guests, tended bar, did a one hour very physical show and then served desert and coffee afterwards. I worked 5, 6, 7 days a week doing 50, 60, even the odd 80 hour week.

In short, I worked my a** off doing alot of non-puppetry jobs so I could do what I love. I still have friends there and they do brutal hours, maybe 30% of their time is doing puppetry and 70% is non puppetry. That's often the reality of show business.

Don't get me wrong, I know alot of puppeteers who won't do other stuff just so they can puppeteer and they are well within their rights to take that approach. Unfortunately, usually only the people at the top of business get to have that luxury.

That's all my ranting for now! :)