August 30th, 2014Today marks another closing of a Disney attraction. I’ve seen shows come and go in this theater, from SuperStar Television to Doug Live! While The American Idol Experience wasn’t necessarily my favorite, I know to some people it was their Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride or Horizons.
Thanks to a dear friend and Idol vocal coach, we recently got to take a tour of the audition process. Enjoy the photos! :)
Once you show up for your audition, a cast member greets you at the door and you get a little hello from Ryan himself.
Then you’re ushered to an audition room with a casting director. You can sing a song of your choice a cappella style, and if the casting director approves, it’s on to a second audition with a Disney producer. You’re given a list of songs to choose at this point, and this second audition is filmed and done karaoke style with a mic and scrolling lyrics on a screen.
When the Disney producer gives the green light, you’re given a time to come back for the next step. You return to a backstage door and wait in this room until…
… This lady makes you beautiful! I think she must have one of the most challenging cosmetology jobs ever (can you imagine what some guests look like after spending a hot and rainy day in the park?!) After you’re beautified, you go to your vocal coach. The vocal coach obviously gives you vocal tips for the song you’re performing, but even more importantly, gives you performance tips.
I believe you’re given just one quick rehearsal on the stage but then it’s show time!
Rest in peace, American Idol Experience.
I had heard of this but didn’t know how it worked so thanks for the backstage 411.
Oh no! I’m so sad this is closing! I actually was one of the winners the first week it was open. :) What a great memory!