Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 20:21:33 EDT
Subject: PUPT: Disney Job



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      I'd like to call to your attention a disturbing situation that happened
to me at Disney casting recently in Orlando. I read with interest a =E2=80=9CCall for
Puppeteers=E2=80=9D in the Summer =E2=80=9802 issue of the Puppeteers of America publication
The Puppetry Journal. In it Mr. Jeff Conover of Disney Ent. was quoted as
saying, =E2=80=9CWe are always looking for puppeteers. Even beginners can apply. We=E2=80=99
re looking for people who have a basic ability and who want to become
world-class puppeteers over time.=E2=80=9D
     I decided to travel to Florida, at great expense and investigate the
situation. It was a surprise to me that I was interviewed by a clerk (not a
puppeteer). After checking into the audition schedule for the day, she stated
that it is Disney policy that ALL puppeteers must also agree to walk around
in costume as Mickey Mouse and other characters as needed.
Being disabled, with cerebral palsy from the waist down, this was impossible
for me to do.
     In my twenty five year experience as a puppeteer, I=E2=80=99ve never heard of
such a policy, or lack of respect for puppetry. This is not what a =E2=80=9C
world-class puppeteer=E2=80=9D should be. I know I=E2=80=99m not the only qualified
puppeteer who has been refused a job at Disney, and hope this doesn=E2=80=99t happen
to other puppeteers.
     Has anyone else heard of this policy?


Danny Burge





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