Character Manager Jobs

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates a five-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state-of-the-art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL’s production teams pride themselves on creating memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Resident Director, the Character Manager will be responsible for the creative training, scheduling, and rehearsal management of new Character casts during the Toronto and Crossover rehearsal periods. This position represents Disney Cruise Line and the Walt Disney Company in all respects and must be able to interact with performers, creative teams and managers of all levels in a positive and productive way.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain Disney Character integrity and entertainment show quality standards with all DCL performers through teaching, documentation and observation of shows and programs during rehearsals and performances
• Collaborate with Production Supervisor, Dance Supervisors, Resident Director, and cast captains to oversee show rehearsals, including but not limited to: warm-ups, run-throughs, show modifications, and performer creative development
• Collaborates with project teams regarding new builds and character experiences
• Responsible for all training requirements specific to CP&D’s Character Connection guidelines
• Trains and supervises DCL character performers in Toronto rehearsals and during Crossover, including but not limited to teaching scripts, characterization, physicality, blocking and choreography, show documentation, observing, notating, and giving creative and leadership feedback
• Exhibit strong leadership and collaborative skills, regularly focusing on building a positive working and learning environment for all
• Responsible for meeting and adhering to all Company policies and expectations, including but not limited to safety, training, Travel & Expense, maritime travel, shipboard policy, immigration compliance, and Standards of Business Conduct
• SMS - Responsible for upholding the general safety management responsibilities in the Safety Management System within the areas under their control
• Partner with Entertainment Operations, Recruiting, and Talent Casting regarding replacements and future cast needs
• Trains and manages character leadership team designees within Toronto and Crossover rehearsals
• Evaluates Character knowledge and skill sets, assisting in the tracking and casting of principal and understudy character roles
• Expectation to travel on business for various operation needs, both for fleet and other projects globally, as required

Qualifications:

• Leadership and management experience in a fast-paced entertainment (or similar) environment
• Legally eligible to work in Canada
• 5-year minimum dance and/or choreographic teaching experience
• 3-year minimum character performance experience with The Walt Disney Company or a similar entertainment entity
• A clear understanding of DCL’s character recruiting and casting process, as well as the DCL character palette, is preferred
• Computer proficiency – Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and Keynote
• Willingness and ability to travel to the U.S. and internationally
• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or Posts Secondary education in entertainment performance, instruction & management, or equivalent is strongly preferred
• Excels at motivating large groups and serves as a mentor to future character leaders
• A thorough understanding of Disney character brand usage and DCL character operations experience is preferred
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.