From Broadway to The Big Blue… and Beyond: Meet Lindsay & Jared Bradshaw
Today we’re delighted to introduce “The Broadway Bradshaws,” Lindsay and Jared who are part of the talented cast of Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! at Walt Disney World Resort. With exceptional Broadway careers under their belts, they were ready to explore what Disney has to offer for performers. Follow along for career insights, audition advice and for a peek behind one of the most magical shows at Disney.
First off, how did you get to where you are today at Disney?
Jared: “I have my parents to thank! I have a photo with my mom riding Dumbo here in Walt Disney World at 10 months. I have a photo of me with Dreamfinder and Figment at age nine and with the 25th-anniversary castle in 1996. I was obsessed with Tarzan: ROCKS! in our very theatre. I wanted to do The Hunchback of Notre Dame show at DISNEY-MGM Studios. That might have kept me from my Broadway career for sure. That all inspired me in my senior year of college to audition for Disney Cruise Line in 2001. I saw an audition in an Atlanta paper and auditioned near my hometown, and at the Southeastern Theatre Conference. I went in for the role of Hercules, and I booked PHIL! Classic. My tip: Always go in and be yourself! No one is going to be a better YOU than you! At age 21 I was blown away that everyone I worked with was better than me! It made me step up my game. I filled my resume with as many musicals as I could, and that led to my entire career. You always learn from everyone you work with. Disney Cruise Line was a huge steppingstone for me. No rent, no car, just saving money and learning from everyone around me, before I moved to New York City.”
Lindsay: “I quit Broadway to work for Disney actually. During the pandemic, I decided I wanted a better work-life balance and had always wanted to work in Disney entertainment eventually. We just accelerated the plan. I am contracted in one role (Peach) but have also learned two others. So, in any given week I can play Peach, Dory, and Pearl. The variety is thrilling for me after playing the same role for so long on Broadway. I was told this cast was stellar, and it was apparent on the first day. One of my favorite parts of being a part of this particular stage is that the show is slightly different every time because there is a new combination of actors in it, who all bring themselves a bit to the roles they play. I have like six versions of Dory depending on who is Marlin that day, or Nemo. Tons of Peach variations depending on the rest of the Tank Gang!”
With so many paths to choose from for your career, why Disney?
Lindsay: “We didn’t get to see as much of our daughter as we wanted to while working on Broadway. We worked at night and on weekends, with very little schedule flexibility. This job offered me a job that was in the DAYTIME (thank you Animal Kingdom!) singing and acting, that allowed me to be home every night to cook dinner. I also love the message of imagination and magic and I wanted to be a part of a company that valued those things, and that I felt valued me.”
Jared: “Disney has been here for 100 years, and it will be here another 100. I have seen people make real lifelong careers at Walt Disney World, and I’m ready to continue mine here! From electricians and bus drivers to chefs and actors, and housekeeping, and managers and executives - there is something in this company for everyone. ‘When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.’ Mine did, yours can too.”
What can you share about the rehearsal process for your show?
Jared: “Nemo rehearsal really should be a Disney+ documentary. We spent over a week (maybe two) just working on puppetry fundamentals. You don’t have to be a puppeteer to audition to be in our show, they will make you one. It’s so much more than moving your hand to the lyrics. They really condition the actors to get used to using these new muscles. It’s like training for a marathon. You can’t do it on day one for sure. We are athletes, and this is not a desk job. It takes commitment, (and stretching) but it is a wonderful occupation because I don’t have to spend my free time in a gym to stay fit! I get my workout at work!”
Lindsay: “I used to dislike rehearsal. Being in this show has changed my opinion of rehearsal. I love it now. We start each rehearsal process with Puppet 101, 102, 103...learning how to use the puppets, but also how to exist entirely ‘underwater.’ It’s very cool. Then we move on to music, blocking, and choreography. It's a blast.”
What has surprised you most about working at Disney?
Lindsay: “How much Disney wants you to stay a part of this company for as long as possible. Broadway frowns upon actors staying in one place too long. Here, they give you an AWARD and a cake when you do.”
What inspired you to attend a Disney audition?
Jared: “Disney. The name. It’s a brand…but it also has power in magic. It’s a legacy, and it’s something that has touched us all. I just flew to Atlanta, and my seatmate asked me what I do for a living. I told them I play all the sharks and Mr. Ray and Gill at Walt Disney World as a puppeteer. They didn’t believe me. I had to show them a picture. That’s Disney magic. Our amazing puppetry musical is about a dad, and his kid, and parenting. It is the perfect Disney story, and I am so glad I’m part of the magic again. Lindsay and I were actually inspired by another couple: Adam and Lindsay Hose. Both Lindsays had worked on Broadway together, and Adam and Lindsay showed us that we could do it too.”
What advice do you have for someone hoping to pursue a performing career at Disney?
Lindsay: “Just keep checking DisneyAuditions.com, and audition for EVERYTHING at first. We have great casting directors, if you're not right for it, they won’t call you in, but when you ARE, they will recognize you for all the effort you've put in to submit or show up at auditions.”
