Charting a Course for Disney Cruise Line Auditions: Meet Elizabeth, Casting Director
Meet Elizabeth Sauter, a Casting Director with Disney Live Entertainment supporting Disney Cruise Line. Before joining the Global Talent Casting team, Elizabeth had her own performance career spanning the high seas, national tours, regional productions and concerts in addition to gaining experience as a Casting Director and Vocal Director with other entertainment companies.
“As a performer, I had some of the most positive and affirming audition experiences being in the room with the team at Disney. The kindness, attentiveness, and ability to connect with every performer on a personal level that the Casting team made me feel helped shape the casting ethos that I bring to my work every day. It is a privilege to be working for the company and alongside colleagues who were instrumental in helping shape my journey.”
Her background as a Licensed Music Educator, Teaching Artist and Professor enabled her to mentor over 5,000 students across North America, including New York University (Steinhardt), New York Film Academy and New York City Public Schools.
“As an advocate for arts education, I am passionate about EVERYONE having the opportunity to experience live entertainment. I still vividly remember the first show I saw in a theatre and the way live entertainment shaped the course of my life and career. It is a privilege to have a small part in creating this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests and knowing that I’ve helped someone have their first experience in a theatre is magical.”
Today, she’s busy as a Casting Director for Disney Cruise Line with a fleet of five ships and more on the way, including the Disney Treasure and the Disney Adventure, all with a vast repertory of entertainment to cast from Broadway-caliber musicals to beloved characters.
“I have the utmost respect and admiration for each and every person that attends one of our auditions. Being a performer is the most incredible balancing act: prioritizing audition preparation and attendance with work, obligations to family and friends, and finding time to rest and recharge. Thank you for showing up! We can’t do what we do without you!”
Each Casting Director, Talent Casting Coordinator or creative team member brings their own unique life and career experience to the work they do with Disney Live Entertainment. Each individual experience makes the team stronger, enhances their work and helps the team reach their goals.
“I love the collaborative environment of the worldwide casting team at Disney. With such a robust global presence and casting teams spread across the globe, I am constantly in awe of how our teams can collaborate across time zones, continents, and at sea. From bouncing ideas off one another, sourcing difficult-to-cast roles, and planning global audition tours, it’s a privilege to have a global network of coworkers working towards a common goal.”
At Disney, there are always new entertainment offerings being developed challenging the Talent Casting team to innovate in new and creative ways. From workshopping ideas with creative partners to being in the audition room witnessing the words and ideas on a page being brought to life, this element of Elizabeth’s role is both thrilling and rewarding.
“I love being in the audition room with performers, getting to know them, and collaborating with them on show material. When casting, we aren’t looking for people to simply fill the role, we are curating artistic families and solving creative puzzles. Above anything else, I’m looking forward to meeting YOU in the audition room. In addition to sharing your talents with us, I’m also looking for kind, generous, and collaborative people who can live and work together on a cruise ship.”
Audition days are exciting and full of energy. Elizabeth encourages performers to bring their personality and life experiences to every stage of their audition from scene work to songs to a dance routine. She loves seeing each performer’s interpretation of a story and collaborating with them throughout the day.
“While an audition day can feel busy for both the performers and the casting team, I always try to empower performers with the knowledge that your time in the audition room is for YOU! Try to release any of the tension from your commute, and any stress in the holding room before you enter the audition room and focus on connecting with us. We’re rooting for you!”
Aside from shaking off those nerves, Elizabeth offered another audition tip: Keep your Disney Auditions profile updated! The casting team loves seeing new reels, performance clips and updated resumes. Before your next audition, keep this in mind:
“Disney is constantly growing and evolving which means our casting needs are too! It’s been wonderful to bring fresh perspectives and experiences to the team. We can’t wait to meet YOU in the audition room! Don’t spend time worrying about what you ‘think’ we want to hear or see - we want you to share what you connect with and that represents your artistic style.”
