Professional Intern sings in the Cast Choir at Epcot
Did you know that all Walt Disney World cast members are eligible to sing in the Cast Choir that performs in the Candlelight Processional at Epcot as part of the “Holidays Around the World” celebration? This includes Disney College Program participants, as well as Disney Professional Interns.
In fact, Collette, a professional intern with Experience PlanningandIntegration – Lodging Recreation, is participating this season. Collette graduated from Grove City College-PA. She did her College Program as a concierge during Spring 2016 at Disney’s All-Star Resorts.
Vocal selections for the Cast Choir are held each year in July or early August. Those who are chosen then participate in 10 rehearsals during the months of September, October and early November. The shows are held from the day after Thanksgiving through Dec. 30 each year with three shows nightly.
This season, 84 College Program participants, as well as 26 professional interns are in the Cast Choir, according to Emily Lloyd, the Cast Choir manager.
The show features a celebrity narrator, an American Sign Language interpreter, a live 50-piece orchestra, the Voices of Liberty, the Guest Choir (featuring high school students from all over the country) and the Cast Choir with cast members from various lines of business represented.
How did you hear about the Cast Choir?
I first heard about the Cast Choir from the recruiter who interviewed me (interview partner Susan) for the College Program. Even before I was officially hired as a cast member, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the 2016 Candlelight Cast Choir!
What is your singing background?
I have been singing ever since I was in middle school, participating in choirs and small ensembles throughout high school. In college, I performed in the cast of several musical theater productions as well as our auditioned touring choir, and absolutely loved it!
What do you like best about the choir?
I love that it gives cast members from all types of different roles a chance to perform in one of the high-quality entertainment offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort, giving us an opportunity to do what we love and to meet other cast members that we may not otherwise cross paths with. It is also really cool to share the stage with the celebrity narrators!
What is it like on stage?
It is really exciting to be on stage! Although we are singing the same music that we have practiced over and over again, the presence of the audience, conductor and narrator add so much energy that it helps us to bring the show to life every time.
Any words of advice for prospective program participants?
Don’t be afraid to try new things! There are a lot of cool opportunities available to cast members both inside and outside of work, so take advantage of them while you can.
Interesting fact: Collette’s family was recently visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, and she was able to take them to all four of our theme parks in one day! Her parents were staying at a Disney resort, so they took advantage of Extra Magic Hours and began their adventure by entering their first park at 7 a.m. Not only that but she said, “We actually went to Magic Kingdom twice that day so we could see the Dapper Dans.”