Disney Job Discrimination?

[DanB315]

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 “Call for
Puppeteers” in the Summer ‘02 issue of the Puppeteers of America
publication The Puppetry Journal. In it Mr. Jeff Conover of Disney Ent. was
quoted as saying, “We are always looking for puppeteers. Even beginners can
apply. We’re looking for people who have a basic ability and who want to
become world-class puppeteers over time.”
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’ve never heard of
such a policy, or lack of respect for puppetry. This is not what a
“world-class puppeteer” should be. I know I’m not the only qualified
puppeteer who has been refused a job at Disney, and hope this doesn’t happen
to other puppeteers.
Has anyone else heard of this policy?

Danny Burge