Walt Disney World is hiring performers who look like the live-action Ariel as portrayed by Halle Bailey in the upcoming live-action “The Little Mermaid.”

This isn’t the first time Disney has specifically sought performers who look like the live-action version of a character who was originally animated, but it is the first time that the character was a different ethnicity than the animated version. The animated Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson) was of course white, while Halle Bailey is Black.

The posting on the Disney Auditions website does not specifically state where this version of Ariel will appear. Ariel’s Grotto at Magic Kingdom is reopening soon, but she probably wouldn’t replace the classic animated Ariel at that meet-and-greet. She could do a meet-and-greet at the otherwise abandoned Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or appear in some sort of parade or show. We would guess her appearances would begin as temporary to promote the new film, which is hitting theaters on May 26, 2023.

Online submissions are now open through February 5, 2023. Read the full audition posting below:

Disney Live Entertainment is seeking Disney Character Look-alikes for the role of ARIEL as depicted in the upcoming live-action adaption of The Little Mermaid.

Performers will have the opportunity to bring this role to life, in addition to performing as world famous Disney Characters at our Parks & Resorts near Orlando, Florida.

Disney Character Performers play before thousands of guests each day in character greetings, sightings, and other experiences across the Walt Disney World Resort. Performers sign autographs, pose for pictures, and help create magical moments with guests of all ages.

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING ROLE:

Candidates who are 5’2”-5’6” with warm, engaging, and outgoing personalities to portray:

ARIEL: An inquisitive and daring mermaid princess, Ariel is fascinated by the world of humans. Whether she’s on land or under the sea, she’s eager to connect her two worlds, knowing they aren’t so different after all. Ariel appears as depicted in the upcoming live-action adaption of The Little Mermaid.

SUBMISSION AND ONLINE AUDITION CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS: 

This is a 2 step process.  Candidates must submit AND check-in to the audition to be considered.

STEP 1 – SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

• Please click “My_Profile” to create or update your performer profile.
• Please click on the “Face_Reading” to review the reading to submit your Disney Auditions profile.
• Please click on the “movement” link to view and learn your audition choreography and animation.
• Film yourself performing the reading and routine – please make sure the video is in landscape, and that you are center stage.  Please ensure you have good lighting so we can see you clearly.
• Under the LINKS section, add the link to your video to a sharing site like YouTube or Vimeo – if using YouTube, please mark the video as “unlisted”.
• Please upload the below 4 current photos of yourself. Please pull long hair back so it is off the face, and only wear light makeup if desired.  Form-fitting attire is preferred.

1 – Direct shot from the waist up, looking into the camera

2 – Full-body shot from the ground up, looking into the camera

3 – Profile shot, from the waist up

STEP 2 – CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS

• Visit DisneyAuditions Check-In
• Select the audition: “Walt Disney World ONLINE SUBMISSIONS: Disney Character Look-alikes: Live-Action Ariel.”
• Take your selfie to complete the submission process
• You’re all set. There is no need to submit more than once

Submissions will be accepted through February 5, 2023.  Candidates will be contacted by Talent Casting should they be selected to move on to the next round. Selected candidates MUST be available for a callback.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States. 

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