Construction is underway for the new DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida, replacing Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, and casting calls have been posted to recruit a variety of performers.

The audition listings state that “Universal Orlando Resort is looking for performers with the following skills for full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions for an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated characters.”

DreamWorks Land Performer Auditions

Voice Actors

A casting call for voice actors has been posted for Po from “Kung Fu Panda” and Donkey from “Shrek.” Donkey previously appeared for meet and greets in the park, but has been absent since the permanent closure of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone in January 2023.

In the film franchises, Jack Black voices Po, and Donkey is voiced by Eddie Murphy.

The posting reads:

Po – Seeking candidates able to recreate the voice of Po from the DreamWorks animated film Kung Fu Panda. Candidates must be comfortable performing the voice while performing physical movement.

Donkey – Seeking candidates with puppetry experience able to recreate the vocal styling of the character of Donkey from the DreamWorks animated film Shrek.

Candidates must be available for rehearsals in February and March and have full availability when performances begin.

Video Audition Instructions

The video background should be a solid color wall or backdrop with full-length of body in the frame.

• All Candidates should slate including first and last name.
• Po- Candidates submitting for the role should perform a one-minute monologue in the character’s voice and perform physical movement as the character as part of the monologue.
• Donkey – Candidates may submit a one-minute video or audio recording performing the voice of the character.
• Candidates may audition for both in one link.
• If submitting separate links, please label each submission with the role consideration.

Deadline for Submission: Midnight EST, November 15, 2023.”

Animated Show Performers

Though specific characters are unknown, the listing is seeking the following:

Animated Show Performers– Seeking candidates 5’-5’6” and 5’11”-6’6” in height with strong movement and/or dance ability.

For video submissions, candidates should “perform a slow 360-degree turn with arms extended. Tell us about your favorite experience as an Animated Performer or in a show.”

Dancers

Universal is “seeking candidates that are strong in Musical Theater, Jazz, and Hip Hop styles of dance.” Video submissions should include “a 30-second Hip Hop combination showing us your strongest skills.”

Puppeteers

For puppeteers, the listing reads, “Seeking candidates 5’2”-5’4” and 5’7”-5’9” in height with previous puppeteering experience,” and asks that video submissions include “a verse and chorus of a puppet performing a song. If available, upload a demo reel.”

Singers

The casting call for singers reads, “Seeking singers strong in pop-music style vocals with theatrical acting experience.” Video submissions are required to include “16 bars of an up-tempo pop song.”

Interested candidates can find these and other audition listings at Universal Orlando Resort’s Auditions website here.

DreamWorks Land

DreamWorks Land was officially announced on July 20, 2023.

The “immersive and interactive” land will open in 2024. Universal released concept art featuring a DreamWorks sign, Shrek and Donkey, trolls, and Po from “Kung Fu Panda.”

The announcement read, “Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated characters. As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them. They will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse‘ and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like ‘Shrek,‘ ‘Trolls‘ and ‘Kung Fu Panda‘ to life in the most imaginatively fun ways.

The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments. Stay tuned – more details will be revealed in the future.“

For now, you can catch select DreamWorks characters for meet and greets in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida.