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Universal Studios Florida... my first shift.
8 years ago
General
I think it was 25 years ago today that I worked my first shift as a character at Universal Studios.
A little back story.....I had auditioned for Universal AND Disney a few times but never made the cut.
There was an audition for Universal Studios Characters in Late April or Early May 1992.
That night I was so sick. I almost didnt go but I really wanted to go to this audition!
At the end of the audition the man there said "If we call your name please come back Wed night at 7:30 pm for a call back audition."
There were over 100 people there. He read a list of about 15 or 20 names and the last one was mine! (Yeah I was the bottom of the barrel)
I came back for the call back audition and did some things, some animation / mime "exercizes" and that was that.
The next morning my phone rings at 8:30 am. Who the HELL is calling me this early ???? I let the machine get it.
*BEEP* This is Pat Brady at Universal Studios Entertainment.....bla bla bla......
I sprung up! WHY IS HE CALLING MEEEEE??????
I called back 2 minutes later and went in for an interview that afternoon.
I GOT THE JOB! $5.65/HR!
So, my first shift was 25 years ago today. A 4 hour special event. Some early morning meet and greet as Woody for some special tour group.
Tony G was my Winnie Woodpecker.
I was so nervous and so excited. For years whenever I saw a character or mascot on TV I thought to my self "OOOOH I want to do that SOOO bad!" And here I was !
The appearnce was on the other side of the park so we got dressed up and rode a pargo over.
Woody has a tall head so I had to ride on the back with my head pointed down.
All I could see was my woodpecker feet withthe pavement passing underneath.
When we arrived I had no idea where we were.
I got up and there was 200 people infront of me. Time froze for 2 seconds. The moment had arrived.
They all rushed toward me.
I immediately did my thing and felt very comfortable after 5 minutes.
.....I think I found my dream job.
A little back story.....I had auditioned for Universal AND Disney a few times but never made the cut.
There was an audition for Universal Studios Characters in Late April or Early May 1992.
That night I was so sick. I almost didnt go but I really wanted to go to this audition!
At the end of the audition the man there said "If we call your name please come back Wed night at 7:30 pm for a call back audition."
There were over 100 people there. He read a list of about 15 or 20 names and the last one was mine! (Yeah I was the bottom of the barrel)
I came back for the call back audition and did some things, some animation / mime "exercizes" and that was that.
The next morning my phone rings at 8:30 am. Who the HELL is calling me this early ???? I let the machine get it.
*BEEP* This is Pat Brady at Universal Studios Entertainment.....bla bla bla......
I sprung up! WHY IS HE CALLING MEEEEE??????
I called back 2 minutes later and went in for an interview that afternoon.
I GOT THE JOB! $5.65/HR!
So, my first shift was 25 years ago today. A 4 hour special event. Some early morning meet and greet as Woody for some special tour group.
Tony G was my Winnie Woodpecker.
I was so nervous and so excited. For years whenever I saw a character or mascot on TV I thought to my self "OOOOH I want to do that SOOO bad!" And here I was !
The appearnce was on the other side of the park so we got dressed up and rode a pargo over.
Woody has a tall head so I had to ride on the back with my head pointed down.
All I could see was my woodpecker feet withthe pavement passing underneath.
When we arrived I had no idea where we were.
I got up and there was 200 people infront of me. Time froze for 2 seconds. The moment had arrived.
They all rushed toward me.
I immediately did my thing and felt very comfortable after 5 minutes.
.....I think I found my dream job.
what a story
To say the kids loved it is an understatement. They didn't care I wasn't some well-known cartoon character, they were having a great time dancing to cheesy pop music with this giant friendly wolf. I found myself just doing all sorts of silliness to make them smile, it was honestly like magic. And as far as these kids were concerned, it probably was. The kids were talking about it for weeks after, and that was the moment I decided I wanted to keep suiting. I was practically melting in the suit, but being able to turn what would be a boring family gathering into a fun time for kids?
Worth it.
That's how I think most folks who work as mascots in theme parks see it. That same level of awe when kids see their favorite character brought to life. That's why I have nothing but respect for mascot workers, the ones who really put their all into it. For however short a moment you have with that kid, you're making magic happen before their eyes. So to you, Tilt, I say 'kudos'.