Talented actors discuss their experiences in the theme park industry, including microphone mishaps, costume fantasies, working as a fortune teller, and unique theme park jobs like 'Dino Chasers' and 'Push'. They also share their talent for identifying successful individuals and guiding them towards becoming Disney ambassadors.
Being an Agva performer can serve as a stepping stone for a career in show business, but not everyone can sustain a lifelong career in theme parks due to various challenges and limitations.
Theme park performers have both humorous and degrading roles, providing easy-going experiences as characters like Push the talking trash can, but also facing humiliating roles as the 'ugliest woman in Frontierland' or as a Who character.
Deep dives
The Agva Union and Theme Park Careers
The podcast episode explores the Agva union, which represents top tier performers at Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. It discusses how being an Agva performer can be a jumping off point for a career in show business, but not everyone can make a lifelong career out of it. The episode highlights the unique aspects of the Agva union, such as the no-strike clause, and mentions that celebrities like Kevin Richardson, Steve Martin, and Jennifer Hudson started their careers in theme parks.
Challenges and Rewards of Long-Term Theme Park Careers
The episode features an interview with Grandma Agva, a full-time Disney professional with 35 years of experience. Grandma Agva shares the challenges of maintaining a long-term career in theme parks, including the physical toll and the need to constantly create magical experiences for guests. However, she also emphasizes the pride and satisfaction that comes with being a trusted performer and credits her success to her hard work ethic developed in the theme park industry.
Humorous and Humiliating Theme Park Jobs
The podcast episode discusses both humorous and humiliating theme park jobs. It mentions characters like Push the talking trash can and Dino Chasers, which provided humorous and easy-going experiences for performers. On the other hand, the episode highlights the degrading roles some performers had, such as playing the 'ugliest woman in Frontierland' or performing as a Who character. It also shares personal anecdotes of embarrassing moments and encounters with rude guests.
Celebrities and Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences in Theme Parks
The episode examines the interactions between theme park performers and celebrities. It mentions instances where well-known personalities like Kelly Ripley, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger interacted with performers during their sets. The episode also reveals the experience of performing for special events, including a party for a woman with cancer. The performers share personal stories about their encounters with celebrities and reflect on the unique experiences they had while working at theme parks.
These guys do it all: act, sing, dance! But if they're not careful, they may find themselves stuck in the theme park world forever and ever. On the other hand, if they're not careful, they may find themselves without a job in this ever-evolving workplace, losing vital stability, premium benefits, and what amounts to a pretty cushy career. Guests include Gale Brennan, Grandma Agva, Mark Gagliardi, Cherry Blossom, and Rebecca Lumianski.