Interview a CP: Lindsey (Costuming)

Lindsey earning a quarterly award!

Costuming is a role that not very many people know about, so I was thrilled with Lindsey volunteered to share her experience working as a costuming cast member during her college program! She was also lucky enough to become a regular cast member after her program! Here's what she has to say about her role:

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work? During my DCP I worked as a Costuming Hostess, primarily at Hollywood Studios. 

What was a typical day like at work? For me a typical day depended on where I was scheduled. I learned three areas, skills, while a CP. I learned Cast Member Costuming (Ops, this is a global skill, which means I could do it at any CM costume location), the Character Room at Hollywood Studios, and Jedi Training Academy. In the character room, my day consisted of getting characters ready for the next day as well as laundry. For Jedi Training Academy, I helped Darth Vader and his Troopers get ready for show and made sure all their costuming needs were met. I also took care of laundry. 

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it? I knew going into the application process that Costuming was my first choice. I did mark an interest in Attractions and Merchandise, but I knew I wanted to have a career in Costumes with the company. 

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job? I really enjoyed working with the character costumes, getting to be up close and personal with them. It was fascinating to me. My least favorite job was Cast Member costuming. Costuming is a primarily backstage role, so I haven't ever had much Guest interactions, but the believe it or not, I've had CMs behave ruder to me than park guests. 

Any specific magical moment you want to share? After my program, I was lucky enough to go part time. Recently I finished working on Star Wars Weekends in early June. One of my duties for SWW was helping get kids into robes for the Motorcade/parade. After one Motorcade, a mom was thrilled and asked if my co-workers and I would sign her son's autograph book and take a picture with him. We bestowed a lightsaber on him and the shocked look on his and his mom's faces was priceless.

What made you want to do the DCP?I was coming up on graduation and had no clue what I wanted to do with my Theatre Arts-Production degree. I concentrated on costume design in school. I found the tumblr of someone doing costuming and realized it was the perfect transitionary job, to put off the real world a little. I ended up realizing that ultimately Disney was what I wanted to do as a career.

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program? I lucked out and was applying at a time when there  were many bloggers talking about their DCP experiences, so I felt fairly well informed when going into the program. I think I would have liked to have a better idea of what Costuming did. There wasn't a lot of information about it (which is why I'm hoping I'll be able to help some folks when they read this!). 

What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role? Be prepared to not have fun all the time and learn to adapt to different times of the day. I've had shifts where I did laundry for 5 hours. I'm not a morning person whatsoever, but more often than not, I had 6:30 am shifts, which meant getting up at about 3:30 to get ready to catch the bus on time.  

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP? Learn all you can. Don't let your ego get the best of you, sometimes you have to swallow your pride and just let the trainer show you how it's done at Disney. Talk to your leaders, if you have an interest in something within the company, let them know. Chances are, they might know who you can talk to about it and be able to arrange a meet and greet. It may not work out, but networking and putting yourself out there to network can be great experience. 

If you would like to contact Lindsey with any questions about her role or experience, you can reach her on her blog DressingtheForce! 

If you're a current or past college program cast member and would like to share your experience, email your name and role to thedisneyden@yahoo.com to participate!

I hope everyone has a lovely day!