Prospective Cast FAQ

Are you interested in applying for our cast and want to know more? Just curious about what happens behind the scenes at OwC? Feel free to peruse the following prospective cast FAQ!

What happens after I apply?

You will receive an email back from us stating if we would like to schedule an audition/interview.
If yes, the audition/interview will take place either on Zoom or in a public setting.
After the interview you may receive a callback. This takes place at one of our East Metro bases and includes wig tests, measurements, movement etc.
If everything feels like a good fit on both sides, you will be invited to attend cast orientation, complete information for your background check, respond to your first availability queries, etc.
All new cast go through a 12-event trial period and review.

What are your Covid procedures?

Cast and guest safety is our top priority. All cast members must be fully vaccinated. Depending on if the event is vaccinations required, indoors/outdoors, and the cases per 100,000 in the event county the week before, we may require masks and/or distancing for our performance. You can view our safety page for more details.

What do you expect from performers?

Timely responsiveness to availability queries—typically a poll or email
Reliability and responsible management of your schedule
Arriving early to events and being prepared (makeup done, hair ready, appropriate undergarments/shoes brought, script and character studied)
Respect for fellow cast, our guests and hosts, company and host property, the integrity of your characters, and company standards
Professionalism: we take it very seriously that parents trust us with their children’s heroes and strive to provide fantastic memories for them

How flexible is scheduling?

Our scheduling system is very flexible as long as you can plan ahead. We typically list upcoming events in a poll 2-4 months before and you select which ones you are available for. Once the casting assignments come out for the events, we expect you to hold those dates and not schedule other jobs or activities during them.

Do you go to houses for birthday parties?

No, we do not go to private residences for the safety of our cast and equipment, as well as for our public-event-focused insurance. All birthdays and private events we perform must take place at a public space like a community room, event venue, restaurant, etc.

Am I alone at events?

No, for cast safety and various liability reasons, we never send a character anywhere without a trained Magic Maker attendant.

Will I be cast as the same character every time?

Typically, no. We look for versatile performers who are ready to take on many different roles, from princesses/princes to pirates, from mascots like the Easter Bunny to hilarious villains, from Magic Maker Assistants to superheroes performing choreographed stage combat.

Do you have an age limit?

Performers must be over age 18. We have no upper limit, but some characters require a youthful (princesses, fairytale children, etc.) or more mature (Santa and Mrs. Claus, etc.) appearance.

What’s the time commitment? How many events are required?

To provide varied options and top-quality services, OwC has multiple levels/lists of cast:

General Cast

No minimum event attendance
Provides flexibility for seasonal or hectic schedules
Audition track for aspiring Storytime Narrators and Event Leaders
Only initial Orientation and one yearly update training required

Storytime Narrator Cast

By invitation and audition only
Have year-round availability and able to make a long-term commitment
Receive additional training
Expected to prepare storytime scripts ahead of time and flexibility engage groups anywhere from 2 to 200 attendees

Event Leaders Cast

By invitation only
Expected to attend a minimum (but typically more) of 15 events per year
Have year-round availability and able to make a long-term commitment
Leadership positions (Hosts, Lead Characters, Event Managers etc.) are drawn from the Event Leaders Cast
Receive additional training for the above roles
Receive priority casting for select events

What do cast need to provide for their costumes?

Performers provide their own makeup, wig caps/bobby pins, foundation garments (bras, dance tights, etc.), and character shoes as needed. OwC provides costumes, wigs, and specific shoes or pieces that we wouldn’t expect performers to commonly have.

How do events work?

Depending on what pandemic procedures are active, it could be one of two things:

Active Pandemic Procedures: Pick up costume ahead of time from our East Metro bases, get dressed on your own beforehand and meet other cast at the event (be early!). Drop materials off afterward.

Standard Non-Pandemic Procedures: Do any makeup and hair prep ahead of time, then meet and get dressed at one of the East Metro bases. Carpool to the event, perform, carpool back, and the materials stay at base.

Select characters (mascots, etc.) might get dressed at the actual event.

What is the pay rate? How do I get paid?

Compensation varies based on the event type. As a sample, meet-and-greets pay $30 an hour, a deluxe storytime (one hour) is $50, and interactive programs with rehearsal time such as Superhero Training (one hour, plus early call for rehearsal before the event) typically run $60. Cast bring home a check after each event.

Do you pay mileage?

We pay mileage if the event is outside a 20-mile radius from our East Metro bases.

Do you take seasonal performers?

Typically we look for a long-term commitment, but indicate your availability in your application and we can see what our needs are.

What is “transcendent casting”?

Transcendent casting is casting BIPOC performers in traditionally white roles so that children of all backgrounds can see themselves in their heroes. We gladly offer this option to our performers of color and our event hosts.

Do I need to be able to sing?

Singing is not required, but simple children’s songs are common in storytimes and we may hold vocal auditions for cast interested in more intensive sing-along activities.

Do I need to be able to do accents?

No, but certain specific roles do require them and we may ask for a demonstration/audition.

What else should I know to see if this is right for me?

See if our mission, goals and standards are a fit for what you’re looking for:

Spread Joy, Hope, and Smiles

Character interactions will make each and every person that they encounter feel special.

Meaningful character volunteer work will bring special moments to those who need them most, sick and underserved children and their families.

Inspire and Educate

Character performances and interactions will encourage, teach, and inspire various skills and interests, including physical/intellectual (coordination/knowledge etc.), personal (confidence/self-awareness etc.), and interpersonal (compassion/kindness/teamwork etc.).

Interactive storytimes featuring children’s favorite characters will also inspire them to read and enjoy reading.

Principles Maintain the Magic

Childhood is so short; our guests should never have to settle for less than the true magic their children deserve. Portraying children’s heroes is a responsibility we take very seriously. From performers trained in the arts of interaction, character portrayal, and creating magic, to stringent standards in costume and wig quality, every detail in our mission to spread smiles makes a difference!

Safety and Training

Training, experience, and professional safety practices separate an amateur from a professional. There are so many cosplay-style pop-up character companies; we’re sure you’ve seen them. A great training program and professional safety practices make the huge difference between professionals and amateurs.

All our cast are trained in safety, liability, and are background checked before appearing anywhere with us. We also never send a character out alone without an attendant.

Inclusion and Representation

OwC strives to be an inclusive environment and an ally to our BIPOC performers and guests. We believe that all children deserve to see themselves in their childhood heroes.

Magic Close to Home

While we can be hired to travel throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, OwC focuses on bringing magic to families close to home in the Eastern Twin Cities.

Costume Quality

We believe that when a child meets a character, that character should be attired in real garments befitting their character, rather than a Halloween-style costume. This makes such a difference in the believability and impact of the character.

It’s an honor to have a profession where our goal is to spread smiles and create magical memories. We hope that whenever guests meet our characters they will see our mission, goals, and principles making a difference!

There you have it! We hope this has helped you decide if Occasions with Character might be the right place for you, and if so, we look forward to hearing from you soon. Apply now!