MCDC Staff Spotlight: Michelle Mayo

Michelle Mayo

You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take.

This statement is a good one to hold in the back of your mind for every day life. It definitely can apply to your dance dreams/dance auditions, as well. I know a lot of dancers, myself included, who hold themselves back from auditioning for dream roles because of fear and anxiety.

THAT ENDS TODAY.

Take our staff member, Michelle Mayo, for example. If she let fear get in the way of her dreams, she would have never tried out to be a Klein Oak Strutter. She would have never been a world-famous Kilgore College Rangerette. She most certainly wouldn’t have performed at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston or Casa Manana in Fort Worth.

Instead, Michelle went after those goals. That’s why she’s currently performing at the most magical place on Earth! Check out her journey here:

MCDC: So, how did your gig with Disney World come about?
Michelle Mayo: I’d just finished a contract with Casa Manana in Fort Worth and was looking to book my next gig. I have an account with Backstage.com, and I regularly check the website for audition postings. I saw a post for Walt Disney World looking to hire full time parade performers.  I thought, "how perfect!" My dad is from Florida and all of his side of the family lives close to Orlando. 
I was trying to find a more stable and consistent performing job. Before Disney, I was an independent artist that would be on contract for gigs. After my contract was up and the show closed - I was out of work and back to auditioning. Disney was offering full time hours, benefits and park perks. I went to the audition and got an email 2 days later that I booked the job. I moved to Orlando 2 weeks later!  
MCDC: That’s incredible! What was the audition process like? 
MM: The audition had 3 rounds. The first round was a short movement combination that had basic jazz technique. The second round was a longer, more difficult stylized combination. The third round was an acting exercise. We were given a scenario and had to act as a character within the scenario.  
MCDC: What are some of the roles that you’ve had the chance to play? 
MM: Dead Waltzer from the Haunted Mansion in the Boo To You Parade. I’ve been a Court Dancer in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime, a Highland Dancer in Festival of Fantasy, and a Butterfly in the Easter pre parade.  
MCDC: What are some things that prepared you for this tremendous opportunity?   
MM: Ballet and jazz technique classes have helped me perform and execute dance steps to my best ability. My drill team training has helped prepare me to perform outside in the Florida heat, and my musical theater background has helped with my animation and performance quality. Disney does not only consider your dance ability when hiring and casting roles in their park. Acting is extremely important. Every role you do in the park requires you to tell a story and create a world for the guests.  
MCDC: What's been your favorite memory, so far? 
MM: My favorite memory at Disney was the opening night of the Boo To You parade. I was so excited to be cast as a Dead Waltzer from the Haunted Mansion. I remember riding the attraction when I was little, and I couldn't believe I was picked to reenact the ballroom scene.  
MCDC: And we are so proud of you! So, what are some things that you've learned in this experience that you would share with young dancers? 
MM: I would say, "Dreams come true". Keep working hard in your craft and opportunities will come!  
MCDC: Awesome! What's next for you? 
MM: My Disney career has just begun! I am hoping to learn more parades and shows in the various parks. I will continue to audition for equity dancer positions with Disney, maybe even Disney cruise line or another Disney park.  

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