Disney auditions for resort entertainers

Shanghai Disney Resort held auditions over the weekend for dancers, musicians and comedians to perform at the forthcoming resort.

The first round of auditions was held at the Shanghai Ballet on Saturday for dancers to perform in stage shows or for special events and parade at the resort. They could either perform alone or as a group, according to media reports.

Passion, a warm attitude, a love of performing and a winning smile are the main criteria for the candidates, Laurie Jordan, vice president for the entertaining and performance of the resort, told the thepaper.cn.

Some 100 ballet dancers were among those who took part in the auditions. They were asked to learn some dance steps and then perform to the interviewers in groups.

Jordan said the resort needs both senior performers to show their professional ability and the junior dancers who can display their vitality and enthusiasm. Most performers will be Chinese.

The official said the future resort will have a wide variety of performances especially designed for the Shanghai resort, including parades, firework displays, stage shows, outdoor performances and many other activities.

The resort will continue hiring until December, and then move on to Beijing, Jinan, Chongqing, Shenyang and Wuhan. Those interested can send their resumes to the SHDR.Auditions@Disney.com.

Transport hub

Meanwhile, the Shanghai government unveiled its plans to build a transport hub at the south entrance to the Shanghai International Tourism Resort, where the Disney resort will be the centerpiece attraction.

Visitors taking long-distance buses or taxis to the hub can transfer to electric vehicles to all the locations within the Disney resort, the city government said over the weekend.

The hub will also include 1,500 square meters of restaurants, a waiting area and convenience stores.

A total of 3.1 square kilometers of parking areas have also been designed at the south and east entrance to the Disney resort, with 4,858 parking lots for vehicles and 981 for bicycles.