Students and faculty celebrated Ms. Patterson before she left to go work at Disney.
Every day kids go to Disney World to go on rides, eat good food, and of course see the Disney characters. Disney characters are one of the key parts of the magic of Disney. Alana Patterson, a Watauga High School Biology and Forensics teacher, will be able to add to this experience by getting to perform as Princess Tiana from the movie “The Princess and the Frog” at Disney World.
Patterson has taken a sabbatical from teaching and has traveled to Orlando Florida to pursue a short career in being Princess Tiana for Disney.
“Ever since I was a kid, I have loved performing,” said Patterson. “Disney is the top entertainment company in the world and it has always been a dream of mine to learn and work for the company.”
The process for applying for this job is surprisingly simple. Disney holds digital auditions for different roles around the world. When someone submits the video audition, casting directors then review the submission and contact them if the company wants them to go to Florida to do a costume callback.
“I was contacted for a phone interview where I was asked a few questions about my capabilities to perform the job,” Patterson said. “Then, I was offered a contract! The entire process took about four months.”
However, it is difficult to get the job. Actors have to be able to look like the princess, act like them, and they don’t get to pick the princess they want to be.
“Ultimately, you not only need to look like the princess, but you also need to look like all of the other actors that also play that character,” Patterson said. “So, even if you feel like you look exactly like a princess, if you don't look like all of the other people playing that same character, you will not be hired.”
Fortunately, Tiana was the princess Patterson was hoping for. While she is excited to begin her new career, Patterson is also sad about pausing her teaching job.
“WHS has been a part of my life for a long time,” said Patterson. “I love the school, students, coworkers, and administration. I am excited and a bit nervous about making this leap, but I know it will be good for me.”
Patterson will be returning to Boone in July or early August to resume her teaching career.
“I can't wait to go learn as much as I can and make magic for the many people that will visit Walt Disney World over the next few months,” said Patterson.
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