Disney World cuts 10 Citizens of Hollywood
Ten “Citizens of Hollywood,” the actors who portray old-time Tinseltown characters at Walt Disney World, will lose their jobs in April.
The cuts mean the group that performs at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will shrink by a third.
A spokeswoman for the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents the performers, confirmed Monday 10 of the 29 will not have their contracts renewed.
Nine of the performers who will lose their jobs currently work at Disney full-time, union spokeswoman Maria Somma said. One works part-time.
A Disney spokeswoman said other entertainment will be coming to the park.
Other cuts have gone into effect as well at Disney World.
Earlier this month, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co. laid off about 100 painters working at the resort.
Some character experiences have been slightly shortened, according to a union representative.
Disney had scheduled the Main Street Electrical Parade only once a night during March, typically one of the resort’s busiest times, but has recently changed the schedule to bring back twice-nightly performances during half the month.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has closed several attractions as it makes way for a major makeover of the park that will include Star Wars and Toy Story lands. It has brought in some other Star Wars features and entertainment in the meantime. That will include “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” stage show debuting in April.