Of Notoriety: Disney casting near and far for new young talent for next project

Chicago Tribune

09-07-2025

In my small hometown of North Judson, the Gayble Theater was a one-room 488-seat movie house built in a brick and stone Tudor architecture design, opened in 1936 and closed in 1983.
Walt Disney's 'The Fox and the Hound,' released in 1981, was one of the final films I recall seeing at our local movie theater with my parents and siblings when I was just 10 years old.
Even though Walt himself died at age 65 in 1966, the animators and producers at his studios continued to use the same traditions and tactics for the animation and storyboard process when creating a new film.
Walt liked to ensure that when he cast a celebrity face and vocal talent, physical features, mannerisms and movement from the famous name were also incorporated and matched with the animated scene.
For example, 'The Fox and the Hound,' which is celebrating the 44th anniversary of its big screen release on July 10, 1981, stars the voices of Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Corey Feldman, Jack Albertson, Sandy Duncan, Jeanette Nolan, Paul Winchell and the legendary Pearl Bailey as the voice of a blues singing owl named 'Big Mama.' Bailey died at age 72 in 1990.
Just as in previous decades of details and precision, Bailey's winks, nods, smiles and sways were captured and rekindled while she was recording her character's song 'Best of Friends.'
The folks at Disney Talent Casting are looking for their next young star for a new project, and they've asked me to help spread the word.
'Hello Parents and Guardians: Disney Branded Television and Felicia Fasano Casting are currently holding a global talent search for the lead role in a brand-new television pilot 'How to Be a Drama Queen,' (Working Title), for the role of 'Asha,' a character portrayed is Indian American female, who is 12-14 years-old; for talent with singing and dancing ability and experience. As with all our casting searches, there is never a fee to interview nor a guarantee of employment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. This casting call is open to all regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, disability, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation or gender affinity or any other basis protected by law, subject to legitimate casting objectives.'
Please read carefully before submitting:
1. Review the submission information at the provided link: bit.ly/DISNEYMUSICALSHOWOPENCALL
2. There is a script excerpt (referred to as sides). Select 'both scenes' of the attached link to record a self-tape. Applicants can also upload an optional additional song and dance clip.
3. Do not double submit applications.
4. No phone calls.
5. The submission period continues through 8:59 p.m. PST (10:59 p.m. CST) July 14, 2025. No submissions will be selected after the deadline.
Disney Branded Television and Felicia Fasano Casting will review all self-tapes. Disney Branded Television is not affiliated with any acting school or acting workshop. There is never a fee to interview/audition or to participate in a Disney Branded Television official talent search. Professional setups or equipment are not required.
Casting producers only need to see and hear the performer at this entry-level submission in the process, and accommodations can be made for performers with disabilities. For inquiries, email [e-mail].
The Munster Lions Club and town of Munster hosted my return, along with Cara Schmitt, the director of education at Chesterton Art Center, to once again serve as co-parade announcers for their annual Fourth of July Parade on Friday. We shared the grandstand alongside judges such as Theatre at the Center producer Luke Miiller, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Renee Giragos, RE/MAX Realty Associate Wendy Roman, professor of marketing at Indiana University Northwest Subir Bandyopadhyay, and long-time Munster community leader Terry Quinn.
The winners for the 'business float' category this year are Beatniks on Conkey in First Place, Strack & Van Til in Second Place, and Munster Juniors in Third Place. In the category of 'best decorated auto/truck,' the winners are Pop Warner Football in First Place, Model A Vehicles in Second Place, and Maria Newbolds in Third Place. Congrats to all!