Character Plaster Intern

Job Description

Here is a detailed and enriched job description for the Character Plaster Intern role at Walt Disney Imagineering:

About Walt Disney Imagineering

Walt Disney Imagineering stands as the extraordinary creative force that conceptualizes, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships across the globe. We are a collective of innovative minds working across a vast spectrum of disciplines, ranging from the purely creative and conceptual to the highly scientific and technical. Imagineers uniquely blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and cutting-edge technology to craft immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment that captivates families around the world.

About The Role & Program: Character Plaster Intern

Join an innovative team and culture within Walt Disney Imagineering as a Character Plaster Intern. This program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the magical world of Disney, working hands-on to shape the physical environments that define our legendary experiences.

Internship Details:

• Program Dates: Approximately May/June 2026 to August/September 2026.
• Location: Orlando, FL.

What You Will Do (Key Responsibilities):

As a Character Plaster Intern, you will be an integral part of our team, engaging directly with hands-on projects and participating in the field art direction of Character Facades, Rockwork, and Hardscape assignments. This role requires an entry-level understanding of three-dimensional creative intent, problem-solving abilities, and their practical application throughout the design, production, and field art direction processes. Your assignments will include actively participating in and supporting the design, execution, and art direction goals of the department across both 1st and 3rd shifts. Working environments will be diverse, ranging from the character plaster documentation library to elevated scaffolding platforms on active construction sites.

You will have the invaluable opportunity to:

• Sculpting & Artistic Creation: Engage in hands-on sculpting of clay or foam models, contributing to the initial artistic vision.
• Structural Fabrication: Participate directly in the building of rebar and lath armatures, understanding the foundational structure of scenic elements.
• Design Collaboration: Assist design team leaders in developing desired concepts, offering creative input and problem-solving solutions.
• Material Integration: Help integrate specific design elements and provide creative problem-solving regarding materials usage into comprehensive design packages.
• Documentation & Review: Contribute scope details for individual design elements, preparing thoroughly for reviews of all show design documents.
• Hands-On Production: Actively participate in the art direction and hands-on sculpting of cement plaster and Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) for rockwork, character facades, or specialized dimensional elements for sample programs and field production projects.
• Field Art Direction: Participate in the field art directing of character pavement and assist with the transfer of critical data to the hardscape documentation website, ensuring design fidelity in the field.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Dimensional Design Acumen: A working knowledge of dimensional design and construction, or set design and production principles.
• Team Collaboration: Demonstrated successful team experiences with clear goals or objectives.
• Problem-Solving: An intuitive approach to resolving conflicts and proactively working towards solutions within a team environment.
• Resourcefulness: Knowledge of available team resources and the ability to use them effectively to meet creative objectives.
• Driving Requirement: A valid Driver’s License is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant Experience: 2-4 years of experience in three-dimensional design, sculpture, or theatrical production.
• Disney Experience: Previous experience working within Disney, demonstrating familiarity with our culture and operations.
• Technical Drawing Proficiency: Prior experience with reading blueprints and/or CAD files pertaining to dimensional details and layout.
• Tool Proficiency: Functional proficiency with basic hand tools and carpentry shop power tools.
• Material Knowledge: Knowledge gained from working with gypsum plaster, steel, and concrete.
• Model Fabrication: Experience in the fabrication of architectural or dimensional models.
• Large-Scale Project Involvement: Participation in large-scale construction projects.
• Portfolio: A portfolio review is highly recommended for this position to showcase your artistic and technical capabilities. Please visit our support site for additional information on portfolio submission.

Education Requirements:

• Currently enrolled as a junior or higher, attending an accredited college/university, and actively pursuing a degree in Theater, Fine Arts, Environmental Design, or a related field.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

Candidates for this exciting opportunity MUST meet all of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree, taking at least one class at the time of application posting; OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess unrestricted work authorization in the United States.
• Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.

Additional Information:

• Transportation: Able to provide reliable transportation to and from the work location.
• Availability: Must be fully available for the entire duration of the internship program.
• Housing: We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida-based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities. For more information, please click here.

Compensation:

The pay rate for this role in Orlando, FL, is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 per hour for graduate-level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.