There is less magic in the world today. Actors Equity just announced that 720 of its 780 members at Walt Disney World have lost their jobs.
Though that might not seem like much, compared to the company-wide layoffs of 28,000, it is an almost fatal blow to the entertainment industry here in Orlando. It is also an unimaginable loss to all of us who have worked for the company for decades. When we were last there for our shifts in March, no one could have guessed that we might never see each other at work again.
We are proud professionals who found our niche adding joy to our guests’ vacations: making special moments for one person amidst the mayhem & getting laughs from large groups.
Outside of Disney we worked in local theatre, did some film and tv, & dinner shows.
Most of those are gone now, too.
Having lived through the cuts that came to theme parks after 9/11, I (and many others) assumed that is what we would be facing — a loss of a reliable gig, perhaps having to go back to working 3 jobs to make expenses, hoping that one of us keeps our benefits.
This is different. This feels like there’s no coming back from it. As if Disney doesn’t plan on having anyone in entertainment who will be able to build a life here anymore.
The local performers who ran the popular pet rescue. Who put the ‘Pride’ in our local LGBTQ+ community. Who mentored young people looking for a future in the arts. All cut.
We aren’t famous. We aren’t rich. We are just artists who have lost our chance to make art.
It is a chance that might not come back.
This is my first diary after many years here at Daily Kos. I hope the next one is more positive.
Please, let’s make November something wonderful. GOTV!
