Universal Studios Japan(TM) Looking for More UK Talent

Universal Studios Japan(TM) Looking for More UK Talent

LONDON, July 10/PRNewswire/ --

[Introduction]

After the success of the first London auditions in 2006, Universal Studios Japan is on its way back to London as part of their 2007 worldwide casting tour, searching for excellent, singers, dancers, character actors and live stunt performers to become a part of their exciting new entertainment program.

Ms. Alexis Mwakikoti is one of the amazing talents discovered in London who has now taken her place among an international cast of performers in some of the best live Theme Park shows to be staged anywhere in the world.

Alexis said, "I knew nothing about Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan before attending their audition in the fall of 2006. However, after a very organized and almost comfortable audition experience, I was thrilled to be offered a twelve-month contract. Being a member of this incredible performing 'family' in this park where ALL of the shows are simply amazing, and getting the chance to work with some of the most talented performers from America, Australia, Canada, China and Russia as well as Japan is an honor and an inspiration.

"Since getting involved with USJ, even leading up to my arrival here, everyone has been totally supportive and friendly, and I absolutely LOVE the Japanese culture. It is very interesting to have your senses awakened merely by being in a foreign land. And the casting department is easy to interact with and very accessible. It's nice to know that some of the casting team has actually performed in the park and can convey firsthand to us new performers what to expect.

"As for the country itself, I have decided that my favorite area in Osaka so far is Shinsaibashi. I already have three new pairs of shoes to prove it, and it has only been a month-and-a-half!!!!"

In order to continue to develop and maintain the high standards of performers required for Universal Studios Japan, we have now included London on the world audition tour and look forward to discovering more great talent in August 2007.

Since Universal Studios Japan opened in 2001, our international cast of performers have entertained over 50 million guests visiting the Park.

In the year 2007, Universal Studios Japan will present a series of world-class entertainment filled with "Dreams" in its commitment to become a place that can provide special memories such as where the ambitions and dreams envisioned by guests are fulfilled.

Universal Studios Japan hopes to offer all guests with heart-throbbing moments, deeply-moving sensations, delightful pleasures where guests will find they just cannot help but smile and other experiences full of "wonder" and "imagination" more than ever before.

[The Roles]

In 2006 Universal Studios Japan will be casting a variety of musical, pop/rock singers, dancers, character actors, comic street actors, street theatre performers, stunt actors and gymnasts to fill roles in their park productions, which include: the smash-hit Broadway musical Wicked, the magical Peter Pan's Neverland, the live rock and roll spectacular Universal Monster Live Rock and Roll Show(TM), the much loved The Blues Brothers(R), the new animal show Toto & Friends, WaterWorld(TM), Terminator 2: 3-D(R) and their extensive Atmosphere Entertainment line up.

[The Shows]

WICKED: The smash Broadway hit musical, nominated for 10 Tony(R) awards and winner of 3, including "Best Performance by a Leading Lady," celebrates its Asia debut in a version exclusively designed for Universal Studios, Japan by the show's composer/lyricist, Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman. The musical reveals the previously undisclosed friendship between the two witches of Oz long before Dorothy, transported by a cyclone, arrives in Munchkinland.

Peter Pan's Neverland: Our retelling of the classic Peter Pan story, which has been around since 1904. We add a brand-new musical score, characters flying 50 meters high and a cast of 28 actors, dancers and acrobats as Native Americans, lost boys and pirates all performing on a multi level, multi colorful stage situated in our main lagoon.

[Working Conditions]

For the talented performers lucky enough to be offered a Universal Studios contract, they will enjoy up to 13 months living in Japan with all expenses paid, on a great salary package, making lifelong friends and having the experience of a lifetime.

[London Audition Dates]

London auditions will be the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of August 2007 at Pineapple Studios.

[Audition Website]

Performers can learn more about the auditions, the character roles, what it's like working at Universal Studios Japan and living in Osaka by visiting the website at www.universalauditions.com/japan.

[Audition Registrations]

Those interested in auditioning must be at least 18 years old on the day of the audition.

Register on line for your audition time: www.universalauditions.com/japan or e-mail your questions to info@usjauditions.com.au

          For further information, please contact:     Jaci Testro     Connect Entertainment     PO Box 278 Altona, VIC 3018     MOB: +61-422-571-880     TEL: +613-9255-5959     FAX: +613-9255-5959      EMAIL: jaci@connectetertainment.com.au  

[General information on Universal Studios Japan]

The highly successful Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida are the world's leading movie theme parks, delivering thrills and excitement to people from all over the world. Universal Studios Japan brings authentic entertainment from these two popular American theme parks to Osaka, along with a host of shows and attractions original to Japan.

Opened in March 2001, Universal Studios Japan is more than just movies; it offers a range of exciting shows and attractions realistically recreating world-famous blockbusters, including the exhilarating The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride, which has earned itself a global reputation, Jurassic Park - The Ride(R) and Shrek's 4-D Adventure(TM). There are also many attractions only available at Universal Studios Japan, such as Snoopy Studios(TM) and Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic(C).

In addition to those featured in the spectacular live shows, there are many characters playing an active role in the Park, including the world's most famous beagle, Snoopy, and his friends from the popular comic Peanuts. Elmo, Cookie Monster and other buddies from Sesame Street, Hello Kitty - a character popular not only in Japan but worldwide, and the unique and charming Pink Panther are among the many globally popular characters entertaining guests visiting Universal Studios Japan.

For general information on Universal Studios Japan, please visit the official website at www.usj.co.jp

Images available at www.asianetnews.net. Search: "Universal Studios Japan"

          Web site: http://www.universalauditions.com/japan               http://www.usj.co.jp   

Source: Universal Studios Japan

Jaci Testro of Connect Entertainment, +613-9255-5959, or mobile: +61-422-571-880, or fax: +613-9255-5959, jaci@connectetertainment.com.au, for Universal Studios Japan

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Profile: International Entertainment