Samantha Sandler
Orlando,USA
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Walt Disney Company, consistently achieving high performance quality and guest satisfaction. Expertise in conflict resolution and team mentorship as Entertainment Manager. Developed innovative wellness initiatives, significantly improving cast well-being and safety. Proven ability to drive creative solutions in high-energy environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Character Captain
Walt Disney Company
Lake Buena Vista, FL
11.2024 - Current
- Lead a team of character performers and attendants, monitoring performance quality, ensuring the operation runs efficiently, and anticipating guest needs to exceed their expectations.
- Handle challenging situations with professionalism, including managing guest expectations, resolving conflicts using empathy, as well as collaborating with other lines of business to solve problems.
- Provide thorough feedback to performers and attendants, mentoring and developing a multicultural Cast base with different backgrounds and experiences.
- Dinoland U.S.A. Venue Liaison - supporting the greenrooms and performance spaces of thirty daily Cast Members.
- Partner with Area Leadership to upkeep documentation, ensure safety protocols are in place, and maintain two break spaces and four show areas.
- Wellness and Safety Liaison, conduct monthly check-ins with cast, creating recovery movement binders that are in ten Entertainment break spaces, and survey tracking to assess cast knowledge of safety programs.
- Created Wellness Wednesday Program to further education on the company's resources and assets, partnering with Entertainment Readiness and Regulatory Training to improve mental and physical health for our Cast.
- Winner of the Safety WSHES Partner of Choice Award 2025 for Entertainment Safety Initiatives at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Project Captain - Merry Menagerie 2025
Walt Disney Company
Lake Buena Vista, FL
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Partner with Show Director and Puppet Specialists on daily project needs and performance approval process for fifty puppeteers.
- Coordinated communication between Cast and Disney Live Entertainment for concerns related to production needs, costuming, and preserving creative intent.
- Provide updates to Merry Menagerie guidelines and local documentation, including approval lists, master cast lists, catering sheets, and daily/overnight rehearsal schedules and agendas.
- Create attendance tracking process to expedite communication between rehearsal operations and Disney's Animal Kingdom Entertainment Base.
- Upkeep orientation video documentation of the Merry Menagerie offering to maintain consistency.
Performer
Seaworld Entertainment
Orlando, FL
05.2021 - 04.2025
- Deliver high-energy performances in shows, parades, and puppetry while upholding character integrity and safety protocols; escort characters during meet-and-greets and events, facilitate engaging guest interactions, and provide solution-focused support to ensure exceptional guest and character show excellence.
Performer
Walt Disney Company
Lake Buena Vista, FL
01.2023 - 11.2024
- Bring Disney Characters to life through authentic animation and adherence to character integrity while upholding the Disney 5 Keys-Safety, Courtesy, Show, Efficiency, and Inclusion-following PASS Show Flow to ensure a seamless guest experience.
Marquee Performer
Universal Studios Florida
Orlando, FL
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Perform complex dance choreography with strong technical skill while engaging guests in a high-energy environment and maintaining the physical stamina required to deliver consistently high-quality performances.
Sales Lead/Key Holder
Francescas
Novi, MI
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Promoted into Lead, opening and motivate boutique staff, support the boutique leadership team, and help manage day-to-day operations.
- Opening and closing the boutique.
- Assisting with sales-floor leadership to help meet daily sales goals and metrics.
- Create positive guest experience and support/coach other associates.
- Maintain store standard, display/show merchandise, and stock room.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Dance
Wayne State University
Skills
- Certified yoga teacher
- CPR and AED trained
- Proficient in Adobe Photoshop
- Canva graphic design skills
- Microsoft Teams expertise
Timeline
Project Captain - Merry Menagerie 2025
Walt Disney Company
08.2025 - 11.2025
Character Captain
Walt Disney Company
11.2024 - Current
Performer
Walt Disney Company
01.2023 - 11.2024
Marquee Performer
Universal Studios Florida
06.2021 - 01.2023
Performer
Seaworld Entertainment
05.2021 - 04.2025
Sales Lead/Key Holder
Francescas
08.2017 - 05.2019
Bachelors of Science - Dance
Wayne State University