One Day at Disney Season 1 Episode 15 Leah Buono: Casting Director

Leah Buono is a casting director for Disney Theatrical Productions, and in episode 15 of One Day at Disney season 1, we get a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day work. Buono is responsible for finding the perfect actors to portray beloved Disney characters in the various theatrical productions across the world. Her job is not an easy one, as she must balance the demands of finding talented performers with the need to ensure that they are able to embody the spirit of the Disney characters they will be portraying.

The episode begins with Buono meeting with the creative team for the upcoming production of Frozen on Broadway. They discuss the challenges they face in casting the roles of Elsa and Anna, particularly finding performers who can handle the vocally demanding songs. Buono takes notes on the team's suggestions, and promises to bring them a list of potential candidates that fit their criteria.

Next, we follow Buono as she attends a casting call for a new touring production of Disney's Aladdin. She watches as performers sing, dance, and act their way through the audition, making notes on each one. Buono is impressed by the overall talent level, and feels confident that she will be able to find the perfect cast for the production.

We also get a glimpse into Buono's personal life, as she takes us on a tour of her New York City apartment. We learn that she is an accomplished dancer herself, having trained at the prestigious Juilliard School before transitioning into casting. Buono also shares that her current job is her dream job, and that she loves being able to help other performers achieve their dreams.

Later in the episode, Buono sits down with the casting team for Disney's Mary Poppins Returns. They discuss the challenges they faced in casting the role of Jack, played by Tony-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. Buono explains the process they went through in finding the perfect performer for the role, and how Miranda's enthusiasm for the project made him the ideal choice.

As the day winds down, Buono attends a performance of Frozen on Broadway with her family. They watch as the cast brings the beloved characters to life on stage, and Buono can't help but smile at the thought that she played a role in bringing these performers together. The episode ends with Buono reflecting on the joy that her work brings her, and the pride she feels in being a part of the Disney family.

Overall, One Day at Disney season 1 episode 15 gives us a fascinating look at the work of a casting director for Disney Theatrical Productions. We see the challenges, pressures, and joys of the job, and get a sense of the dedication and passion that Leah Buono brings to her work. Fans of the Disney stage productions and those interested in the world of casting will find this episode particularly informative and entertaining.