Put on a Front

"Performance serves mainly to express the characteristics of the task that is performed and not the characteristics of the performer." --Erving Goffman

The other side of the social front is an individual’s personal front. It is with the regulation of its cast members’ appearance and manner that Disneyland perfects its performance. To the audience they are a well-screened group, who has a “neat and prim” appearance, and upbeat countenance that is constantly presented. However, these people are not always responsive and polite, but play that role onstage at Disneyland.
Employees then forfeit their individuality during the process of training to become Disneyfied. They are placed under surveillance and emotional management in order to uphold the performance standard, forcing them to behave towards guests by smiling and being helpful. As time progresses, this façade is perfected by the cast member and he or she gets lost in the performance. Many employees admit to it becoming second nature to smile and easy to do nothing more than look alert and be pleasant.

A look at Disney University Appearance Guidelines:

*General
*Female
*Male