Character Core Conference
August 6-8, 2027
Tulyp Hotel - Downtown Holland, Michigan
Olivia Grace & Company is creating an immersive, three-day training experience designed specifically for those who are passionate about the art of professional character performing.
The Character Core Conference will bring together a small, carefully selected group for a weekend of hands-on education, professional development, connection, and, of course, a little magic.
Applications will be open to:
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Students interested in pursuing character performing
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Current performers affiliated with character entertainment companies
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Experienced performers looking to strengthen their skills
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Individuals hoping to advance their careers within the character entertainment industry.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will build their own curriculum by selecting from four tiers of sessions; with topics ranging from character interaction, storylining, posing, autographs, costuming, voice and character development to hands-on transformation, professional character makeup, auditioning, and more.
The weekend will also include an OG&C-sponsored Welcome Mixer, Princess Pajama Party, professional networking opportunities, optional experiences and add-ons, and our closing Commencement Breakfast and ceremony.
Space will be intentionally limited. This will not be an open-registration event. Prospective attendees must apply to be considered, and invitations to register will be extended to a small group of applicants who we believe will benefit most from the experience and contribute positively to the Character Core community.
Anticipated tuition for the full three-day experience is approximately $700 per attendee.
Travel and hotel accommodations are not included. However, we will provide attendees with access to a discounted partner hotel room block to make planning their stay as simple as possible.
Build Your Own Experience
Choose from a selection of courses designed for aspiring and experienced character performers.
Learn From Industry Professionals
Hands-on workshops character performance, auditioning, movement, makeup, costuming & more.
Connections and Networking
Three days of training, networking, social events & meaningful connections with performers from across the industry.
Sessions and Courses
Group Sessions
Character Core Welcome Mixer
Kick off the Character Core Conference with an evening of connection, conversation, and a little magic! Join fellow performers, instructors, and the OG&C team for a relaxed welcome reception featuring complimentary appetizers and light bites.
The Anatomy of an Interaction
Learn OG&C’s signature approach to creating intentional, engaging character interactions. We’ll break down show flow, the interaction triangle, involving parents and siblings, and making even a short interaction feel complete.
Protecting the Performer
Led by a qualified self-defense instructor, this interactive workshop teaches practical strategies for maintaining personal space, recognizing escalating situations, responding to inappropriate or intoxicated guests, safely disengaging from unwanted physical contact, communicating with attendants, and prioritizing escape and assistance when a situation becomes unsafe.
Princess Pajama Party
Join your fellow conference attendees for a cozy, laid-back evening in the ballroom featuring a movie on the big screen, complimentary popcorn and beverages, and plenty of time to relax, laugh, and connect.
Mental Health in Entertainment
Led by a mental health professional, this session explores the unique emotional challenges that can come with performing and working in the entertainment industry: including rejection, comparison, perfectionism, performance anxiety, burnout, difficult guest interactions, social media, and the pressure to always appear “on.” Attendees will discuss healthy ways to manage the emotional highs and lows of the industry, establish boundaries, recognize when they may need additional support, and build habits that allow them to continue creating magic without neglecting the person behind the character.
Commencement Ceremony
Celebrate a weekend of learning, connection, and magic over a complimentary lunch sponsored by Olivia Grace & Company. We’ll close out Character Core Conference together with our official Commencement Ceremony, recognizing each attendee as a member of the graduating class.
Pascal Sessions
Select Two
Posing & Picture-Perfect Moments
Learn flattering and character-specific posing, hand placement, working with height differences, positioning children and families, transitioning between poses, and helping attendants capture better photographs.
Autographs: More Than a Signature
The autograph itself takes seconds - but it can become an entire interaction. Explore character-specific signatures, autograph etiquette, positioning, conversation during signing, and ways to make autograph books part of the story.
Storylining: Turning Conversation Into Story
Learn how to use stories to create interactions your guests will remember. This session focuses on asking better questions, making connections to a character’s world, and creating a beginning, middle, and end of a meaningful interaction.
Making Mascot Magic
Explore nonverbal communication: animation, gestures, reactions and physical storytelling - valuable for every performer and essential training for mascot and non-speaking characters.
Flounder Sessions
Select Two
Character Study
Learn how to study a character’s motivations, relationships, vocabulary, physicality, emotional responses, interests and worldview - and translate them into an original interaction.
Once Upon a Voice
Explore vocal placement, accents, cadence, word choice, and character-specific language while learning how to create a recognizable voice that is comfortable enough to maintain throughout an appearance.
The Interaction Laboratory
A hands-on session built around real-world scenarios. Performers rotate through unpredictable guest interactions and receive coaching in real time.
When the Magic Matters Most
This compassionate workshop prepares performers for hospital visits, wish experiences. We’ll also discuss preparing emotionally before a visit, supporting fellow performers afterward, and understanding the privilege (and responsibility) of being invited into some of a family’s most important memories.
Dopey Sessions
Select One
Cast Yourself
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the considerations that go into casting performers as beloved animated characters, including height and proportions, facial features, vocal qualities, movement, personality, and performance strengths. Learn how to evaluate yourself objectively, recognize the roles that naturally complement your unique qualities, and approach casting with a professional mindset. This session is about discovering where you shine - not trying to fit yourself into every role.
The Audition Room
What makes one performer stand out in a room full of talented people? Step inside the audition process and learn what casting teams are really watching for - from the moment you walk into the room. We’ll cover audition etiquette, slating, cold reads, character improvisation, movement, taking direction, callbacks, headshots and resumes, and the small choices that can make or break an audition.
The Working Independent Contractor
Learn the basics of working professionally as a freelance performer, including understanding contracts, tracking income and expenses, mileage and travel, keeping documentation organized, planning for taxes, and communicating professionally with the companies that hire you. We’ll also discuss the difference between being an independent contractor and an employee, questions to ask before accepting work, and how to build a reputation as a reliable performer companies want to hire again.
Olaf Sessions
Select Two
Movement Workshop
This interactive movement workshop focuses on the fundamentals of dancing in character - from posture, arms, turns, and traveling steps to simple choreography performers can confidently execute in gowns, heels, wigs, and restrictive costumes. Attendees will also explore how different characters move, how to stay in character while learning choreography, dancing with children and guests, and adapting movement to performers of all dance experience levels.
Character Makeup Masterclass
Learn how to translate animated character features into polished, performance-ready makeup. Cover complexion, lashes, brows, lips, character-specific shadow/rouge colors, longevity and photography considerations, followed by guided application. (Please bring your character makeup bag.)
Care of Costuming
Beautiful costuming is an investment - and performers play an important role in protecting it! Learn the fundamentals of properly wearing, handling, storing, and caring for professional character costumes. We’ll cover dressing and undressing procedures, preventing common damage, navigating gowns and specialty pieces safely, what to do when spills or accidents happen, and the small habits that can significantly extend the life of a costume.
The Art of Attending
This session explores the essential role attendants play in creating seamless, safe, and magical character experiences. Learn how to manage queues and guest expectations, anticipate your performer’s needs, facilitate autographs and photos, capture beautiful candid moments, assist with entrances, exits, and breaks, protect character integrity, and remain actively engaged throughout every interaction. Attendees will leave understanding how a skilled character-and-attendant team works together to create an experience that feels effortless to the guest.
Optional Add-Ons
Professional Headshots ($100)
A mini session with a professional photographer to capture polished, audition-ready headshots. (5-10 digital images.)
Company Owners Breakfast ($100)
A private breakfast created exclusively for character entertainment company owners. Connect with fellow owners in a relaxed, collaborative setting to exchange ideas, discuss the unique challenges of running a character company, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships with others in the industry. This intimate gathering is designed to encourage community over competition and provide a space for thoughtful conversation before the day begins.
Industry Leader Private Consultation ($100)
Scheduled 10-Minutes meetings with Olivia or select industry leaders to discuss performance goals, audition preparation, character development, career questions, or personalized casting assessments or feedback.
The Princess Transformation Experience ($300)
A hands-on transformation experience touching on character makeup, wig placement and securing, costume procedures, final presentation checks and troubleshooting. Attendees will go through entire prep for a character of their choosing and receive 3-5 professional photos of themselves in character. (Character makeup, Costumes and Wigs Provided by OG&C.)
Conference Application
Please complete the form to apply for a slot at the 2027 Conference.
The first round of formal invitations will go out in the Fall of 2026.