Sophomore Annabelle Tiznado’s theater experience has given her plenty of preparation for her current job, which combines acting, singing, and dressing up as a character in order to become a princess for children’s parties. Specifically, Tiznado dresses up as Moana from the Disney princess movie “Moana.”

She works for the company “Fairy Godmother,” which provides children’s birthday party entertainment with their choice of characters to hang out with whether it be a princess or a superhero.

According to Tiznado, she first heard about this opportunity while she was doing musical theater.

“Some of my friends have acquaintances that do it and I was scouted out at a musical theatre performance,” Tiznado said.

Tiznado’s favorite part about dressing up is getting to make memories with the kids.

“It is amazing to see their faces light up when they meet you, as it is their dream to meet the character,” Tiznado said.

Sophomore Sydney Chesnut, a close friend of Tiznado, feels excited for Tiznado’s opportunity to work with kids.

“She was at a theater performance, and the company noticed she looks a lot like Moana. That is when they offered her a job,” Chesnut said. “It’s a really good pay, she gets to continue her passion of singing at this job and she gets to play with cute kids all day.”

According to Chesnut, Tiznado’s talent and appearance, which she describes as similar to Moana’s, made her a good match for the role.

“She looks so similar to Moana that she didn’t even have to apply,” Chesnut said. “The company just automatically offered her a spot.”

Sophomore Cassidy Noonan, another friend of Tiznado, believes that Tiznado has the qualities of a great character performer, as well as former experience with children that will now come in handy.

“Annabelle has babysat a lot before, and that helped her transition into becoming a character performer,” Noonan said. “She is very friendly and very sociable, so it was perfect for her to be in character for the kids.”

Tiznado finds that the most difficult part of her job is changing her mindset for the kids.

“You have to be this whole new person, no matter what is going on,” Tiznado said. “You have to put yourself in a whole new mindset and can’t let anything affect your performance with the kids.”

Tiznado received training for this act from her peers.

“I have a few friends that do it,” Tiznado said. “They have helped train me.”