By Dov Kornits
Though still in her teens, Brisbane singer and actress Chloe Louise Johnston already has a foot in the door at Disney, with an extensive audition process now completed, and hopefully a world of opportunity awaiting…
Seventeen-year-old Brisbane-based actress, singer and performer Chloe Louise Johnston (who appeared in NBC’s Joe vs. Carole and was a Top Finalist in The AACTA Young Stars National Youth Casting Call) has just returned from Los Angeles after taking part in a worldwide Disney talent search for a major new musical screen project. It was a whirlwind experience, and this talented, engaging young performer is now just trying to catch her breath…
How does one get to audition in a Disney talent search for a major new musical screen project?
“My journey with Disney began around two years ago when my agent first notified me of an opportunity connected to a major new musical screen project. In this particular instance, Disney also opened the search publicly through social media and online platforms, allowing both represented and unrepresented performers from around the world to submit. It was a genuine global talent search, which made the opportunity feel even more exciting. The process was very detailed. Disney provided specific audition instructions online, and performers had to prepare and submit self-tapes that showed not only acting ability, but also musicality, screen presence, personality and the ability to connect with the material. Although the instructions were clear, the work involved in producing a strong audition was significant.
I’m based in Brisbane, so my early audition process was completed remotely through self-tapes and Zoom callbacks. I had to learn how to deliver strong, connected performances on camera, often across different time zones, while still bringing the energy, character and professionalism expected for a major international screen project. Going through that process taught me a lot about the standard required at that level, and when the opportunity came to travel to Los Angeles in person, I understood how important that next step was.”
How was the experience of the audition? Can you describe what you had to do?
“The audition experience was one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences of my life. For the first stage, I had to prepare three self-tapes: one for dance, one for singing, and one acting tape using the script provided for my character. A few days later, my agent called to tell me I had been selected for a callback. I couldn’t believe it. From there, the process progressed through several stages, including producer sessions, callbacks and chemistry reads. Eventually, it led to me being flown to Los Angeles for a test deal. The test deal process was extremely competitive. By that stage, there were only a small number of girls left for each role, and the focus was not only on individual performance, but also on chemistry. The project centred around a girl group, so the casting team needed to see how different performers worked together on screen, vocally and as characters.
Arriving at the iconic Disney studios was a surreal moment for me. I was walking into a place I had only ever imagined being in. Even though the process was high-pressure, the casting team were incredibly warm and welcoming from the moment I arrived. They showed me around, went out of their way to make me feel comfortable, and created an environment where I felt supported enough to do my best work.
Each time I performed, they were so encouraging. They were always warm, generous with their reactions, and gave such enthusiastic applause after each audition, which helped settle my nerves and made the experience feel really special. They also asked lots of questions and seemed genuinely eager to get to know me as a person, and not just as a performer. At the same time, the auditions were being filmed so the team could review everything carefully later, which reminded me how professional and detailed the process was.
The day began with my individual scene and song. After that, I was brought into the room multiple times for chemistry reads with different combinations of girls. The casting team mixed and matched us in different groups to see which dynamic felt the strongest. I had to stay focused and ready throughout the day, because I could be called back into the room at any moment. I also had to take care of my voice, stay hydrated and keep warmed up so I could continue singing and performing consistently.
One of the biggest moments for me was realising that many of the other girls involved had already worked on Disney films and television shows. They were experienced and recognisable, so it felt surreal to be there alongside them. Rather than letting that intimidate me, I tried to use it as motivation and remind myself that I had earned my place in the room.
After the main test deal, I was also brought back for producer callback sessions for other lead Disney roles. Those auditions were more individual, which gave me the chance to show different sides of myself as a performer. It was an amazing opportunity to demonstrate my range across acting, singing, character work and screen presence.
I originally thought I would be flying home after that, but I then received a call saying I needed to stay in Los Angeles for an extra week. The process had narrowed further, and they wanted to test chemistry again with the girl group. Some of the group members had already been cast, and they were still deciding on my character. Three new girls were flown in from around the country, and we all tested with the cast to see who had the strongest chemistry.
That second week was intense, but also incredibly rewarding. It showed me how detailed and high-level the casting process is for a major Disney project. It’s not just about whether you can act or sing; it is about whether you fit the tone of the project, connect with the other performers, respond to direction, and hold your own in a professional environment.
While I originally travelled to Los Angeles for a test deal for a lead role in a new Disney musical screen project, I was also called in for additional Disney projects while I was there, including another film and a new series. After doing so much of my work from Australia through self-tapes and Zoom, it was an incredible opportunity to perform in person for major casting teams, producers, executives and creatives. I learnt so much from being in those rooms, and the experience made me even more determined to keep pursuing screen acting and musical projects at the highest level.”
When did you know that you wanted to be a performer?
“Honestly, I don’t think there was ever one moment where I ‘decided’ I wanted to be a performer. I feel like I have always known. Since I was little, I was singing around the house, dancing, acting things out, putting on little shows and finding any excuse to perform. I had a lot of energy, and performing was the place where that energy made the most sense. My family always knew I was a performer because I was never shy about entertaining people. I loved being in front of an audience, whether it was family, friends, a school performance or a proper stage. I have always loved that buzz you get when you can see people reacting, smiling, laughing, listening or really connecting with what you are doing. That feeling is honestly addictive in the best way. When I sing, act or dance and I can see that I have made someone feel something, it reminds me why I love performing so much. It’s not just about being on stage or being seen; it is about creating a moment with an audience. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised that performing is not just something I enjoy, it’s what I want to build my life around. The more I train, audition and experience the professional side of the industry, the more certain I am that this is what I want to do.”
How do you deal with the constant rejection that comes with being a performer?
“Rejection is definitely one of the hardest parts of being a performer, especially when you’ve worked really hard for an audition or gone far in the process. It can be disappointing, but I have learnt that rejection in this industry does not always mean you were not good enough. So much of casting comes down to things you cannot control, such as chemistry, timing, age, look, height, group dynamic, or what the creative team needs for that specific project. I try to see every audition as experience, whether I book the role or not. Every self-tape, callback, producer session or chemistry read teaches me something and helps me become more prepared for the next opportunity. I also remind myself that even being considered at a high level is a sign that I am moving in the right direction. Of course, there are moments where it hurts, especially when you get really close to something. But I think the only way to survive in this industry is to love the work itself, not just the outcome. I keep training, I keep improving, and I try to use every ‘no’ as motivation to be even stronger for the next ‘yes’”.
Who are some of your heroes when it comes to performing?
“My all-time performing hero is Miley Cyrus. I actually started watching Hannah Montana around two years ago when I was preparing for my first Disney test deal, because I wanted to understand more about the Disney world and the type of energy, humour and performance style that made those shows so iconic. I completely fell in love with Hannah Montana, but also with Miley as a performer. I see so many qualities in her, especially when she was around my age, that really inspire me: her confidence, humour, charisma and natural love for performing. She was never just acting or singing; she had this spark and presence that made people want to watch her. My favourite song of all time is ‘The Climb’. It honestly feels like my anthem because it represents my own journey in this industry. There are always going to be setbacks, rejection and moments where things do not go the way you hoped, but the song reminds me that the journey itself is what shapes you. For me, it is about continuing to grow, staying determined, and remembering that every experience, even the difficult ones, are part of the climb.”
Which aspect of performing is your strength?
“I think my biggest strength as a performer is being able to combine acting and singing in a way that feels truthful. I love singing, but for me it is never just about hitting the notes. It is about telling the story behind the song and making the audience feel something. That’s why I am so drawn to musical television and film projects, because they allow me to use both my acting and my voice together. I also think I have a natural energy on screen and on stage. I love bringing characters to life and finding the little details that make them feel real, whether that is through humour, emotion, confidence or vulnerability. I enjoy roles where I can show personality and heart, and not just perform the lines. Because I train across acting, singing and dance, I feel strongest when a role needs more than one skill. I love the challenge of a project where I have to act, sing, dance, take direction quickly, and still stay connected to the character. I think my strength is my ability to bring warmth, energy and emotional honesty into a performance.”
Stay Tuned for more on Chloe Louise Johnston.
