One on One with Aaron Stratton
Growing up in West Virginia, did you sing in church, choir, perform in shows?
My Mom played piano/organ for the church. Once she found out I could sing she put me up there to sing pretty quickly. I sang a solo for a wedding at age 6. In High School I didn’t perform in theatre; but I was in choir and band. I played tuba and sousaphone.
You served with the Marines for a while. What is one lesson you learned?
The lesson I learned is not what
I thought I’d learn. I learned to adapt, roll with the changes. I was a part of
the Marine Reserves from 1991 to 1995. My Dad encouraged me to join the reserves.
You would go in for training one weekend a month and be a civilian the rest of
the time. I went to boot camp for 13 weeks and that was non-stop and then I got
out and only had commitments one weekend a month. The most challenging thing
was to know how to switch it on and off.
You started with Disney planning only to stay a short time, fast forward almost 25 years and you’re still around. Tell me about that journey!
I started in operations for
“Legend of the Lion King” (later replaced with Mickey’s Philharmagic). I
actually came down because my then girlfriend, now wife got accepted into the “Disney College Program.”
Around the same time, “The Dapper
Dans” needed new blood. I
was the first new full-time contract to that show in 19 years. I knew someone
who had connections with the group. I was put in contact with the lead and he
was sort of discouraging to me when I told him that I was only going to be
around for a couple months. In “The Dapper Dans” a lot is going on. You sing,
play the chimes and tap dance all while interacting with the audience. I
auditioned, got the gig, and now have had 25 1-year contracts for WDW
Entertainment.
From there I have been in the “Beauty and the Beast” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I always enjoy being with the ensemble for “The Mob Song”. I was a sub as Mr. Ray for “Finding Nemo: The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I learned “Candlight Processional.” I’ve gone to Hong Kong to help train “The Dapper Dans” over there. I was a manager for a short stint in EPCOT’s World Showcase. I managed entertainment for 2 festivals Food and Wine for the “Eat to the Beat” concert series and “Holidays Around the World” performers. I enjoyed that; but it wasn’t right time for the needs of my family. I also now am full-time with “The Voices of Liberty” in EPCOT. I started there as a sub while I was still over at Beauty and The Beast.
Being a man of Christian faith how does it feel singing songs like “God
Bless America” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with “The
Voices of Liberty”?
When my brother was serving in Afghanistan I would say “God Bless America” meant a little more to me because I was concerned for his safety, wanted him to know he was appreciated and that I was praying for him. I think “God Bless America” has become a thing even non-believers say, just as a phrase.
With “Battle Hymn” I always say a prayer before I sing it for anointing and to be a light. I want it to be a small ministry. At Disney we can’t really do that; but, with that song I maybe can. I’ve had people come up to me and mention that they felt a spiritual connection to that song when I sing it. No matter what I perform in I try to give God the praise and glory. I just always hope that singing that song opens doors and that God take the reigns. I’m a small part of that.
(I will say that one specific time you sang that I was brought to tears and it felt different. Even though I had heard you sing that song before it hit different that day. I’ve seen/ heard you perform many times and that day will always stand out.)
(Photo by Bethany Yanak)
Neel Tyree, a former Dapper Dan,
once told me “Whatever character you’re playing make it a caricature of
yourself." That
applies to everything.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who wants to be a performer at Walt Disney World?
Work on your craft. Devote to
them with the best of your abilities; realize it's not all about talent because
there are lots of other talented people waiting in the wings for the opportunity.
The ones who keep the job are the ones who rehearse and take notes. Also, how you act
when not performing whether it’s backstage or with the guests will be one of
the biggest determining factors, especially for Disney.
What hobbies do you have besides cooking and singing?
I like to work on cars. Today not a lot of people know a lot about cars. I like to diagnose and see what’s going on. I like to help my friends out. I recently got into brewing beers with a friend; but, it’s more about the friendship with that one. I also consider pizza a hobby, whether it’s on a pizza stone, grilling pizza, or trying different crust recipes.
You’re a Full-Time performer for Disney, you volunteer with your church, you're a husband, a father, sing with an accapella group, called Voctave. How do you balance it all?
Coffee is my fuel! If you think about it all together it’s a little overwhelming. If someone told me you’re gonna be a husband, father, perform Full-Time, swing Baritone/Bass, I would say “No!” I love all of it. Most people do have a lot going on and you always find time for what is important.
I love being a husband. My wife
and I make a great team; she picks up the slack from me. She’s better at it
than I am, most women are. I love being a father. I love watching my son and
daughter grow into the young adults they are becoming. I try to teach them what
I think is right and they don’t always agree.
I love performing I’m still a little new in Voctave; it’s been a challenge learning that material. CoVid made that harder. I also love meeting guests at Disney and interacting with them.
Click the link to watch Aaron Battle Hymn Solo July 4th
Thanks for reading. As always feel free to comment, like and share.
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