From Theatre Student to Disney Creative Director, Hoppe Shares Lessons on Adaptability, Relationships and the Power of Storytelling.
When Ben Hoppe graduated from BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications in 1998 with a degree in theatre and media arts, he had a clear plan: move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in acting. Like many young performers, he was passionate about the craft and ready to work hard.
But once he arrived in Los Angeles, Hoppe quickly discovered that the day-to-day reality of the entertainment industry was different from what he had imagined.
While working in a casting office, he witnessed firsthand how fiercely competitive the field was. Stacks of headshots would arrive daily, even for small roles, and casting assistants had minutes to narrow dozens of applicants down to just a few.
“It was a numbers game,” Hoppe said. “You had to be willing to commit fully to this thing as a career for 10 years, without a guarantee of return.”
For some aspiring actors, that challenge brings extra focus and energy. For Hoppe, it prompted reflection.
“I discovered about myself that I was not comfortable with that level of insecurity,” Hoppe said.
Rather than continuing to chase acting roles, Hoppe began exploring other opportunities in the entertainment industry. Through a temp agency, he began working as an executive temp in various departments around The Walt Disney Company. These assignments gave him a behind-the-scenes view of a major entertainment studio while considering his next steps
One temporary assignment ended up turning into a full-time career.
Hoppe landed a position assisting an executive at Disney Character Voices International, the department responsible for localizing Disney character voices around the world.
After working in the department for about a year, the VP of an adjacent group encouraged him to apply for an open position that aligned with his background in acting and directing. Hoppe interviewed, and got the job.
Now, 25 years later, he remains part of the Disney Character Voices team.
“We look after the legacy and creative integrity of the Walt Disney and Pixar animated characters as expressed through their voices,” Hoppe said.
The department, created in the late 1980s, exists to ensure that iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse have a consistent voice across productions and locations – a standard that honors Disney’s storytelling tradition.
Hoppe’s work spans the company, including working with theme parks, consumer products, video games and animation. His role includes creative consultation, script writing and editing, directing voice-over sessions and post-production.
“Last week, I was in recording sessions all week, helping get projects done for Disneyland Paris, Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive,” Hoppe said. “We work with the entire company on many different kinds of projects, so there is always something familiar and something new and interesting.”
Though his career path was crooked and diverged from his original plan as a student, Hoppe credits his education in BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications with preparing him for the unexpected.
He initially entered the Department of Theatre and Media Arts to study musical theatre.
“I realized I could not dance,” Hoppe said with a smile, “so I got a broader general degree in theatre.”
This broad degree allowed him to study acting, directing and other areas of performance and production. This wide-ranging training was crucial to his development.
“The broad skill set was essential,” Hoppe said. “It gave me general knowledge across the field while letting me deep dive into acting.”
Equally important were the faculty and mentors who challenged students to take their craft seriously while offering encouragement and guidance.
“I always felt very cared for and supported by the faculty and staff,” Hoppe said. “If you wanted to engage with them, they were there for you. That was essential to my preparation for the future.”
Some of Hoppe’s favorite memories are of the productions he performed in at BYU. As a freshman, he landed a lead role in “Twelfth Night” – coincidentally, the department is performing it again this month. He fondly remembers performing in the Pardoe Theatre, an experience he said was his first time performing in a large production.
Other projects , including original plays exploring historical stories and complex themes, were equally meaningful.
But the most lasting part of his CFAC experience was the relationships he built.
“The most influential relationships I developed during those years were with people in my major,” he said. “I made the sort of friendships where I can go years without seeing someone and then when I run into them, suddenly it is like no time has passed.”
Those connections have shaped both his career and his outlook on life.
“Ultimately, relationships are the things of eternity,” Hoppe said. “Other things are not.”
Today, Hoppe continues working behind the scenes to bring beloved characters to life around the world. Many of his projects remain confidential, but he finds the opportunity to contribute to meaningful storytelling deeply rewarding.
“There is so much good that comes from good stories,” Hoppe said. “Powerful stories with powerful characters can impact people’s lives. I want to continue being part of the team that brings that kind of goodness into the world.”
Looking ahead, Hoppe plans to continue carrying Disney’s storytelling legacy while nurturing the relationships that have meant the most to him throughout his career.
“I want to keep the Disney magic alive,” Hoppe said.
He encourages current CFAC students to build and cherish strong relationships with faculty and peers.
“Hold on to your friends. Hold on to your families, Hoppe said. “The family you have and the relationships you create will be essential throughout your life.”