Children’s auditions for television and film.
Introduction.
When a child has been told they are going for an audition it can be a very exciting time, but also a little daunting especially if it is their first audition. Your child will probably be attending an acting school, registered with an agency or both.
As an agent myself, when a phone call comes in from a casting director to book a child for an audition, I am very pleased for the student also.
I will try and explain in simple bullet points which I believe are the most important points that you and your child need to know and how to be prepared for their audition.
1) Date, time and location.
It is very important you are given these details in advance and not on the day so please ask. You may have to travel a distance so please give yourself plenty of time for traffic jams and mishaps such as getting lost. You might need to arrange rail tickets. Arriving late for an audition could result in the audition being cancelled.
Your child needs to feel relaxed and happy for their audition, therefore it is very important to arrive early so they can get used to the surroundings, sit down maybe have a drink and snack.
2) The Script
Check with your agent to see if your child needs a script. Most dramas, soaps and films, there will usually be a script to learn or read. Some Commercials have scripts but not all.
3) What to wear?
Depending on the part usually dictates what your child needs to wear. Obviously do not go dressed up unless required, but please just use your common sense. I would suggest they feel comfortable and happy in what they wear.
4) In their audition there will be the casting director.
For dramas, soaps, films etc, sometimes the producer but usually the director will come in on a final audition.
There is also a camera that will record the audition.
I suggest you make your child aware that there will be a camera in the room, just so that they are not surprised by it.
5) Children pick up on how their parents are feeling
Please keep calm and they will remain calm. Also make it an exciting day out, nothing is more negative if you are feeling rushed, harassed and nervous. This is why arriving early is imperative.
Please be positive and explain that it is important they enjoy the experience.
Although it would be lovely that they get a recall and the part, please do not let your child think they have to get the part because this may have a negative effect and they will probably not want to do another. They firstly need to have fun and look forward to the day.
This is just an introduction to film and television auditions for children, there is a lot more to say about them and I will cover this in later blogs but for the time being I think this is enough to take in.
Hope this has helped and remember this is based upon my experience only. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Alyson 🙂