Acing Your Audition as a Young Performer

Young performers face unique professional challenges in the entertainment industry. As they mature, they can experience difficulty landing new roles and finding opportunities. It’s something that can not only frustrate the performer, but also those invested in their child’s work and development. Still, as is true for adult performers, one factor that can make a difference is a great audition. 

To tackle the ins and outs of auditioning as a young performer, the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted Audition Tips for Parents and Young Performers on Jan. 5. The panel was comprised of members of the Casting Society of America: Krisha Bullock (iCarly), Suzanne Goddard-Smyther (Nickelodeon’s School of Rock), Howard Meltzer (Team Kaylie) and Disney Television Studios Vice President of Casting Kim Williams (Baker and the Beauty). Casting director Monika Mikkelsen (10 Cloverfield Lane) moderated. 

Throughout the panel discussion, speakers provided advice on a multitude of topics related to in-person and virtual auditions, including basic self-taping techniques, wardrobe, headshots and how young actors can approach research and preparation. Parents also received helpful advice about handling the ups and downs of their child’s career, such as periods of inactivity.

“The work [of auditioning] is getting to know the material and going into [the casting office] again and again and again and being flexible,” said Mikklesen. “Booking the role is the dessert.”

To watch the panel in full, please scroll below. Other auditioning workshops and panels are available on the SAG-AFTRA website and YouTube channel.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.