Preparation & Training
Give your child the best possible chance!
There are many things that parents can do to prepare their baby, toddler or child for casting and auditions. Preparation will dramatically increase their chances of success.
Having raw, natural talent is definitely a bonus but children will still need preparation and training to get them acclimatised to a commercial or studio environment.
How will your child react when put in a strange studio environment, with a bunch of scary people and bright flashing lights, and expect them to produce the goods on cue? Preparation is the key to success. This is where parents can do their bit. Get it right, and your child will deliver a winning performance.;
Top Tips for younger children
1. An experienced casting director will want to see how the child interacts with strangers. Many kids will be anxious and upset about this. Those that are happy and talkative are worth their weight in gold.
2. A good way to get younger children to relax and build confidence with strangers is to get aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents to help – anyone who the child does not see on a regular basis. It is not always possible to alleviate separation anxiety in children but doing this training on a regular basis will help enormously and hopefully get your child noticed.
2. Practice ‘faces’ with your child. Get them to mimic a happy face, a sad face, a silly face, an angry face, a scary face etc. When it comes to auditions and castings, this will be your secret weapon. We can guarantee that the majority of the competition will not be able to do this, ensuring that your child gets put through to the next stage.
3. Let your child see how friendly you are to strangers. Don’t hesitate to give a friendly smile to people around you whether in a supermarket, a petrol station or at the nursery. Get your child to start doing the same. In no time at all, it will become second nature and will prove an invaluable skill when auditioning
4. Get your baby or toddler used to have their picture using a flash – some children who go into a studio for the first time can look shocked when the studio flash goes off and some will just cry their eyes out.
4. Before any casting, audition or confirmed job, make sure your child is well-rested, well-fed and wearing comfortable clothes which are not too hot or cold.
Top Tips for Older Children
Any type of performance-related experience is invaluable such a stage school and school plays. Hobbies such as singing and dancing will also prove invaluable.
