How to Prepare for a Kids Commercial Audition

The Journey Before Getting To The Point Of Auditions

Before getting to the desired point of the kid stepping on the audition stage, there are a few previous steps to complete first at the beginning of this journey. It all begins with the discovery of a child's natural talents, and even having an interest in being the center of attention. Amongst the simplest ways to observe the kid’s talents is by noticing if they enjoy being at the center of attention, as well as do they enjoy being in front of a camera - even if it is just to take photos of them.

The kid’s interest can be gauged more by embracing their attempts to put on small performances, until introducing them to the concepts of acting more. Of course, there always can be a chance that the child states themselves they wish to become an actor.

Once the child's interest in pursuing acting is all but confirmed, it is time for the parents to foster and improve their child’s talents, especially their confidence in performing in front of cameras and other people outside of their family. Depending on the kid’s interests and age, parents can enroll them in acting classes to work with professional acting experts, as well as other performative arts, such as dancing and singing. It will be highly beneficial for the aspiring kid actor not only by teaching them the fundamentals of the craft and discovering their talent’s strong sides, but also introducing them to show discipline and being adaptive to various changes, which will translate to other aspects in life as well.

Finding And Applying To The Right Casting Call

Gaining the foundational skills for performance arts will also help with the start of creating a compelling kid actor’s portfolio. While in the beginning, the child won’t have any acting credits to their name, having been introduced to the fundamentals of the craft will make them stand out amongst their peers when applying to casting calls. A kid’s acting portfolio should feature professional headshots, as well as full-body shots and action shots that showcase their personality and range. Of course, it also must include information about the aspiring young actor’s experience, training, and other special skills. A professional portfolio will significantly increase the child’s chances of getting noticed amongst the other applicants looking to land the gig.

Once the kid’s portfolio is ready, it is time to find a suitable casting call. Finding and applying to casting calls has never been easier, as it can all be done from the comfort of home through dedicated online platforms.

Choosing casting calls for commercials is a great decision for various reasons. It can serve as an amazing entry point to start the kid’s journey into the world of performative arts and show business, since unlike film and television productions, commercials normally have a short filming schedule and put less pressure on the inexperienced young actor. Commercials also do not require acting by using a long script, typically having just a couple of shots with in-depth attention to the child’s performance. The manageable time schedule and effort level of commercial production mean the new aspirations can be aligned with other obligations and interests the child has.

The Preparation After Receiving An Invitation For An Audition

Not every application to casting calls will result in positive results, but that is simply a part of pursuing acting gigs. Once an application finally strikes gold and the aspiring kid actor gets invited to auditions, it is time to do the final preparations in order to have increased chances of ultimately getting cast for the job.

If there are lines or scripts given before arriving to audition in front of the casting director, parents should make sure their kid studies the lines thoroughly, as well as practices them either on their own, or even during a mock audition in front of the family at home. Parents can help their kids understand the given lines and encourage them about the upcoming event, so it is easier for them to deliver the lines naturally during their real audition. 

However, there can be situations when the script is given without prior notice, only upon arrival at the audition. It is unlikely children will get complicated lines for commercials, but it is important that the young performer is prepared to work with the instructions given to them on the spot by the casting staff. The one advice parents should give their kids before the audition is to be themselves and behave naturally. It should also be reflected in their looks for that event - unless required by the casting staff, the kid should be dressed for the audition comfortably and simply, thus avoiding the scenario where their looks distract the casting director from their performance.

Ultimately, the child should have fun while auditioning, so parents should be supportive at all times and also encourage their aspiring actor to stay positive regardless of the outcome of the audition. Making it to the point of audition already adds to their portfolio, making it a small milestone worth appreciating, and there is always another casting call just a few clicks away.

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