Virtual auditions for actors and models have become the norm in the entertainment industry and will likely continue to be a regular format in the future. Auditioning remotely does have certain factors to consider to increase the chances of success. Here is what parents should know before their kid steps in front of the camera.
- Audition preparations remain the same. While appearing remotely, the performance criteria for the kids are the same as they would be in person.
- Quality technical aspects are key to success. From a clear picture to quality audio, virtual auditions require a reasonable device set.
- A supportive environment is still a must. Despite performing in the comfort of their home, kids will still look for their parents' encouragement.
Step #1 - Finding Suitable And Legitimate Casting Calls
Before auditioning, kids must be selected by casting directors from the pool of candidates for the respective role, as announced through a casting call. Luckily, as the world reaches the year 2026, we are living in a time when finding new casting calls for actors and models of any age and type has never been more convenient.
All it takes for parents is to open a verified casting platform online and start searching for opportunities suitable for their child’s age, experience, and overall wishes. Regular browsing of casting call-focused platforms, as well as signing up for alerts about updates, will eventually end up with eventually finding opportunities that the aspiring kid actor would like to participate in.
Before applying for the casting call, though, parents must make sure their child is fitting the listed requirements, e.g., gender, ethnicity, the range of age, and various specific physical appearance necessities. Also, it is important to consider if the casting call has rules for the performer’s specific location. Sometimes casting calls may also require candidates to have specific skills, for example, the ability to dance or sing.
Applying for the casting call when the kid actor or model does not fit the listed requirements is pretty much a waste of time for both sides involved, and it is highly unlikely the child will be further considered for the role is such scenario regardless of the pure talent they may possess, as it will also be deemed as unprofessional to ignore the demands.
Step #2 - Preparing For The Virtual Auditions Thoroughly
If applying for the kid for the casting call ends up being successful, casting staff will invite the kid to audition for them. More and more often the auditions are taking place remotely, or even as self-taping, which can be a more convenient format than to arrive in-person as it can be done from the comfort of their home or any other place they please.
The advisable preparation process for the audition performance is more or less the same in any format scenario. As the candidate receives the script, it is time for parents to help their kid actor to familiarize themselves with the given lines in order to understand the given scenes and the respective character that they aim to get the role for.
Unless told otherwise by the casting staff, it is highly advisable for the child to memorize the given script altogether, so the kid can focus on delivering a clear and natural performance instead of also multitasking by reading the instructions.
Step #3 - Getting Ready For The Big Day
Despite auditioning from a remote location, e.g., at home, the other aspects of the audition process, the same as the previously described preparation with the script, should be treated in the same way as it would be by arriving in-person.
This means the child should not give their audition performance in comfortable pajamas or other overly casual clothes which can likely imply lack of professionalism regardless of the age of the kid actor in question. On the other side of the spectrum, the kid performer should also not appear in unusually flashy outfits for the audition, as well as parents are advised to avoid having their child with unnatural looking hairstyle or makeup layers, as all of these factors risk distracting casting directors and taking the attention away from their audition performance.
Ideally, the kid should be dressed in solid color clothes that do not contrast with the chosen background. A natural and presentable overall look will always be considered appropriate and minimize the risks of such factors affecting the casting director's decision regarding their candidacy. During the performance, props should not be used unless specifically requested by the casting staff.
Step #4 - Considering The Technicalities Of Virtual Auditions
When it comes to virtual auditions, there are quite a few technical aspects beyond the child’s performance to ensure in order for the process to run smoothly. Of course, the internet connection should be smooth for all of the process. One of the keys to succeeding is providing a quality image over the course of the auditions since the casting director must have a clear view of all of it. Thankfully, modern smartphones, tablets, and computers all have good quality cameras so it should not be an issue for the majority of parents. It is advisable to invest in a tripod to achieve stable horizontal footage, either performing live, or creating a self-tape recording.
Another highly important aspect is the sound of the audition. While usually models and more rarely actors won’t have to provide vocal performances, they still will have to at the very least introduce themselves before the auditions. Similarly to the cameras, a modern smart device microphone is likely to be sufficient for this occasion.
A lot of the success of virtual audition also depends on the chosen environment. First of all, it should be a quiet one, as unwanted background noises or echoes may cause distraction from the performance. Neutral background also is important as excessive clutter, or even worse some type of activity, like people walking in the back, can significantly deteriorate the attention away from the child’s performance. Finally, good lighting is another key aspect to any successful virtual audition - while ideally it should be natural light, due to its limited availability it is not as reliable as, for example, ring light.
Step #5 - Awaiting The Results During The Post-Auditioning Period
Once the virtual auditions have concluded, either by finishing the live online conference call, or by submitting the self-tape performance footage, the wait for the answer from the casting director of whether the child gets the gig or not is the following thing. Alternatively, there might be a callback to audition again in person or again remotely.
Regardless of the ultimate result, parents should encourage their child for the effort they have given during their audition and put emphasis on the experience they have gained during this opportunity instead of solely focusing on getting the acting or modeling gig.
While continuously supporting the aspiring kid performers' efforts, it is also important to not put all bets on a single audition. During the post-auditioning period, parents and their kids should continue to check for new and relevant casting calls, since in the show business, opportunity knocks multiple times.
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