How do kids get parts in Netflix or Disney+ shows?
Most kids who get parts in big streaming shows go through regular casting channels like talent agents, casting platforms, or direct submissions to verified casting calls. There is no secret audition list or VIP shortcut; what matters is being seen and being ready.
This is how casting usually works:
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A casting director is hired by a production.
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The casting director sends out a breakdown of the role.
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Agents and professional casting platforms can accept submissions.* Chosen kids get audition requests, which are often self-tapes at first.
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Finalists then get callbacks and chemistry reads.
A lot of parents are shocked to find out that even big streaming projects begin with regular online breakdowns. Access, not luck, is the first problem.
Can you submit your child without an agent?
Yes, especially at first. Many Netflix and Disney+ shows and films take submissions through professional casting sites where parents can apply directly.
You can do the following with a site like KidsCasting:
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Look for casting calls in your area or all over the US and Canada
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Sort by age, type of project, and type of production* Apply directly with your child's profile and headshots
An agent is useful when your child starts getting regular bookings or only wants to work in union roles. But waiting for an agent before getting experience can slow things down.
What do casting directors look for in kids who act?
Casting directors care more about personality, focus, and natural delivery than about polished acting. They don't want things to be perfect; they want them to be real.
In the first round of auditions, they usually look at:
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Ability to follow simple instructions
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Being comfortable on camera
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Clear speech and showing feelings
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The right amount of energy for the role
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Professionalism and responsiveness of parents
Most first auditions are less than three minutes long. But getting ready often means practicing lines for days so that they sound natural and not like they've been memorised.
Insider tip: Casting directors can tell right away when a parent is giving too much advice. They like kids who act like real people, not robots.
How can you tell if your child is ready to audition for acting?
If your child likes to perform without feeling rushed and can stay focused for short periods of time, they might be ready. Being ready has more to do with your personality than your skills.
Your child is ready if:
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They enjoy playing pretend, telling stories, or acting out roles* They can deal with mild rejection without getting upset.
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They do what they're told well* They are always interested, not just once
If you wait,
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They don't want to memorise even short lines.
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They get nervous when they're on camera
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You're more excited than they are.
Parents often don't know what to do. You can test the waters before fully committing by starting with small auditions on casting platforms.
Do you need professional headshots to audition for Netflix or Disney+?
Yes, but they don't have to be too expensive or fancy. Casting directors want photos of your child that are clear, natural, and look like them now.
A good headshot for a beginner should:
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Use light from outside
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Keep the background simple
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Make a real face
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Don't use a lot of editing or filters
Don't wear themed costumes or glam makeup unless someone asks you to. If your child looks very different at the audition than they do in their picture, it can hurt their credibility.
If you get more bookings, it makes sense to hire a professional child photographer.
Should your child take acting classes first?
Before going to auditions, it is helpful but not necessary to take acting classes. A lot of beginners get better by auditioning first and then taking lessons as needed.
Think about taking classes if:
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Your child has trouble remembering things.
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They stop moving when the camera is on.
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They want to make acting a long-term career.
Wait if:
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They are still trying to figure out if they like it.
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You haven't turned in any roles yet.
A few auditions can naturally show where you need to improve. Instead of guesswork, classes then become targeted development.
How much do streaming shows pay child actors?
Pay varies a lot depending on the size of the role, whether the actor is in a union, and how much screen time they get. Not all streaming jobs pay a lot.
Here's a realistic breakdown:
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Background roles: Usually paid daily rates* Co-star or guest roles: Get paid for each episode.
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Roles that come up again and again: Contracts that were negotiated* Regulars on the show get paid more than the union scale.
The truth is that most child actors start out with small parts or commercials before getting regular streaming work. Money doesn't come in all at once; it builds up over time.
Parents should think of this as a long-term process, not a quick way to make money.
How often should you apply to casting calls?
Consistency is more important than volume. It's better to apply to 5–10 jobs that are a good fit for you each week than to apply to all of them.
Pay attention to:
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Roles that are right for their age
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Projects that are within a reasonable distance to travel to (unless production pays for travel)
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Roles that fit your child's natural looks and personality
Casting directors see patterns. Submitting regularly helps people get to know your child's profile better over time.
What do parents do wrong when they try to get cast?
The most common mistake is going to high-level auditions without getting ready first. Streaming productions move quickly and expect people to be professional.
Don't make these mistakes:
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Editing audition tapes too much
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Making emotional performances happen
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Not following the instructions for submission
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Applying for jobs that aren't right for your child's age
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Thinking of casting as a one-time event instead of a process
Another mistake is thinking that being rejected means you failed. Most roles get hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of applications.
Should you move to Los Angeles to get a role?
Beginners don't have to move. A lot of films and TV shows film in both the US and Canada, and self-tape auditions are now the norm.
Only think about moving if:
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Your child is making regular bookings
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You have a contract with a well-known agent in a big market
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You know how much money you have to spend
Starting locally through a casting platform is the best first step for most families.
How should you start today?
Building a strong profile and consistently applying to real casting calls is the best place to start. Access leads to auditions, and auditions lead to growth.
A well-organised plan to start:
1. Make a professional profile with new pictures
2. Apply for jobs that are easy for beginners to get
3. Keep track of auditions and feedback
4. Work on your weak spots with focused practice
5. Stick with it for 3 to 6 months before checking on your progress.
When parents cast their votes in a calm, logical way instead of an emotional way, they get better long-term results.
Final thoughts
It is possible to get your child cast in a Netflix or Disney+ show, but the process is the same as it is for any other professional production. There are no easy ways out; only planning and being seen.
If your child loves acting and you're ready to look for real opportunities, start where casting directors are already looking. KidsCasting helps parents find and apply to real casting calls in their area and all over North America, turning interest into action.
