The best way to find out about auditions especially for amateur theater is through social media such as Facebook groups, Instagram pages and email. As a parent or caregiver, search the internet for local theater groups or clubs and find their websites and or Facebook pages or group hubs. Or it’s who you know rather than what you know, but we’ll get into that further.
Often theater groups post audition notices with the upcoming show, noting the character names, ages and often the character summaries. If your child is close to the description of a character and and is keen to audition, ring up for a time to book. Check out my other blog on what to do during the audition and how to prepare.
Sometimes auditions will be posted local newspapers, which is a traditional way of posting, but it is still used to this very day. Again ring for a audition.
Search for local theater group Facebook pages and even better search for a local parent group of children who are interested in drama or theater. Often it is through these pages that acting roles may pop up.
Other sites such as StarNow also often have roles, gigs for young performers just getting into the industry. You will have to set up their profile and send in photos. But often directors or producers look at these pages for a certain look. You never know.
Check out local theater websites
Find out the local theater groups and clubs, check out their websites for upcoming shows. Some shows will require young people and or children. For example, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, require a large group of children actors and singers, this might be a good fit for singing children.
Often these theater groups run classes and have mailing groups which usually let you know about upcoming shows and auditions. Make sure you are on their mailing list.
Why Joining Drama Classes Help Get Your Child’s Foot in the door
A great way of getting noticed is by taking classes with a theater group or with clubs. Your child will learn techniques and skills which will hopefully build confidence and talent. Trust me when I say that all students talent is noted and if they are suited for a role in a future show, often the directo pr will ask them to audition or ask them to take the role.
If you’re wanting tips in how out auditon for screen check out my blog link here. If you want children to understand how to steal a scene or make a name in an auditon check out this post from my blog here.
It is often Who You Know Not What You Know
If your child has take. Classes, or been in previous shows, they will naturally or hopefully make friends with fellow cast members and get known by crew and management. Directors, casting directors and producers will have seen your child in classes or shows and will know their talent. It’s easier to get into the next show once they have been in at least one.
Have them Join Drama Club At School
If you are lucky enough to have a drama club at school for your child, have them attend those classes. Not only will they learn valuable skills, make like minded friends, but will get to know more people within the industry and that also goes for parents. Or if there is a Drama Camp for kids, have them enrol and pack their bags. This will be the time of their lives. If you are wanting to learn some likely drama games which could be played at drama club, please check out this link here.
Cold Call Directors and People in the Industry
My Director husband David, has had through his career as a theater director many people calling him for auditions information or letting him know they are available for auditions and roles. He found that actors from the United States (we are from New Zealand) were particularly good at self promotion. This is a bonus if you have these skills on behalf of your child, but just are sure you do not turn into a stage mother or father. They do tend to get a reputation in the industry and your child could potentially lose roles should potential directors and crew not wish to work with you.
Get Your Child Used to Auditioning on Camera
If your child is lucky enough to score a talent agent, they are often asked to audition on camera. This is especially so, if there are many children to get through or if the show is in another location. This may or may not be what your child would like. However, there are advantages to auditioning on camera:
- If you stuff it up, you can re-take your scene again.
- You can set up lighting to flatter your face
- You won’t have on the spot questions asked of you.
- There is less likelihood of anxiety, due to parents or known people to the actor helping or viewing the audition tape before sending off.
- Your child can dress the part, using props to rehearse and then shoot.
- No stranger in the room taking the audition.
If your child is asked to make a taped audition, make sure to follow the briefing and to introduce themselves as per industry expectations.
If you cannot be in person to an audition, you can record your child singing or acting part of a scene. They can also do a contemporary dance to show their talent. Most amateur societies will not mind a pre-empting audition such as this.
Attend Shows to Show You’re Interested in the Industry
Many performers see fellow friends in the industry in their current show, mainly to support, but also check out how good the show is. It’s a good idea to attend as many shows as possible so you can mingle with like minded people, but also check out how different Dramatic societies tend to operate. If you want to teach your child theater etiquette please check out my blog post here.
In Conclusion
There are many, many ways to get your child into theater or to act/perform for camera etc. Try the tried and true methods here and see how your child interacts and reacts. Good luck for auditioning and have fun in the industry.
