How to Become an Actress for Disney Kids

Arrive prepared to a Disney audition, and be yourself.

Does your child have what it takes to be a Disney kid? People who work with Disney are employed as singers, dancers, musicians, stunt performers, actors and character lookalikes. Whatever your child's strengths, keeping some essential tips in mind when helping her prepare for an acting audition will increase her chances of getting noticed. Read on to find out more.

Things You'll Need

• Agent (optional, but highly recommended)
• Prepared monologue
• Head shot
• Resume

Instructions

1. Get an agent for your child. Although optional, this not only ensures that your child will have representation, but it also gives her access to more casting calls and auditions. Agents are informed about more events and details concerning particular roles and openings. To find a qualified agent, start with the Screen Actors Guild (see Resources).

2. Check the Disney corporate website regularly for upcoming auditions (see Resources), especially if your child is not represented by an agent. Auditions vary from calls for performers to dancers to character lookalikes and actors. Remember, Disney is a worldwide corporation, so auditions can be anywhere in the world.

3. Help your child prepare a monologue according to her strengths; make sure she is comfortable performing it and has all parts memorized. The "What to Prepare" section of the Disney website recommends performing a one-minute comedic monologue and advises aspiring actresses not to rush the performance. Timing and emotion are important. Your child should be prepared to take part in improvisational exercises during the audition.

4. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the audition to give yourself time to fill out paperwork. According to the Disney website, head shots and resumes will be collected by a cast member prior to the audition. Make sure to prepare a head shot and resume well ahead of time. A child's resume should include prior acting or performing experience; also be sure to include any clubs or relevant memberships, such as acting groups.

5. Help your child remain relaxed and confident at the audition. She should listen carefully to the instructions provided by the casting directors. Matt, a current cast member at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, gives the following advice: "They want to see who you are, not who you can be. Show up prepared." (See Resources.)

Tips & Warnings

• The Disney website provides the following tip on head shots: "Good quality photos on standard letter-size paper are best. Make sure the photo you use is representative of the way you look now... Make sure it's the best possible representation of who you are." The Disney website advises that you keep your resume to one page and include the most recent experience. Have your child practice in front of an audience of friends and family well before the audition. She should know the monologue cold and be expressive. Performing often in front of an audience can help oust any nervousness associated with performing.

References

• Disney Auditions: What to Prepare
• Disney Auditions: What to Expect

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Disney Auditions
• Screen Actors Guild
• Disney Audition Experience