What to Expect at a Commercial Audition for Your Child
Before the audition
Get the details: Confirm the date, time, location, and what your child should wear or bring. Always ensure you give yourself plenty of time to find the venue and arrive early.
Sides / copy: Sometimes your child will receive a short script (called “sides”) in advance. Help them read it aloud a few times and if they’ve received the sides in advance of the audition then try and memorise it- avoid over rehearsing.
Headshot & CV: Bring an updated headshot stapled to the front of the CV (even if it was submitted online) - At May Talent we can create client CV’s for them.
Clothing: Dress simply, in clean, age-appropriate clothes that fit the type of character (unless told otherwise). Avoid distracting logos.
At the audition
Sign in: When you arrive, you’ll fill out a sign-in sheet with your child’s name, agent info and contact details.
Wait: There is usually a waiting area for parents. Auditions may run behind so be prepared.
Slate: Your child may be asked to “slate,” which means clearly stating their name, age, and agent or where they’re from, on camera. They may also be asked to show both side profiles and the front and back of their hands.
Audition:
Your child might deliver lines to a camera operator, casting director, or reader.
They may be asked to repeat the lines in different ways (e.g., “Try it happier!”).
Sometimes it’s just about expressions or reacting, with no lines at all. Reaction is just as important as action.
Your role as a parent
Be calm, supportive, and positive.
Don’t coach from the sidelines during the audition.
Avoid hovering; let the casting team do their work.
After the audition
Most casting directors don’t give immediate feedback.
If your child is chosen (“pencilled,” “callback,” or “booked”), you or your agent will hear from production later.
Keep the experience light-hearted; it helps your child enjoy the process.