Q&A for How to Become a Disney Channel Star

Think of something fun, catchy, and easy to remember. It should reflect a sense of your personality, while still being simple enough for young audiences to say and remember. You might consider using a middle name or a cool combination of first and last names that sounds unique. Check places like IMDb and social media to make sure the name isn’t already taken, and secure the domain and social media handles for future use. It’s also smart to reserve their real name privately, so they can switch to it later if they want. Keep it light, memorable, and make sure it fits the Disney vibe—something that feels playful but professional!

It really depends on the actor but most actors and actresses on the Disney Channel get paid around $10,000-$25,000 per episode.

Don't wear anything too over dressed and something that you are comfortable in.

Becoming a Disney Channel star does not cost money, and you should never pay to audition for a show on the channel.

The voice you hear on camera is most likely closer to your 'real voice' than the voice you hear in your head. Most people think their voice sounds wrong when they first hear recordings of it. If you'd like to change how your voice sounds on camera, you can try practicing different ways of speaking/singing and record yourself until you're satisfied with the result. Or you can try taking voice lessons.

Like they say, practice makes perfect. Practice until you feel confident about your skills and comfortable presenting in front of an audience. Perform in front of a pet first, to boost your confidence, and then present to family or close friends. Ask them honestly what they think. Also, consider taking singing or dancing lessons, or joining an acting crew. Another option is to find others with the same passion and to start a club. If you are good enough and if you keep practicing, you might be able to go to a specialized high school or college.

Just tell them that this is what makes you happy and inspires you, and try to keep a serious face, because parents want was is best for, us and knowing that auditioning for DC, will help you complete a goal in your life. They may accept that this is a good thing or they may suggest you wait for some time yet.

No. In fact, most shows and movies pay YOU. However, you may have to pay travel expenses (plane tickets, hotels, etc.) to get to auditions.

When you audition, you hand them your headshots and they use them to reference who you are, and what you look like, and this is helpful for filling certain roles.

You don't have to, you can drive to your destination but it would probably be a long drive. If you get very famous it is likely you will have to fly on a plane at some point.

That shouldn't matter too much! When you are in an audition, it's good to have those skills, but the main concern they are looking for is your acting skills.

You have to keep on practicing; consider taking voice and acting lessons. Also, keep in mind that most people think their voices sound weird or bad in recordings. This is because you normally hear your voice propagating through the bones and fluids in your head in addition to the air around you. In a recording, you're only hearing the part that moves through the air.

Talk to your parents, tell them you really want to be an actor, and ask them to let you take classes or something. Just because your parents are overprotective doesn't mean they won't let you do what you enjoy.

You can't. You have to audition unless you were to win some sort of contest. Sometimes they do contests where you get to be a guest character if you win, which can be a good start.

With a parent's permission (written is sometimes required), yes, you can. Some people can do it without their permission, but it all depends on their situation.

Yes, everyone has a talent or special ability and no one is good at everything. Acting and dancing are great skills to have, you don't have to be able to sing also.

No, but knowing how to dance will put you at an advantage over all the other people auditioning who don't know how to.

Start with a YouTube channel to help you learn how to be on camera. It could even give you more attention than being a Disney Channel Star.

You could find something close to you or talk to your parents about traveling and maybe they would understand you.

Yes, although many of the Disney Channel stars are actually 16+. If you have no experience with acting or singing, it may be more difficult, so try joining a drama club or participating in plays, musicals and performances at your school or city. Build up your confidence and go from there.

Most people get an agent who finds acting opportunities for you.

You can be any age, you just have to have parents willing to pay for one.

Just relax. Pretend no one is there. Try practicing in front of your toys, siblings, or imaginary people to help!

Absolutely not, but you probably need money for travel expenses (plane tickets, hotels, etc.) to get to auditions.

Singing high notes is not always absolutely necessary. Just sing in the best way you can. Don't get nervous, be yourself.

A casting director will notify you, usually by phone.

You should get dance lessons from a professional dancer. Disney shows revolve around a lot of singing and dancing (see "High School Musical"). You can also develop other talents that make you stand out, such as being a great actor, magician, or comedian.

Backstage.com is a great website! Make sure you fill out the filters, though. You don't want to find a role perfect for you and find out it is half way across America!

You'll likely have to move because that is where most filming is done.

Disney is always looking for talent coming from all ages and backgrounds, and there are plenty of new shows featuring children and teenagers young and old. There are no guarantees that a spot will be open at this exact time, but your age is certainly not an issue in the Disney world.