Q&A for How to Audition for TV Shows

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  • Question
    How do you understand a character's motivations and thoughts as an actor?
    Lesly Kahn, MFA
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Expert Answer
    You just have to read the script and limit yourself to what the script says. So often, actors want to set themselves apart by doing something different. You truly set yourself apart by merging with the writer and doing what the writer has asked you to do. Often we think that the script is just a jumping off point, but it's really the main course of the meal.
  • Question
    I'm an 18-year-old girl. Am I applicable? If so, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    You certainly are applicable and relevant. And you're at a fantastic age to truly start a life for yourself. Get out there! Go online and find some auditions happening in your area, or the area you want to be! Go, audition... you can do it!
  • Question
    How can I get rid of my stage fear?
    Community Answer
    Relax, and take a deep breath. Try counting from one to ten, and just know that if you mess up a little, nobody's going to notice because they'll think it's part of the show.
  • Question
    I am 14 years old. Can I start acting in TV shows?
    Community Answer
    Yes. There are a need for actors of all ages. Ask your parents to help you find open casting calls in your area.
  • Question
    For a Disney Channel role, would I have to get a lot of experience first?
    Community Answer
    You don't need a lot of experience, but maybe try practicing acting in front of people to get used to it.
  • Question
    Can a girl who is four feet tall audition for TV shows?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Anyone can audition no matter their size. It just depends on what character they need to cast.
  • Question
    Can I take a role in a TV serial if I'm just 17-years-old?
    Community Answer
    Yes. But as a minor, you must have your parents' or legal guardians' approval.
  • Question
    Do I need to be good looking to be a good actor?
    Community Answer
    No. Your appearance is only one aspect of acting. Actors are needed to fill all kinds of roles. Good acting comes from inside a person, not the outside.
  • Question
    What is the average number of kids that auditions for any given show?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on the show's popularity and the fame of the channel hosting or producing it.
  • Question
    Can anyone get a role on first audition, I mean without any experience?
    Community Answer
    Yes, someone can but it's not as likely. Everyone has to start off somewhere and some people are lucky enough to get a shot right away.
  • Question
    I'm from the northeastern part of India and I haven't taken any acting classes - would I still be eligible for TV shows?
    Community Answer
    You would. Apply for smaller roles first and then build a resume and a body of work before going in for the larger auditions. Luckily acting thrives in India, so there are opportunities available to you.
  • Question
    I am a little thin, but I want to work in TV. Will I be able to?
    Ghostoflegacy
    Community Answer
    Yes! Your size doesn't matter, what matters is your skill. You see all sorts of people on TV. If you want to act, go for it!
  • Question
    I am 13 years old. Do I have to pay for auditioning? Do I need to have acting classes?
    Community Answer
    No, auditioning is free and you don’t need acting classes to get a role but it helps a lot.
  • Question
    Where can I audition for a TV show?
    Razia
    Community Answer
    If the article doesn't answer that for you, you will have to look it up, as we all live in different places.
  • Question
    Can I get on TV today?
    Community Answer
    Most likely not. It is a long process. Famous celebrities and other TV personalities don't get on TV just because they want to; they work hard and give their best to get up there. You also need to have in mind you won't be up there unless you audition MANY times, because most likely many people will be auditioning for the same role as you and are probably professionals.
  • Question
    I'm 8 and I wanna star in a show. Can kids do that?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter what age you are, and there are roles available for all ages. Aim for shows that are about kids so that there are more opportunities to be the main character.
  • Question
    How do I audition for a show that is filming overseas if I can't get there?
    Community Answer
    You could send an e-mail and ask if you can do the audition virtually, either by sending a video or through Skype/FaceTime. If they're only doing in-person auditions, you'll have to go there or you won't be able to audition for that particular part.
  • Question
    How do I know how to audition for a character if I don't know who the character is?
    Phoebe Levitsky
    Community Answer
    If they don't tell you a lot about the character in auditions, it's most likely that they want to see what you come up with. Make up a little backstory for your character! What do they look like? What were they doing right before this scene happened? What were they going to do right after?
  • Question
    Can a non-dancer get the lead role in their 30's?
    Community Answer
    Certainly! However, being overqualified always helps. Taking some dancing lessons can't hurt, you never know when you may need them!
  • Question
    What if you're a little wide? Can you still go for acting?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Sometimes in films or acting roles a little bit of 'wideness' is needed.
  • Question
    Is being good looking necessary to became an actress?
    Community Answer
    No, not at all. While a pretty face may look good for a little while, a face that is able to display the emotions or the character you are trying to embody is much better in the long run.
  • Question
    Hi, I want to be a comedian as I like to make people laugh. Are there any places in Dehli to audition?
    Community Answer
    India has a very rich TV industry. Visit http://www.auditionsindia.com/ to find local casting calls in your area.
  • Question
    I am 12 years old, how can I get into acting? And also how can I convince my parents?
    Community Answer
    Feel passionately about it. And try convincing your parents by saying this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you will be the happiest kid in the world.
  • Question
    I am 10, and I really want to act, but the problem is that most famous actors have started acting when they were 3. Could I be on Disney when I become 12?
    Community Answer
    Disney is a big goal, especially when it appears you haven't even started acting. You first need to start acting and learn some skills. If your school offers drama club or puts on school plays, try to join these. Find out if there is a community theater in your area and try out for them. Working for Disney is not impossible, but you will have to get to that level first.
  • Question
    I am 15, I haven't taken any acting classes or any dance classes, would I still be eligible for a TV show?
    Community Answer
    As long as you're naturally talented, yes. You might want to considering acting in local theater to gain some acting experience and to bulk up your acting resume.
  • Question
    How can I get prepared for an audition?
    Community Answer
    To get prepared for an audition, all you need to do is learn the songs, lines or dances. Practice and work hard.
  • Question
    What do I do if I think I'm a good actress, but get really nervous when I try out?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Remind yourself that everyone gets nervous in that situation. Directors and casting directors know this and will make some allowances, especially if they know you're inexperienced. Nonetheless, nervousness can interfere with a good tryout, so just remember that most roles are won by auditioners who pretend they're not nervous.
  • Question
    If I get married at a young age, can I do a TV audition?
    Community Answer
    Sure. Your marital status has nothing to do with if you can audition or not.
  • Question
    Will I have to pay to audition if I'm a kid?
    Community Answer
    No one of any age should have to pay for auditions. You pay your agent, and your agent finds the auditions for you. If you are asked to pay something at an audition, it is a scam.
  • Question
    What audition should I give for a tv daily soap?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what kind of role you are trying to portray. Daytime soap opera auditions are similar to other TV auditions. Inject your personal character while showing that you have a dramatic range.
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