Q&A for How to Audition for a TV Commercial

Yes. Some commercials need younger actors.The advertisement for the auditions will usually specify the age range.

Yes, it's never too late to start an acting career, as characters of all ages and types are needed. Start by auditioning at community theater productions to gain some experience for your portfolio, take acting classes, ask directors for constructive criticism on areas you need to improve, and follow your dream!

Absolutely! It's all about the auditions. Some acting jobs require a certain age, but do research on the jobs that are directed towards your age. Food and toy commercials that are directed towards pleasing kids are great for young actors and actresses. After doing commercials ,maybe you can try out for a TV show.

Backstage.com always has casting listings available.

Absolutely. Practice your new craft by joining community theater or acting classes at your local college, then find an agent to get you work.

You don't need an agent when you are just starting out. Once you get deeper into acting, you will eventually need an agent, but for now, do your research. You can find multiple websites that have updated information about when, where, and what you need to audition anywhere in the world. I hear a good resource for this is Backstage. I have tried it out myself, it gives good information, but you need to pay to audition from there. There are plenty of other free websites though.

Yes. You can become an actor at any age. Work hard and practice.

Everyone has a chance if they work hard. Going to an acting school will not guarantee you will become a professional paid actor. That depends on your skill and talent.

Two good resources are actorsaccess.com and IMDBpro.com. There you can search for local auditions as well as send in requests to audition.

Your chance would be slim to none. The reality is you need a background with a resume of classes and jobs and an agent. Start taking classes and doing local work so you have a resume and you can get an agent. You will also need your parent's support and consent. Acting is a job like anything else and you have to be trained and know how to do it.

Search for local acting schools, they're everywhere, even if they're small places. Just make sure it's affordable and the place has the correct drive to steer actors and actresses in the right direction.

Absolutely.

Anyone can act, it just depends on what the directors/casting agents are looking for and what the part requires. If you want to be an actor, go for it.

Dress appropriately for the character. For example, if you're auditioning for the role of a CEO, dress in your best workplace attire.

Yes, depending on the role you are entering him for. Make sure it's age-appropriate, and that he doesn't ever feel overwhelmed in taking on a role.

Of course! You could work your way to the top by getting known and taking local acting classes. Set good impressions, learn, and make sure that you have someone or something to steer you in the right direction with no career dead ends (avoid Disney).

There are certainly still opportunities for you. Many companies are looking for a wider, more diverse group of people (for example, Dove) so keep your eye out for auditions you're interested in. Good luck!

Backstage.com is a very helpful resource, with possible castings posted daily.

If the director is looking for a child to be in a commercial, they will get a child to play the part. Newborns can be in commercials if that's what the director is looking for. It's just like a movie, many children are in movies. Just make sure it's okay with your parents and do not do anything without letting them know, and try to make sure it doesn't interfere with your education.

It really depends. Usually in the casting call they will tell you if there are any prerequisites for auditioning. Some commercial producers might want actors with lots of experience, and others will be fine with newcomers.

Yes, although a class would be ideal if you were intending to act professionally. Not only would it improve your acting skills, but it would allow you to build relationships with other people who might go into the industry.

Just find an open call and allow your child to audition. You may not need any connections.

It depends on the type of commercial, is your character supposed to be speaking to someone else, or the camera? If you're doing a monologue or something like that, don't look into the camera. If you're speaking "to the people at home," then it's okay.

Look for local acting classes to take and start going to auditions. You can also get a headshot done so that you have something to submit for potential jobs.

You can look online for casting calls that are in your geographic location.

Find an acting agency like KidsCasting. It costs money for a membership but it has tons of acting jobs and they are everywhere. Just type your state and even your city to be specific and find acting jobs near you!

Yes, you can! Everyone can be an actor, no matter how old they are or what accent they have. (However, having a strong accent that's difficult to understand might limit your work opportunities.)

Yes, as not all roles require you to expose a lot of skin.

Before applying for commercial shoots, you should try going to open-call auditions, especially for student films. This will help you build a resume, which, unfortunately, is a must for commercial shoots.

Yes. Singing isn't all that important in commercials. As long as you fit the part, any role is possible.