You may have a dream of becoming a Disney Channel star if you are young and love acting. In many cases, world-famous artists started out as extras on the Disney Channel and, due to their experience, were very successful in their careers. There are many children who are passionate about becoming actors on the Disney Channel, making it challenging to do so. However, you may end up auditioning for casting directors by working hard to acquire skills and networking in the entertainment industry.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Acquire the Skills and Experience Disney Requires
Step 1. Enroll in acting classes
In order to learn the techniques necessary to become the quality actor that Disney is looking for, it is best to take classes. You should take every opportunity that comes your way to take classes and join acting clubs. With acting, improvisation and musical theater classes, you can learn the skills you need and put your performance into practice.
You can start by signing up for your school's drama club
Step 2. Take singing lessons
Acting is paramount when it comes to being a Disney Channel star, but you also need to be able to sing well. For example, Raven Simone sang the theme song for It's So Raven (That's So Raven), the series she starred in on the Disney Channel. You can search for singing lessons online in your area. Be careful to choose an instructor who has good reviews.
You may consider joining your school choir. This way, you won't have to pay for private lessons and you can learn a little singing
Step 3. Take dance classes
It takes basic dance skills to be a Disney Channel star, although it doesn't weigh as much as being able to act or sing. You can check with various local dance studios and opt for one that teaches the widest variety of dance types, since as a creative artist, the more versatile you are, the better.
- You can try ballet, jazz, modern dance, and hip hop.
- If there are dance classes available at your school, you can take them.
Step 4. Participate in talent contests
Look online to see if there are any talent competitions in your area and sign up and audition for as many as you can. This can help you get used to the pressure of auditions and learn to perform with confidence. Also, it is possible that if you go far or if you even win a competition, you will become known in the community and someone important will notice you.
Step 5. Take every opportunity to act
To become as comfortable as possible on stage, you must take advantage of every opportunity to perform. Audition for plays in your community, your church, and your school. In this way, you can put your skills into practice and become a solid artist.
Step 6. Assemble a portfolio
At Disney, the audition process is fast-paced, and casting directors quickly dismiss fans. So to be taken seriously, you need to put together a portfolio that includes a professional resume and professional photos of your face. Your resume should feature your entire experience in an organized and engaging way, and a professional photographer should take your face photos.
- If you can't afford a professional photographer, you can ask a relative or friend with a good camera to take your photos.
- The resume should be one page only and should list your most recent experience and accomplishments. If your experience is limited, you shouldn't worry, as Disney wants the best, not the busiest.
- You must attach your resume to the back of your face photo or print it on the back of it. Then you will drop it off after the audition. Do not forget that this is your business card and the way they will remember you, so be careful that it is the best possible representation "of you".
Method 2 of 3: Get Connected with the Disney Channel
Step 1. Ask your tutor to help you communicate with casting directors
You can search online for information on each of the current Disney Channel television series, find out who the casting director is for each of them, and write down their contact information. You can then write each one a short email introducing yourself and expressing that you would like to audition for him. Don't forget to include your resume and a photo of your face in the email.
Review the emails and ask your tutor to read and send them for you
Step 2. Hire a talent agency
With an agent, as with a portfolio, you can get others to take you seriously. You could also get good opportunities that you might not otherwise get. Talent agents have industry contacts and this could help you break through in the industry. You will also be able to focus solely on having excellent auditions because they will take care of managing your audition schedule.
You can try to hire an agency whose client is Disney. This way, you will have a better chance of getting an audition for this channel. You can go to the pro.imdb.com website and then click "Start Free Trial" to get an IMDbPro account that is temporarily free. Then, go to the Disney Channel actors pages and click on "See Agencies and Managers" to find the different agencies that work with Disney Channel stars. You can ask your tutor for help in emailing them your resume and photos of your face
Step 3. Talk to your tutor about the possibility of moving to California
Disney Channel is based in Los Angeles, California, so if you move there, this could be very useful to give you an edge over the competition, since, by living near Los Angeles, you will have a greater chance of finding an agent affiliated with Disney. You may not have much authority as to where you want to live, but you can talk to your guardian and politely ask if it would be possible to move.
- You can say something like, "I know this is a big change, but I could go much further to achieve my dream of being an actor if we moved to Los Angeles. Do you think it would ever be possible for our family to move there or somewhere nearby? ".
- In many cases, Disney Channel stars move to Los Angeles as soon as they get a role in a series on this channel.
Method 3 of 3: Audition for Disney Channel
Step 1. Audition through an agency
Having an agent is beneficial for another reason: It could allow you access to exclusive auditions. Since you won't be competing against a large number of people and you won't have as much to try out as in the larger open auditions, this is often the best way to audition for Disney Channel. You can ask your agent to get you as many opportunities as he can to audition for Disney.
Step 2. Attend open call auditions for Disney Channel
From time to time, Disney Channel Casting Directors travel the US and hold open-call auditions that are open to everyone within a certain age range. You can regularly check the "Open Casting Call" tab on the Disney Channel website for information regarding upcoming open auditions.
Step 3. Recite a 60-second comic monologue
At auditions for Disney Channel, a comedic monologue of your choice should generally be recited for at least 1 minute. You should practice it extensively before the audition so that you can play the role well and express your emotions and not just read the words on the page. You should also time yourself in advance so that during the audition you don't need to focus on staying within the time limit.
- You could ask your drama teacher to help you choose a monologue and practice it. In this way, you will present the best possible performance for the audition.
- When practicing the monologue before the audition, ask someone to take the time for you so that you can fully focus on the performance.
Step 4. Prepare to demonstrate your singing skills for 30 to 60 seconds
When auditioning for a role that involves singing, you will need to audition a short part of a song that you feel really demonstrates your singing skills. Choose a song that is appropriate for your age and sing the part where your vocal range shows best. While you may not be asked to do so, it's okay to be prepared in case they are.
In case you are not sure as to which song to choose, you can ask your singing teacher to help you decide. Also, before the audition, you can ask him to help you practice perfecting your tone so that it is in perfect condition when the time comes
Step 5. Prepare a dance routine for 30 to 60 seconds
If the audition is for a role that requires acting and dancing, you should prepare a choreography for a short dance routine and practice it to show it to the casting directors. You may not be asked to dance, but if you have a solid routine in place and the casting directors ask for it, this is likely to impress them.
It is recommended that you ask your dance instructor to help you with the choreography. You can also ask him to observe you while you practice and help you perfect each of the movements in the routine
Step 6. Show your personality
The time to make an impression on casting directors is short, so don't answer them using a single word. Try to put your nerves aside and be yourself. Talk to them as if you were talking to your friends. This way, they can immediately pick up on your personality type.
Own the script so you can stand out. Casting directors want to know if you can bring something new to Disney Channel, not if you can copy one of the channel's current stars
Advice
- Research the different celebrities who got their start on the Disney Channel (for example, Hilary Duff and Demi Lovato). Find out what different paths they took to get there.
- This opportunity is worth betting on even if your chances are one in a million. After all, they have to cast someone and that could be you.
- You should expect to be rejected and do your best not to let them discourage you.
- Avoid auditioning just for Disney but also for other television series in order to gain experience and get noticed.
Warnings
- In case the number of auditions or contracts you get doesn't satisfy you, you can schedule an appointment with your agent to discuss what you can do to get more work.
- Both at auditions and on set, your tutor has to be with you at all times.
- You should never pay an agent in advance. Instead, they get paid after you are hired.