You know the expression “kids say the darndest things”? This is where the spontaneous, organic personality of the child can win them the job. Interview questions are almost always asked when a child auditions for a commercial, TV show or film. There is no copy for them to learn, no scene to play. You’re just asked random questions by the session director, casting director or director. The goal of this is to observe the child’s personality.
I dreaded this type of audition, and for years I never booked one. I focused obsessively on the questions, and agonized over my answers.
One day, a session director told me that the director and clients often watch these auditions with the volume turned completely off. Immediately, I realized the purpose and potential of the random question. It’s all about our personality—how we come across on camera.
Using this nugget of information, I changed my whole approach to this audition.
Since it’s your personality that they are looking for, I needed something to talk about that turns me on, that I am passionate about, something I can discuss fluently without worrying or running out of specific details.
Now I always talk about one of three subjects that make my eyes and face light up: hiking, my son, or my dog, Sparky. To sail through the interview question audition with ease, you must approach it the same way: The child should have three things that he or she is passionate about, subjects that they can talk about easily and effortlessly and in detail. The details let’s the child’s personality shines through. Here are some ideas:
- Your favorite game or at home activity
- An anecdote about a family member
- A story about your pet
- Foods you love or hate
When asked a question, find a quick way to segue or transition to talking about one of your favorite subjects.
Keep your answers brief, but detailed and specific. The more details and specifics the child can add, the more the personality comes out! The truth is, they are just trying to see your personality on camera.
Beware of three taboo subjects—avoid this at all cost.
Acting
They want you to be an actor and a skilled one but do not want to hear about it. They secretly think they are discovering you in the local farmers’ market and putting you in their commercial campaign.
Politics
Politics are just too controversial and should be avoided at all costs. Even if you’re running for senate, leave it alone! This should not be a problem for most kids anyway.
Religion
Anything having to do with religion is generally taboo.
Kids who can relax and just get chatting about one of their subjects or a funny anecdote always are remembered, as being memorable is the key helping you get booked for jobs
The beauty about this technique is that you never have to think about the answer because you already know it.
Practice this technique with some of these commonly asked questions and see how it works for you:
- What was your favorite vacation?
- Do you have any hobbies?
- Any plans for the summer?
- What’s your favorite subject in school?
- What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
- What do you do when you get home?
- What kind of foods you love?
- What kind of foods you hate?
- Who is the most important person in your life?
- What is your most treasured possession?
- Which is your favorite TV show?
- If you had a super power, what would it be?
- If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
The answers should never sound prepared or rehearsed, but spontaneous and honest. Why? Because kids do say the darndest things!
Judy Kain has been a full-time actress for over 35 years, appearing in over 80 television and film roles and 375 commercials. Judy teaches her successful audition technique to thousands of students at her Los Angeles studio, Keep it Real Acting. Judy has won multiple awards, including Backstage Magazine’s 2015 Readers’ Choice Award for “Favorite Audition Teacher.” Her latest book – I Booked It!: The Commercial Actor’s Handbook – teaches readers practical techniques for booking acting jobs. Available now at Amazon and through her website, keepitrealacting.com.
