ON-SET ETIQUETTE FOR YOUNG ACTORS & PARENTS

Professional Behavior That Gets You Rehired

Mastering the Professional Set Environment

Booking the role is only the beginning. How you and your child behave on set determines whether you’ll be remembered as professional and easy to work with, or difficult and unlikely to be rehired. Professional set etiquette is a skill as important as acting ability.

With Gary Spatz’s extensive experience as an on-set coach for hundreds of television episodes, we provide insider knowledge that most young actors and parents learn through trial and error. This guide covers everything from arrival to wrap, ensuring your first professional experience leads to many more.

SET SUCCESS FACTORS

Professionalism:
On time, prepared, focused

Adaptability:
Handles changes gracefully

Collaboration:
Works well with everyone

Positive Attitude:
Makes work enjoyable

Behavior matters as much as talent

Gary Spatz’s Set Experience: “I’ve coached on over 600 episodes of television, and I can tell you that directors and producers remember two things: great talent and great attitudes. The actors who work consistently are the ones who make the set better by being there. Professionalism isn’t just about following rules, it’s about contributing to a positive work environment.”

The 24-Hour Pre-Call Preparation

Professional set behavior begins long before you arrive on location. Proper preparation sets the stage for success.

15
Minutes Early

= On time for call time

8
Hours Sleep

Minimum for young actors

100%
Off-Book

Lines memorized & understood

Timeline Preparation Task Purpose Common Mistakes
24 Hours Before Confirm call time & location Avoid last-minute confusion Assuming details haven’t changed
Evening Before Pack bag & lay out clothes Reduce morning stress Last-minute packing
Morning Of Healthy breakfast & hydration Sustained energy & focus Skipping meals, sugary foods
Travel Time Plan for traffic + buffer Arrive calm & prepared Cutting timing too close
Arrival Check in with AD immediately Professional first impression Wandering around lost

The Essential Set Bag: What to Bring

Being prepared with the right supplies demonstrates professionalism and ensures comfort during long shooting days.

🎒 MUST-HAVE ITEMS

  • Script & sides (even if memorized)
  • Pencils & highlighter for notes
  • Water bottle with name
  • Healthy snacks (quiet, non-messy)
  • Quiet activities (books, drawing)
  • Layers of clothing for temp changes
  • Charged phone (on silent)
  • Any medications needed

🚫 LEAVE AT HOME

  • Noisy toys or games
  • Messy foods (chips, candy)
  • Valuables or expensive items
  • Strong perfumes/scents
  • Distracting electronics
  • Negative attitudes
Assistant Director Perspective: “When a young actor shows up prepared with their own water, snacks, and quiet activities, I know they’re professional. It shows they understand that set time is valuable and that everyone’s job is easier when actors are self-sufficient between setups.” — Michael Torres, 1st AD

Set Hierarchy: Who’s Who and Why It Matters

Understanding the chain of command and everyone’s role helps young actors navigate the set professionally.

Position Role & Responsibilities Who Interacts With Actors Professional Protocol
Director Creative vision, performance guidance All actors Listen carefully, take direction well
1st AD Set operations, scheduling, safety All actors & parents Follow instructions immediately
Studio Teacher Education, welfare, hours compliance Minor actors only Cooperate fully with schoolwork
Wardrobe Costumes, continuity, fittings All actors Be patient during fittings
Hair/Makeup Appearance continuity All actors Sit still, be cooperative
Camera/Sound Technical quality All actors Hit marks, speak clearly

Parent Protocol: The Invisible Support Role

Parents on set have a specific role that balances support with professional boundaries.

PARENT DOS AND DON’TS ON SET

✅ DO:

  • Stay in designated parent areas when not needed
  • Trust the professionals to do their jobs
  • Be available but unobtrusive
  • Handle your child’s needs discreetly
  • Follow all set safety protocols
  • Express appreciation to the crew

❌ DON’T:

  • Give acting direction to your child
  • Interrupt filming or rehearsals
  • Take photos or videos without permission
  • Socialize with celebrities or disrupt work
  • Complain about waiting or schedule changes
  • Coach your child from the sidelines

The most appreciated parents are those who understand that the set is a workplace. They provide quiet support while allowing the professionals to direct the creative process. This balance demonstrates respect for everyone’s role and contributes to a positive work environment.

Set Lingo: Understanding the Language

Knowing basic set terminology helps young actors understand what’s happening and respond appropriately.

Common Calls
What They Mean

“Picture’s up!” = Get ready to film
“Last looks” = Final touch-ups
“Background!” = Extras get ready
“Rolling!” = Camera is recording

Safety Terms
Crucial to Know

“Hot set” = Don’t touch anything
“First team” = Principal actors
“Martini” = Final shot of the day
” Abby Singer” = Second-to-last shot

The Professional Mindset: Getting Rehired

Ultimately, set behavior determines whether you build a reputation as someone people want to work with again.

Professional Trait What It Looks Like Why It Matters Impact on Career
Preparedness Knows lines, hits marks consistently Saves time & money Directors remember efficiency
Adaptability Handles changes without complaint Sets are constantly evolving Valued for difficult shoots
Collaboration Works well with cast & crew Teamwork essential Builds industry relationships
Positive Attitude Friendly, grateful, enthusiastic Makes work enjoyable People want to work with you
Respectful Values everyone’s contribution Crew recommendations matter Word-of-mouth referrals
Director Testimonial: “I’ll always choose a good actor with a great attitude over a great actor with a bad attitude. Sets are stressful enough without dealing with difficult people. The young actors from The Playground consistently demonstrate the professionalism that makes them a joy to work with.” — Director Amanda Chen

MASTER PROFESSIONAL SET ETIQUETTE

Our on-set preparation classes taught by industry professionals ensure you’re ready for your first professional experience.

ENROLL IN SET ETIQUETTE CLASS

Final Article in Series: “The Playground Alumni Success Stories: Where Our Graduates Are Now”

At The Playground, we prepare young actors for every aspect of professional work, including the crucial unspoken rules of set behavior. With Gary Spatz’s extensive on-set experience guiding our curriculum, we provide insights that most young actors learn through painful mistakes. Our graduates arrive on set confident, prepared, and professional, building reputations that lead to long, successful careers.