Auditioning is an essential part of an actor’s journey, but many young performers make common mistakes that can hurt their chances of landing a role. At The Playground Acting Conservatory, we help kids develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in auditions.

Here are the top mistakes kids make in auditions—and how to avoid them.

1. Not Being Prepared
One of the biggest mistakes young actors make is not knowing their lines or fully understanding their character. Casting directors can tell when a child hasn’t practiced enough, which makes it harder for them to stand out.

How to Avoid It:
– If given a script, help your child memorize their lines well in advance.
– Encourage them to analyze the character and understand the emotions behind their lines.
– Practice in front of family members or record their performance to fine-tune their delivery.

2. Speaking Too Fast or Too Softly
Many kids rush through their lines due to nerves, while others speak too softly, making it difficult for casting directors to hear them.

How to Avoid It:
– Encourage your child to breathe deeply before speaking to slow down their pace.
– Practice clear and confident projection without shouting.
– Have them record themselves and adjust their speed and volume accordingly.

3. Overacting or Underacting
Finding the right balance in performance is key. Some kids exaggerate their expressions and gestures, while others deliver lines with little to no emotion.

How to Avoid It:
– Teach your child to focus on authenticity—acting should feel natural, not forced.
– Encourage subtle facial expressions and body language that match the character’s emotions.
– Practice scene study and emotional connection through acting exercises.

4. Lack of Eye Contact and Body Awareness
Some young actors either stare into space or move too much during auditions, making their performance seem unnatural.

How to Avoid It:
– Teach your child to connect with the reader or camera while maintaining natural eye contact.
– Help them understand appropriate movement based on the scene—no excessive fidgeting or stiffness.

5. Forgetting to Listen and React
Acting is about reacting, not just delivering lines. Many kids focus so much on their own performance that they forget to engage with their scene partner.

How to Avoid It:
– Encourage active listening by practicing improvisation exercises.
– Teach them to respond naturally instead of just waiting for their turn to speak.

6. Poor Professionalism and Nerves
Nervousness can lead to bad habits like slouching, fidgeting, or avoiding eye contact. Some kids forget to introduce themselves properly or rush out after the audition.

How to Avoid It:
– Teach your child basic audition etiquette: greeting the casting team with confidence and saying “thank you” at the end.
– Practice breathing exercises to help them stay calm and focused.

Auditioning is a skill that improves with practice and preparation. By avoiding these common mistakes, young actors can make a lasting impression and increase their chances of booking roles. Want to help your child shine in auditions? Sign up for audition coaching at The Playground Acting Conservatory today!