In a highly competitive performing arts world, nothing is more beneficial for aspiring talent than to get a foot in the door early! There are many exciting auditions happening across the nation for young talent—from kids to teens. Whether you prefer feature films or the stage, Backstage is here to provide you with a number of can’t miss opportunities.
“SONGS FROM THE BASEMENT”
Casting is currently underway for “Songs of the Basement,” a New York–based musical in the style of “The Band’s Visit” and “Fun Home.” Middle Eastern male talent, aged 6–12, is sought to play Fattah, an 8-year-old child from Afghanistan living in a refugee camp in Berlin. The child must be a skilled actor, one who is able to convey a number of emotions. Fluency in Farsi, as well as conversational German and English, is also preferred. The show workshops this fall in New York City. The chance to play a supporting role as Fattah’s mother is also available. Apply here!
“THE CEREAL KID”
Have the chance to star as 14-year-old Trust, who, despite his name, is a serial trespasser in a metropolitan suburb. African American male talent, aged 12–16, is sought for the role, which will shoot in late August through early September for five days in Jersey City, New Jersey, and New York City. Pay is $100 per day, with food and travel provided. Adult lead and supporting roles in this project are also available. Apply here!
SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE/POETRY PIECE
If you’re a child with a passion for poetry and spoken word performance, you cannot miss this opportunity! Female talent, aged 9–12, is sought to play Violet in a 60- to 90-second commercial film for a brand based out of the midwest. Selected talent must deliver a spoken word performance piece to the camera: a poem about the power of play and how play shapes and defines us all. The commercial will shoot on Aug. 23 for eight hours in the midwest, and talent and compensation fees, travel, meals, and accommodations for the talent and one parent or guardian will be provided. Apply here!
“CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY”
Two girls, aged 15–20, are sought to star as Ernestine and Ermina Crump in a Camden, New Jersey production of “Crumbs from the Table of Joy.” The story, by Lynn Nottage, is one that captures the conflict that can ensue between different ideologies and how it affects young girls in a changing environment. Talent must be African American and will be paid a flat stipend of $200 at the close of production. Rehearsals and production will take place at the South Camden Theatre Company, and the show will run from Nov. 2–18. Apply here!
“JUNGLE CRUISE”
Young talent, as you build your acting portfolios, know that any role—even a background role—is only bringing you closer to reaching your goals! Walt Disney Pictures is seeking 6- to 8-year-old Latino/Hispanic, Asian, ethnically ambiguous, or mixed race male talent for a background role as an indigenous South American boy in Disney feature film “Jungle Cruise,” alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt! Shooting will take place on July 31 in Atlanta, Georgia. Selected talent will receive $200 per eight hours of work, and a courtesy hotel stay will be provided if the actor is located more than two hours away from set. Apply here!
REALITY/DOCUMENTARY COOKING SHOW
Young chefs, get cooking! Big Blue Ox Co. is seeking male and female talent, aged 12–17, for an upcoming show about culturally diverse high school students based in New York City where they prepare meals and discuss a variety of topics. The show will shoot in NYC from July 30–Aug. 8, and selected talent will receive $500 for the day, plus any travel expenses. Apply here!
Check out Backstage’s kids auditions!