Open Call 11
Free Submission Guidelines & Tips
Show us who your actor really is, what they realistically play, and what they can do.
Start here
Open Call 11 is completely free to enter. You do not need to purchase a workshop, class, coaching session, submission review or any other Child Actor 101 service to participate. You do not need expensive or elaborate materials — just current, clear, thoughtful materials that represent the actor well.
Please upload at least two recent headshots or high-quality snapshots. Professional actor headshots are wonderful, but they are not required. A strong, well-lit snapshot is absolutely acceptable.
The most important rule: your photos should look like your actor right now. Kids change quickly. Choose materials that represent the performer a representative would actually meet today.
Ask: What could this actor realistically walk onto a television or film set and play tomorrow?
Happy, joyful, genuine, approachable, excited. A natural smile with teeth is preferred; the eyes should participate too.
In the industry, theatrical generally means television and film, not stage acting. Think confident, relaxed, thoughtful, serious, dramatic.
Show another believable side: quirky, nerd, bully, surfer, gothic, athlete, country kid, class clown or young professional are examples only.
Photo examples
Start with name, age and location. Then choose two personality elements. These are prompts, not interview questions requiring perfect answers.
The goal is to meet the person behind the headshot. Don’t perform personality. Quiet, dry, silly, thoughtful and a little weird can all be memorable when they are real.
Give the actor something they genuinely want to talk about.
You do not need cinematic production. Make the actor easy and enjoyable to watch.
Polished is good. Overproduced is not necessary.
Personality slate example
If you have strong current material, this is the opportunity to show representatives what the actor can do. Choose the material that offers the best current evidence of ability — not necessarily the newest, most expensive or most professionally branded.
Completed professional work, self-produced demo scenes and permitted previous self-tapes are all welcome. Put the strongest material first.
You may share a permitted previous audition, self-tape scene or monologue.
Look for acting that is specific, connected, interesting and believable.
Comedy reel example
Self-tape scene example
Use this only when a skill genuinely adds something to the performer’s professional profile. Quality over quantity.
The application requires a public Actors Access or Casting Networks profile. For television and film, Actors Access is particularly important; Casting Networks is also widely used, especially for commercial casting.
A vanity/public profile URL is preferred when available. Open the link yourself while logged out or in a private browser window before submitting.
Casting profile example
You may provide a link to the actor’s résumé or upload it directly. Keep it clean, readable and current. A shorter professional résumé is better than a crowded amateur one.
The application asks whether the actor is currently represented and what type of representation they are seeking. Already having representation does not necessarily mean there is nothing else to seek.
The application asks about city, state/province, country, local-hire cities, union status, Coogan account, work permit and passport. Answer accurately.
Local Hire means that you are able to travel to the location and secure accommodations on your own dime.
Share additional professional links only when they help representatives understand the actor. More is not automatically better.
One of the biggest mistakes performers make is trying to demonstrate that they can play anything. Nobody can — and they do not need to.
Representatives are often answering a simpler question: Where would I submit this actor tomorrow? Your photos, acting, slate and profile should make that answer easier.
Casting begins with believability. Range develops over time.
Type examples
Parents understandably want everything to look professional. But perfect hair, perfect answers, perfect posture, perfect smile and a perfectly rehearsed slate can leave us with absolutely no idea who the kid actually is.
Do not polish away the interesting parts. Representatives are wondering who they could submit, who casting would remember, who can act, who has a point of view and who might make people pay attention.
Charisma example
12 · Before you hit submit
Performer, location, work and representation information are accurate.
It is clear what representation you are seeking.
At least two recent photos show how the actor looks now.
Commercial, theatrical and any optional type image are strong and believable.
Name, age, location and two personality elements are included.
It is under 90 seconds, clear, conversational and viewable without permission.
Only include strong current material that suits the actor’s age and type.
Confirm every link works and you have permission to share it.
Profile, photos, media and résumé are current.
Test every link one final time.
