Desirable Characteristics of Young Actors

An equity research and sales professional in New York, Janina Casey is a former child actor who appeared on various television shows and commercials, as well as a production of The Sound of Music. In the course of her acting career, Janina Casey was nominated for both a Clio Award and a Daytime Emmy. Below are a few characteristics that talent agents, casting directors, and other professionals look for in child actors.

- Professionalism: When young actors are professional, they recognize that acting is both a fun activity and a job. They are interested in cultivating a career in the field and demonstrate a higher level of maturity than some of their peers. Professional in young actors is always a valued quality to casting directors.

- Naturalness: Acting is about pretending, but a young actor’s performance should look natural. The ability to perform naturally makes auditions and performances more authentic and makes an actor better able to connect with audiences. Further, naturalness lets children be themselves when auditioning, thus setting them apart from others.

- Friendliness: Young actors who are friendly, charismatic, and outgoing draw more people in. They are seen as warmer and easier to work with. Friendliness also helps young actors connect with their casting director or talent agent. A good connection makes the actor memorable.