The Disney Channel isn't the only television network that can make you a star. Nickelodeon is a huge and equally popular television network! However, where should you start? First of all, take an acting course! Cultivate the experience and discover your personal talents as an actor. Then, you will need an agent or manager, as well as a professional portrait. Nickelodeon is a growing television network that hosts frequent casting calls. So, if you're ready to take that big step, audition for it!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Gaining Acting Experience
Step 1. Sign up for a weekly acting course
You need to do it even if you've acted before, because acting classes will help you hone your talent consistently. Choose basic acting classes, as well as improv and scene studies classes. We recommend that you take courses aimed at young adults. If your school has a drama field, follow that too.
- To find acting courses in your area, start by doing an internet search. Type “acting course + your city” and see the results. You can also inquire about courses at your local theater.
- Course fees will vary, but are usually between IDR 350,000 and IDR 1,500,000 per class.
Step 2. Find a personal acting teacher
Group courses are great. This can help you make friends at the theater and learn from others. However, if you can, consider getting a private acting tutor. This one-on-one interaction can really help you develop as an actor.
- To find an acting teacher, start by doing an internet search. Type “your personal acting teacher + your city” in the most commonly used browser and see the results. Ask about private tutors at your local theater and ask people around your acting class environment.
- Private tutor fees are usually between IDR 1,300,000 and IDR 1,500,000 per hour.
Step 3. Gain as much acting experience as possible
Act at every opportunity! If your school is hosting a play, audition for one of the roles. Find out about your local theater agency and join the production team. Try different roles to learn how to become a versatile actor.
- Help out backstage on lighting or props if you can't get the role.
- Look for audition workshops, musical theater boot camps, and vacation programs to join in your area. You can find these kinds of activities by doing an online search or asking people around your acting course environment.
Step 4. Find out your strengths as an actor
As long as you cultivate acting experience, your strengths will begin to show. Maybe you're good at dramatic roles, but have a hard time acting comedy. Continue to hone your dramatic skills, but spend more time developing yourself in comedic roles. Try your best to become an all-around actor.
- Keep in mind that Nickelodeon is a lively television channel, so most shows will require comedic acting.
- Consider honing your singing skills. Many Nickelodeon auditions require you to sing an audition song, but this will depend on the role you're aiming for.
Part 2 of 3: Becoming a Professional
Step 1. Hire an agent or manager from a reputable talent agency
An agent will help you find and negotiate acting opportunities. An agent also has connections within the acting industry, and this can be helpful when you're ready to audition for Nickelodeon. Check with your parents about talent agencies to make sure they are trusted. If an agent asks for an upfront payment, don't work with that person. The agent should only take a share (usually 10%) of what the actor earns.
- Make sure the agency is licensed and legally bound before hiring one.
- There are lots of scams out there, especially when it comes to agencies and talent agencies, so research them carefully.
- An agent does not have to be affiliated with any organization, although connection with an official organization such as PARFI (Persatuan Artis Film Indonesia) is a plus.
Step 2. Make a professional portrait
Every professional role you audition for, including on Nickelodeon, will ask for a facial before even meeting you. Your newly hired agent will immediately ask you to get a professional portrait done, even if you already have one. This is standard practice and is no reason to suspect that you are being scammed. Ask the agent for advice on a company where you can work as an actor, then make an appointment.
At a minimum, a portrait should accurately show your face and facial features. If possible, try to get a portrait that captures your character and represents the right types of roles for you to play
Step 3. Create an acting resume
Resume will be placed behind your portrait so this is very important. Keep it simple for the audition director to read. List all your acting experience on a resume. Create separate sections to detail any skills you have, such as dancing, singing, sports, dialects, and so on.
- Be sure to include your personal and contact information, such as your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. However, for security reasons, don't include your home address on your resume.
- Don't hesitate to ask your agent or parent for help in creating a resume.
Step 4. Start making appointments for small roles
Ask your agent to look for advertising auditions and maybe some modeling jobs. This will help you get used to being in front of the camera before auditioning for Nickelodeon. You'll also get a little glimpse of how things work in the industry and learn how to interact with camera crews.
- Voice-over jobs are another great option for gaining experience in the industry.
- Some of these jobs will look great on your resume; this will catch Nickelodeon's attention.
Part 3 of 3: Auditioning
Step 1. Monitor audition calls from Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon frequently announces audition calls for roles. Sometimes for lead roles, but mostly for supporting roles or minor roles. Audition for any role that suits you, big or small. After succeeding in the first step, your chances on Nickelodeon will certainly increase.
You can monitor this website for audition call notices (updated weekly):
Step 2. Ask your agent to schedule an audition
Your agent will help find an audition. Once you find the right audition, your agent will take over to make an audition appointment. He'll know who to contact and make sure your portrait and resume gets into the hands of the right people at Nickelodeon.
Step 3. Prepare yourself for the specific role you are looking for in the audition
In some circumstances, you will receive a script to study, but not always. Sometimes the audition director may ask you to come and perform a monologue. Pick a monologue from one of their past television shows and practice until you get it perfect.
- You don't have to pick monologues from past Nickelodeon shows. You are free to replace it! Use classic or new material that fits the role you're looking for in the audition.
- Depending on the role, you may be asked to sing an audition song.
Step 4. Stay strong and keep trying
Nickelodeon is a friendly and fun community that will always give you second chances. If you don't get the role at the first audition, don't be disappointed. Keep auditioning. Once they get to know you, auditioning becomes easier each time you go through it. Just try your best to be the best actor. Star status usually doesn't come in an instant. Stay tuned to reach your goal!
Keep auditioning for smaller roles, such as in commercials and voice acting, in between your Nickelodeon auditions. That way, you can continue to gain experience and build a resume
Step 5. Consider auditioning for another television network
Nickelodeon is great, but it's not the only player in the industry! Ask your agent to book audition appointments with the Disney Channel, ABC Family, Cartoon Network, and other television networks with a young adult segment. Acting for any of the networks above would be great. Plus, the experience will look great on your resume if you decide to audition again at Nickelodeon later.
Tips
- Make sure your parents give their consent if you are under the age of 18.
- Always look for more audition opportunities after auditioning.
