Over the years, Nickelodeon has paved the way for the careers of many young performers, from Melissa Joan Hart and Kenan Thompson to Miranda Cosgrove and Ariana Grande, by casting them in some of the greatest children’s shows available. And it might hold the secret to turning your kid into the upcoming star.
Our book will teach you and your child everything there is to know about what it takes to bring the hilarious, high-energy characters on the network to life. It includes tips from the talent behind iconic Nick programs as well as information into the casting process from one of the network’s most prolific CDs.
Which shows are the most watched on Nickelodeon?
The network, which rose to prominence in the early 1990s, has produced some of the most memorable children’s TV shows in history since its establishment in 1979. Avatar:
The Last Airbender (2005–2008), Doug (1991–1994), The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991–1996), and SpongeBob SquarePants (1999–present) are just a few of the iconic animated shows (also known as Nicktoons) that Nick is credited with developing.
However, the network has also produced a variety of live-action series, the first of which will undoubtedly remind millennials and Gen-Zers of earlier times. Here are a few timeless pieces:
- From 1989 to 1991, “Hey Dude”
- “Everything Explained by Clarissa” (1991–1994)
- “Grateful for Your Shorts” (1991–1992)
- “Do You Have a Fear of the Dark?” (1990–2000)
- “Pet & Pete’s Adventures” (1994–1996)
- “Everything” (1994–2020)
- “Alex Mack’s Secret World” (1994–1998)
- “The Shelby Woo Mystery Files” (1996–1999)
- “Kenan & Kel” (1996) – 2023
- From 1999 to 2002, “The Amanda Show”
- “Josh & Drake” (2004–2007)
- “Ned’s Declassified Survival Guide for Schools” (2004–2007)
- “Zoey 101” (Secondary)
- “iCarly” from 2007 to 2012
- President “True Jackson” (2008–2011)
- “Great Time Rush” (2010–2013)
- “Victory” (from 2010 to 2013)
- From 2013 to 2014, “Sam & Cat”
- 2013–2015: “The Haunted Hathaways”
- “The Thundermans” (from 2013 to 2018)
- “Henry Danger” (Secondary)
- “Dicky, Dawn, Ricky, and Nicky” (2014–2018)
- “Knight Squad” (from 2018 to 2019)
- The 2020–2024 series “Danger Force”
- “Side Hustle” (2019–2022)
- “Young Dylan” (from 2020 till now)
Which casting directors are in charge of Nickelodeon’s most popular shows?
Krisha Bullock has been the primary CD on many of the network’s biggest hits, including “All That,” “Kenan & Kel,” “The Amanda Show,” “Drake & Josh,” “Zoey 101,” “True Jackson, VP,” “iCarly,” “Victorious,” “Sam & Cat,” and “Henry Danger,” even though each series has its own crew.
Bullock says the main goal of auditions is to let young performers express their creativity. “Our goal is to inspire young people to not only make daring and intriguing decisions, but also to produce their most daring and intriguing works,” she said to Denise Simon.
It originates from bringing out the best in them, from their inner selves. If people discover the truth within, they will always be fascinating since each individual is unique in what makes them fascinating.
Related: How to Be Cast in a Production of “Hunger Games”
She then added, “I like to remind young people that we are looking for them.” We are continuously searching for you, for the truth; we are not searching for an object or anything outside of you.
Which brings us full circle to [the fact] that comedy often occurs in the truth. All I ever ask is that actors bring their true self to the part and highlight various aspects of themselves.
Bullock continued, saying that the ability to adapt quickly is essential. “I believe that practicing improv is beneficial for aspiring actors,” she remarked. It encourages kids to think creatively and consider all the possible interpretations of a scene.
It’s crucial, in my opinion, that aspiring actors realize there are numerous approaches to playing a role. If they have taken improv or scene study classes, they may apply these techniques to help them determine what aspects of the situation are humorous and how to make them so.
How is the Nickelodeon show casting process conducted?
Bullock informed Simon that in order to realize their vision, CDs on Nickelodeon projects usually collaborate closely with writers and producers. They converse in a “cooperative, creative conversation…where we ask [about] their thoughts both during the writing and production processes.”
When I say that, I mean that we break down the qualities we would expect an actor to have in order to play that part. We look for the best actor for the part—someone who inhabits the part in a really natural way.
“We present the creative team with the candidates we believe are the best after the auditions. A conversation is ongoing,” she went on.
“There are usually a number of people that contribute—not just the network but also the creative authors and producers… Lastly, if others are ignoring someone I believe is right, I have a responsibility to stand up for them.
After a decision has been reached, we negotiate an offer with the agents and managers, create contact lists and cast lists, and distribute them to the other members of the production team.
The “Knight Squad” actor Amarr, who played Warwick, informed us that the casting process was quite the experience. “There was a lot to deal with. I went in with a girl who was trying out to be Ciara for my first audition. We were not feeling it; nobody was laughing at all.
After that, I was among the first to be released; often, persons who are released in the first group are never contacted again, so I felt terrible for myself.
“And then, after four weeks, I received another call requesting to see me once more,” he went on. “During my most recent audition, I ran across Owen [Patrick Joyner, who portrayed Arc] at the network “mix-and-match,” where performers read aloud to one another in various groups.
The audition room had an unsettling vibe about it. I had no feelings after finishing. Usually, I have the feeling that I murdered it or that I didn’t feel that. But after 15 minutes, they gave me a call to let me know I had it.
Where are the Nickelodeon project open casting calls posted?
As of right now, the network has not released any notices for public auditions. For updates in the interim, we advise you to bookmark our Nickelodeon casting website.
We advise finding your child an agent if they don’t already have one. Representatives frequently receive first access to auditions that aren’t open to the public.
What are the top audition strategies to get a Nickelodeon role?
Bring the appropriate vibe. It’s crucial “to bring life and energy to roles in network sitcoms, particularly Disney and Nickelodeon,” according to Jackie Reid, owner and operator of L’il Angels Unlimited, a talent management organization that specializes in working with child actors.
The inability of children to give off the right amount of energy is one of the main issues that casting has while dealing with them. Despite their constant efforts, the lines continue to fall flat.
She added, “It’s better to start bigger and be pulled back (while always being grounded in reality, of course) than to never reach the level they need at all.” But never forget that unintentional energy waste occurs.
The natural tendency is frequently to simply give your youngster more energy because that is what everyone advises them to do. They can be as big and inclusive as they like, but it will all be for naught if they don’t play the character’s reality and their intended meaning correctly.
Make original material. In addition to looking for work, your child can showcase their skills by creating material for social media networks. CD According to Sheryl Levine (“Zoey 101,” “Drake & Josh”), children can gain a competitive advantage by utilizing these platforms.
“You could do this every day instead of just waiting around for an audition; you don’t have to wait to be hired for a part,” she stated. “Select an activity that makes people think: It’s not what everyone else is doing; it’s unique to you.
Just choose a day of the week and get started! Really, nobody can be harmed by it. Actors who post content can take charge of their careers.
Naturally, there are always going to be exceptions, but hopefully talent will always prevail. However, at the moment, everyone is examining those figures in order to be hired.
Never lose hope for your goals. The Haunted Hathaways actor Curtis Harris, who portrayed Miles Preston, wants young performers like himself to realize that there’s always hope. He told us, “I think the best advice is to work hard and to not quit,” even though it may sound cliche.
“No matter what you’re doing, you just [have to] keep going, even though it could seem slow for a month or two. You’ll succeed in your acting profession because people will realize that you’re not going to give up and that you’re not going to stop working.
Have faith in your skills. Harris continued, “I [learned] that improv is probably one of your best friends since [‘The Haunted Hathaways’ is] a sitcom.”
When it comes to a certain line, you have to follow your gut. You know, just try it a different way the next time if you’ve been doing it that way. Watch what transpires; you might impress the directors and producers. They might really adore it and ask you to do another.
Go through the script from beginning to end. Joyner is a detail-oriented person. “If I’m given the full script, I read it through right away,” he informed us. When we get provided sides, sometimes items are Xed out; always read those to learn more about a character’s past.
It’s the most effective method. Occasionally, they will intentionally thin the X to allow you to see [the words]; that is undoubtedly for backstory.
I read it through from beginning to end and make notes about the first feelings that come to mind. It’s weird because you [think] these folks want you to do well when you go for an audition. Finding someone who shares your desire is known as casting.
Ensuring Your Child’s Safety in the Entertainment Industry
Like in any workplace, parents should be informed in order to make sure that their child’s needs, interests, and safety are taken into consideration when working. If your child has an interest in acting, you should bookmark these useful websites, which cover everything from contracts to safety measures:
Be the first to comment on "How to Get Cast in a Nickelodeon Series"