So, you have a kid that wants to be on the Disney Channel?
Here is info about how Disney Channel auditions work and how to prevent your kid and yourself being taken advantage by those that see dollar signs in your child’s dream of being a Disney star.
The Disney Audition pitch (from people who have nothing to do with Disney, Disney Channel, Disney+ or any subsidiary)
Just about every kid from Canada, the U.S. and all the way to Australia would love to be a Disney Channel star. Most kids watch the shows and say “I can do that too”, and maybe they can.
Scammers everywhere know this and have created scams that play on those dreams. They run ads online, in papers and on the radio aimed at getting these people to attend their events in an attempt to separate them from their money.
Is it legal? Yes. Here’s why.
You are driving with your kids and a radio ad comes on saying “Does your child want to be a Disney Channel Star? Auditions are being held this weekend. Call some number and book your slot”.
What you hear in the quick 30 second sales pitch is “Disney Channel Audition”. What they actually said was “Does your child want to be a Disney Star?” They never actually say that this is an audition for Disney. None of these so called auditions are affiliated with the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon. They are held in places far from the actual Disney Studios in Burbank.
It is a classic ‘bait and switch’ sales tactic. They lure people to these events dropping the Disney brand. After people call the number, they are given a time and place to go. They make it sound very real by telling the parents to bring photos and to dress up as if to meet real casting directors. Some of these groups go as far as booking convention rooms at Disneyland resorts or hotels just to make it look more legit and connected with Disney.
These events draw thousands of hopefuls and once there the entire room gets a sales pitch of how their children can be rich and famous. Each family will meet with a sales person who will use a title like ‘talent scout’ or something that sounds meaningful in Hollywood. The sales person (‘talent scout’, ‘casting agent’, ‘talent director’, ‘whatever’) will then take the child in for an ‘evaluation’. To make it look more legit they may have the child read a few lines, pose, or do something to demonstrate their talent. They will go on and explain that only a small percentage of children are good enough for them and miraculously, your child is perfect, except… for a lack of training, a portfolio and whatever else they would like to sell you.
This is where the hard pitch begins. They tell you that your child has all the potential to be the next big Disney star, but only if they take some very expensive acting classes from them, buy an expensive portfolio, or a number of other services they are trying to push. They never come out and actually say they “are casting for Disney” because that would be fraud. But they play on words to make you believe that they are somehow affiliated with Disney or Nickelodeon. They often drop Disney star names and even pay ex Disney stars to attend these events.
The cost? thousands. How much they tell you it will cost depends on how much money they think you have. People have reported being asked to pay $2000 to $8000 at the same event for the same services.
Why the price discrepancy? Because the so called “talent scouts” are nothing more than commissioned sales people who wouldn’t know talent if it fell on their heads. They make their living off commissions from sales, they push whatever they think you are willing or capable of paying so they make something off of you… the sucker. These commissioned sales people masquerading as “talent scouts” can make as much as 40% of the sale, so getting you to sign a $5000 contract puts $2000 in their personal pocket.
These one-on-one evaluations are usually nothing more than the sales people evaluating the parents for financial means. They look at the clothes the parents are wearing and other factors to decide which package to try to sell.
Just like other hard sales pitches, they add a time constraint. They try to get you to make a decision on the spot by claiming that this opportunity will go to another kid if you do not do it NOW! Why the time constraint? Simple, they do not want you to go home and think about it, ask your friends or do your research.
These scams work well for the scammers. If only 50 people of the 1000 actually go for it, that is a 1 day profit of over $100,000 for them… not bad. Once they hooked you in and you actually pay for whatever inferior service they are pitching, they have a entire line up of other services to sell you later. Some people have complained that they were out over $30,000 over this. These companies also have solid contracts that make it difficult to cancel or get a refund after you have signed up.
Once they get the first payment, you feel invested and they make you feel like paying for this, that and the other will make your kid a star.
Protect yourself!
Disney Channel never runs ads on the radio or ads of any kind for sites other then their own websites. Recently, Disney lawyers even got involved after numerous consumer complaints but there are just too many companies doing this and their lawyers can’t go after them all. Even if they get shut down, they re-open right away under a different name.
Real auditions for Disney Channel never have any fees! They will never sell classes, conventions or make promises of fame and fortune. There are millions of kids with dreams of Disney stardom, the reality is that there is only room for a handful in the few Disney shows airing.
If your child wants to act, stay away from anyone promising a fast track to fame – THERE IS NONE, unless you are related to Hollywood producers or Will Smith. Get your kids some reasonably priced acting classes to start and take it from there.
you can also read these articles http://sethkoenig.bangordailynews.com/2012/01/06/whats-happening/attorney-general-warns-about-supposed-disney-auditions-in-portland/
In Florida, where many of these are held, a Disney Channel spokesman had this to say…
“Disney Channel is not affiliated with any acting school or acting workshop, and has not authorized a talent search in Jacksonville, Florida,” said Patti McTeague.
“Disney hires talent two ways, through agents or an authorized casting call,” she added.
Officials also had this to say “Disney Channel television movies cast principal roles in Los Angeles, usually from within the Disney ranks” – what that means is they cast actors they have already worked with for leads in new shows.
You can also read Disney Auditions on the Radio
modeling scams and photo mills
Hi my name is Ashlei, I am 11 years old, it has always been my dream to be a disney channel star. Just like the people said I heard the radio and it was a disney channel audition so I begged my mom to sign me up after the audition the next day they asked me to come back but it turns out it was a scam. You had to pay $500 just to go on a trip to a disney resort where disney channel stars show their other talent but they said it was an audition to be a disney star.
Hi my name is Keyanna and this is my dream… becoming a singer and actor. I would almost do anything.
Hi I’m zaniyah and I would love to be on nick shows like Henry danger, Max and shred or a Disney channel show. I tried out for many things but I had learn that they are all scams. I do drama and I was one of the lead singers. Please Email this hotmail account. Thank you!
Hi my name is Kathryn Corrigan, I am 13, I am Spanish and English and I’d love to be on disney channel series. I can dance. I learn fast, I have a good memory and I consider myself a good actress. I’m 1.58 m and weight 41.4kg . I have brown hair with blonde tips, have bangs, green eyes and braces. I like dancing, music, animals and “the next step” disney channel series.
I know I’m probably going to sound cheesy here but I want to be an actress. I am not going to lie. About 3 years ago when I was 11, I thought acting was stupid I took it for a joke. but 1 day my old drama teacher said take the course when it came to my GCSES. I was shocked so I said yes, and I haven’t regretted it since then. There’s so much more than what meets the eye, emotions, language. It was truly amazing. So I’m probably just going to ask for a chance. I would like to act but I would also like to be a script writer, can anyone help me? Please and I hope you take this into consideration.
My name is Jawaun. I am from Rocky Mount NC I would love to be on Disney Chanel.
hi, my name is shayna and I want be on Disney channel because I know you guys need actors. well I’m planning on showing my family I can do this. I’m really looking forward to this and I know that I’m the least to get picked because there’s a lot of kids who want to try out for that. I understand that but it would be a pleasure if I got to be on Disney channel, its worth a try..thank you and I am 12 years old. I would appreciate it if you could give me a call. It means a lot to me.. bye..:)
sincerely: shayna provost.:)
My name is David Onoja from Nigeria. I am 15 years of age. I would love to become an actor in diseny channel.
It really is a dream come true if I enter. I have entered the talent show 4 years in a row and I just what to spread my singing, dancing and talent to the world.
STOP I MEAN IT, my name is Lissette but I call my self Lisi and yes, yes we all know it is YOUR BIG BIG BIG DREAM to be on DISNEY. I know it is all most everybody’s wish, but we can’t all have it and all I want to say is I really want to become an actress and it is a start to something new, a start to something of one’s and a life time thing. I am sorry if it sound mean but it hurts me that kids say thing they don’t want to say and I am not part of them. I do mean this, I really want to start something new. I am 12 and I have curly hair. I have brown eyes and I would love to be on Disney.
-lissette
I always wanted to be on tv, it’s my dream to be on a tv show, not for fame but for because I love acting. I can’t because my mom and dad say we don’t have the money to go to CA and try to get an audition. I know they are right because we don’t but I can audition sometime and by the way, I’m 12 and my birthday is May 13.
You do not need to go to Hollywood to act. You can join a community theater or act in some student films at your local college.
I sing English and Spanish
I sing Spanish and I see kids on disney Channel. I just know English and Spanish please make my wish come true.
I am 12 years old and I live in Minnesota. I have been singing since I was little and I work hard for me and my family.
Thanks for everything – make my wish come true
I want to be famous, I sing, so please make my dreams come true.
I also can sing and I’m from Swansea,sc.
Hi my name is jennifer I’m from south Africa. I’m a good actress I’m 13 years old and I love acting and singing. I do a bit of dancing. I’m always smiling. I have a great personality, I love meeting new people and I work well with people. I am really great at acting and singing. My acting teacher often says I’m really great I’ve wanted to act on disney since I was 5 years old since then I have been working hard to get an audition. This is my dream and I might not be confident about making it. But I still believe in myself and I would give up everything I’ve achieved just to become a disney star so my family can live a better life.
Hi my name is Brianna McCray and ever since I was little, I have had this dream of being anybody I want to be. I have been singing for about 10 years now and I am only 11. I see millions of lucky children on Disney Channel and I know I can do what they do, so some day that door will open and I will take that advice you gave to me and follow my heart.
La talent show is at abq nm marriot across mall. I took my son yesterday, they want me to pay 2000 today. My son was so happy, studied script, now he’s sad, its a scam. Today lot of people are gonna get scammed today, but not me.
Guys, I don’t even care about all this stuff. This is a place to comment about the audition scams, not to post your hopes of becoming a star. Really…
Stop being rude.
Well I love to act so bad and I think it’s really fun and enjoyable. I also love to sing but acting is my life and I don’t know what I would do without it. I beg you please choose me, I want to become an awesome actress!
Hi MY NAME IS CYNTHIA BUSH, I’M FROM MOBILE,AL. I’M WRITING TODAY HOPEFULLY YOU WILL GET IT. MY GRAND SON & I WENT DOWN TO THE HOTEL WHERE THE COMPANY CALL THEMSELVES HOLDING AUDITIONS THAT THEY SET UP FOR THE KIDS WE HAD RECEIVED FROM SOMEONE ON THE PHONE. MY GRANDSON WAS SO EXCITED, THEY TALKED TO THE KIDS FILLING THEIR HEADS WITH DREAMS OF STARDOM. THE THING WAS IF WE CALL YOU TOMORROW BACK FOR A SECOND CHANCE, YOUR IN THERE…OK! THEY CALLED MY GRANDSON, BUT WHEN I ASKED THE QUESTION ABOUT THE FEES. THE GENTLEMAN ASKED, SO IF I HAD HIM BACK TONIGHT WOULD YOU BE IN THE POSITION TO WRITE A CHECK? I REPLIED NO!! HE THEN IN TURN ASKED TO WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW TO SEE WHAT I COME UP WITH THEN CALL HIM BACK & MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. MY BABY IS SO HEART BROKEN. FOR THEM TO PICK THEM UP LIKE THAT & THEN TURN AROUND PUT THEM BACK DOWN. THIS WILL MESS WITH A CHILD’S SELF ESTEEM. I NEED HELP! WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A 8 YR. OLD DEPRESSED CHILD? PLEASE TELL ME.
You explain it was a sales gimmick. If the kid wants to act, check out local theater groups, put him into his school plays.
Those people sell stuff in a deceptive way, but it is not illegal. Explain to your kid that you will find other acting classes for him to take if that is his passion.
My name is Jordon I am really good at acting. I would love to be on Disney. I memorize lines very well and make them my own. I’m almost thirteen, I have brown hair and green eyes. If you want any pictures please contact me thanks for reading have a nice day
My name is Tolulope,I am 15 years old. It is my dream to become an actress in Nickelodeon. I always wanted to audition in nickelodeon but I live in Nigeria so it is not possible but I believe that any thing is possible if you put your mind to it. I’ve been acting since when I was 7 years old and my parents don’t really support my dream of becoming an actress but movies like victorious, big time rush and iCarly inspire me a lot, so please assist me in any way you can and God bless you.
Hi everyone, my name is Toyin, I am from Nigeria.I know people all around the world term Nigeria as a bad place but there are still good and talented people like me. It has been my dream to be a famous actress. My friends and family make fun of me anytime I tell them I’l go to Hollywood and make it. I love nickelodeon and Disney a lot. Watching ‘victorious’ made me realize that I have what it takes to be am actress. I have this dream right inside of me, please don’t let it die. My parents don’t have money to travel to america. I hope there can be an audition in west Africa. I’ll be grateful..expecting your reply soon!thanks.
All: My daughter just made it in the audition this morning in Houston by acting league staff and we were required to pay for $4,500 + 600 more for a 5 day workshop in Hollywood. Our situation is similar to this situation. As a father, I really don’t know if this is legit or not but I have a feeling this is a scam. Tomorrow – Sept. 22, 2013, we need to show up with this amount of money. Do know this Acting League company if legit or not?
If you make the cut at an audition, generally that means YOU get paid, not the other way around. An audition is a job interview. If a job was for say a fast food chain, would you ever expect to go on the interview and have the restaurant manager ask you for money?
Please I need it, I think I can become a Disney or nick star and I know you other people can too. You or me can maybe get your own shows and I need this really bad.
When I was little, like 3 yrs old, I wanted to be an actress or actor. I told my mom I would be an actor on Nickelodeon.
Hey, hey, people my name is Vani. I have a talent of singing, drawing and acting. I was told I do weird and funny things and I have made people laugh ever since I was young. I love doing new things every day and I am also a fun person to work with. By the way, I am 13 years old…DISNEY AND NICKELODEON ROCKS MWAAAAAH SEE YA!!
My name is Demario, I’m a 9 years old and want to be on Nick or Disney, please, I will do anything.
My name is Jessica I’m a 12 year old who was always wanting this chance. I was scammed before and it was hard. I would love to act, model or sing. I’m a very out going person and I love to have fun so please email me.
PICK ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL, NO Got y’all 2 read this didn’t I lol 🙂