Is This Audition Legit? Key Red Flags Every Parent Should Know

The world of performing arts is incredibly exciting. Watching your child light up on stage or screen is a proud moment for any parent. However, navigating the industry can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to distinguish between a fantastic opportunity and one that might not be quite right.

At the British Theatre School, your child’s safety and success are our top priorities. Based on guidance from industry experts like the Agents of Young Performers Association (AYPA), we have put together this simple guide to help you spot "red flags" when viewing an audition notice or applying to an agency.   

Here is what you need to look out for to keep your young performer safe.

1. The "Who Are You?" Check

Before you get excited about a role, do a little detective work on the people offering it.

• Check the Email Address: Be very cautious if a "professional" casting director contacts you from a personal email address like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com. Legitimate agencies and production companies almost always use official company email addresses (e.g., @office.com). If they claim to be from a big company but use a generic email, contact the company directly through their official website to verify.   

  
  

• Look for a Digital Footprint: A legitimate company will have a professional website, a physical address, and a track record you can find on sites like IMDb or Companies House. If they are invisible online, that is a major warning sign.   

  
  

2. Ambiguous Job Details

A professional casting call is clear about what they are looking for.

• Vague Descriptions: Be wary of notices that give very little detail about the project, the specific role, or the production company involved.   

  
  

• Sloppy Communication: Professional casting directors take pride in their work. If an email or advertisement is full of spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or unprofessional language, it is often a sign of a scam.   

  
  

3. The Money Question

This is one of the biggest red flags in the industry.

• No Upfront Fees: Legitimate casting calls do not require you to pay money to audition or secure a role. Be very suspicious if someone asks for "registration fees," "portfolio review fees," or money to "guarantee" a part.   

  
  

• Too Good to Be True: Watch out for offers that break industry norms, such as promising to pay a cash "casting fee" to every single child who attends an open call. In the real world, this is incredibly rare.   

  
  

4. Location and Safety

Where is the audition happening?

• Professional Venues Only: Legitimate auditions are held in professional spaces like casting offices, dance studios, or theatres.   

  
  

• The "Private" Warning: Never agree to an audition held in a private home, a hotel room, or a remote location.   

  
  

• Chaperones are Essential: You should always ask if a licensed chaperone will be present and if the adults in the room have DBS (police background) checks. You have the right to know exactly who will be in the room with your child before you arrive.   

• If the audition states that parents are not allowed in the building this is a big red flag. It is quite normal for a casting director to ask for a parent to leave the room while a child auditions as it may interrupt their performance. However you should always be within earshot and not out of the room for more than 10 minutes.

  
  

5. Pressure Tactics

Scammers often try to rush you so you don’t have time to think.

• Don't Be Rushed: Be wary of anyone creating a false sense of urgency, demanding you sign up or pay "right now" or risk losing the spot. A legitimate professional will understand that you need time to read the details.   

6. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, you are the best judge of a situation.

• Listen to Your Gut: If something feels "off" or too good to be true, it probably is.   

  
  

• Check Their Memberships: Look for professionals who are members of recognized bodies like the the Casting Directors' Guild (CDG) or the Casting Directors Association (CDA). You can even contact these organisations to verify a person's membership if you are unsure.   

  
  

The Bottom Line There are thousands of wonderful, legitimate professionals in this industry who want to see your child succeed. By staying vigilant and asking the right questions, you ensure that your child’s path to the stage is a safe and happy one.

Always prioritize safety and professionalism. If in doubt, ask us for advice!

Kind regards

Ben Whiteside

Company Director

Int. British Theatre School