Disney doesn't take day-to-day auditions from the public: each Disney show or film has a casting director, who finds actors mostly through agents, casting sites and self tapes. Disney Channel occasionally runs an official open talent search, and it never charges a fee. Here's how it works, from the casting directors and parents of working child actors we interviewed.
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Casting directors. Each Disney series or film has a casting team that releases the roles to agents and managers, collects self tapes and brings the strongest actors to the producers. You get in front of them the same way you would for any big studio project.
Casting director Lisa London told us about casting Hannah Montana with her business partner: they saw 1,200 girls, the producers didn't like Miley Cyrus's first tape, and after a retape she came out from Tennessee and had nine callbacks. What won the casting team over was her charisma and personality. Disney's own TV talent showcase, run by ABC Entertainment Casting, lists no public application.
Occasionally, for Disney Channel, and only through its official talent search page. As of 5 November 2026, Disney Channel's talent search page has no open call; it says to stay tuned, that there is never a fee to audition or attend an official talent search, and that Disney Channel isn't affiliated with any acting school or workshop.
Kym Jackson says genuine open calls do happen, mostly for under-18s or very specific looks, languages or skills. Before you send anything, look up the casting director and their credits.
You can start without one, but you'll get much further with one. Child acting expert Bonnie J. Wallace told us a professional teen actor really does need an agent: you can find some auditions alone, but not access to the better roles.
While you look for an agent, Karen Workman says children's auditions are listed in the same places as adults', on the main casting sites, and you submit yourself there. When we asked 16 casting directors about unrepresented actors, ten said they accept them, usually when a role is released on Actors Access. More in how to audition for Netflix.
There's no single Disney age. Each role and each official open call sets its own range, so read the breakdown or the call itself. Disney's films and other networks cast adults too, through agents.
Ages on screen also bend. Karen Workman notes that a 17 to 19-year-old with the look can play a younger teen, which is one reason many agencies keep young clients into adulthood. If you're over 18 and play younger, Kym says the question casting asks is whether you're over 18, so answer honestly; being an adult can work in your favour, because hiring a minor means extra rules.
In the age of self tapes, Lisa London says, you're your own producer. Her advice: be prepared and commit fully to your choices. She'd rather see an outside-the-box choice that fits the character than the same read 45 other tapes give.
For the technical side, follow our self tape tips and slate guide. Kym notes that casting teams on open calls for kids often want someone fresh rather than over-coached, so let a young actor's tape look like them.
According to Karen Workman, yes. She told us Disney looks at a teen's social media before deciding whether to hire them, including whether their following is real or bought.
Her rule: anything inappropriate for their age won't help them later. A tasteful, paid modelling job is different from posting suggestive photos. For a wider plan, see social media for actors.
"Disney is casting" is classic scam bait. Warning signs:
Paid showcases are a separate thing, Karen adds; research past attendees before you pay.
Performing at Disney parks or on Disney cruises is a separate system. Those auditions, for dancers, singers, musicians, stunt and character performers, run through Disney Careers, not through film and TV casting.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and country; check with your state labour department or a lawyer.
Through casting directors: most roles go to agents and managers, and some are released on casting sites. Disney Channel occasionally runs an official open talent search; as of 5 November 2026 none was open.
You can self-submit on casting sites when roles are released there, but an agent is the main route to the bigger roles.
No. Disney Channel says there is never a fee to audition or attend an official talent search. A request for money is a red flag.
There is no single age. Each role and each official open call sets its own age range, and Disney also casts adults through agents.
Live entertainment roles at Disney parks and on Disney cruises go through Disney Careers auditions, a separate process from film and TV casting.
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