NAVA's Best Practices for Kids in Voiceover
Working with child actors can be fun, exciting, hilarious, and rewarding, and kids in voiceover are an essential part of bringing authenticity and relatability to a project. However, working with child actors can be very different from working with grownups. With this in mind, The National Association of Voice Actors has created these best practices for working with kids in VO. Production teams, casting professionals, kids actors, and their families are encouraged to use these best practices as a guide to set industry standards which benefit us all.Â
Auditions
Short, concise scripts written clearly as sides or a word / PDF document.
Storyboards are great for creative vision, but a VO only doc should always be included in any audition for kids.
Easy to read, easy to deliver!
Auditions should be short, and considered a SAMPLE of voice capabilities, not full project reads.
Time is valuable, and auditions typically take much longer for kids than for grownups. Production teams should request exactly what they need to get a good feel for how a child will perform in a role.
Ideally, audition files should be no more than 1 minute in length. Longer auditions can be reserved for the callback.
For musical auditions, a turn around time of no less than 48 hours is recommended. Learning songs to music takes time and practice. By making sure ample time is given to rehearse and record the song, casting will have a larger range of talent that will be able to submit.
- For the safety and security of all, make sure a parent or guardian is always present during auditions, callbacks, and jobs where kids are involved.
- Live directed auditions/callbacks, whether in person or virtual, should be no longer than 45 minutes.
directed sessions
Work should ideally take place outside of school hours whenever possible and should not extend past 9pm in the MINOR’S time zone according to SAG-AFTRA.
Session time should be limited to 45 minutes, before a 15 minute break is allocated. Total max session, 2 hours
Kids’ brains are still growing and their attention spans are short. Creatives may find that younger children can only focus for a very short time before needing a break. The session will go much more smoothly if the creative team can be attuned to the child’s needs and give them plenty of brain breaks.
Scripts should be given ahead of time for kids to read and practice the script and for “parental content control” – Ideally the day before, but at least one hour prior to session start.
- A parent or guardian must be allowed to be present for the entire session.
- A parent or guardian must be able to listen in to any audio the child hears during the session, including engineer and client comments, music, reference audio and playback, and see any video if applicable.
- Establish whether or not the parent may or may not coach the child during the session, as needed, depending on age.
Creatives should understand the nuances of working with children.
No swearing or inappropriate/angry language. Positive affirmation, and professionalism in all aspects creates a safe working environment for all.
rates and usage
Play fair. Kids should receive standard industry rates comparable (if not more) to adult rates for all VO genres
- Children should be paid in a timely manner, as is standard for adults.
- Define and clarify payment terms relative to each states regulations on minors earning income.
- Production should provide necessary documentation for minors to obtain special bank accounts (Coogan Trust Account, etc.) if required.
- It is up to parents and guardians to review the specific payment and work permit requirements for the child’s state of residence.
- If required, establish a work permit in the child’s state of residence, and share with production.
- Prior to working, parents/guardians should have proof of work permit for their child, relative to their state’s laws and requirements. Production/creative teams and certain US states may not require documentation, but it is always best to have this established in advance of any job.
- It is up to parents and guardians to review the specific payment and work permit requirements for the child’s state of residence.
- Have an agreement/contract signed by both parties upfront so that all parties are protected and expectations are clear.
- Share this signed agreement at least 30 mins prior to session start time, to be able to review.
Pro Tip
Make sure your kiddo is fed and well rested before any session.
Pro Tip
Keep a sweet treat, snacks, and water available for kids in the booth, to keep them motivated and energized
Pro Tip
Creatives are encouraged to turn the talk back off when discussing technical or performance direction that does not apply to the child.
Pro Tip
Use a simple headphone splitter in your home studio to share audio seamlessly
conclusion
We hope this page provides all who wish to work with children in voiceover with some guidelines to help make the experience as positive as possible. The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney. For additional information about rules and regulations in your state we encourage you to look at the US Department of Labor Website. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email contact@NAVAvoices.org