Casting Marcela 13y Ethel 15y May 2026

| Consideration | How to Evaluate | |---------------|-----------------| | Legal Eligibility | Verify age, school attendance requirements, work‑hour limits (e.g., many jurisdictions restrict under‑16s to 4–5 hours on set). | | Safety & Welfare | Ensure the child’s guardian is comfortable with the schedule and that you have a qualified Child Welfare Representative on set. | | Chemistry | If both characters interact, run a short chemistry read to gauge natural rapport. | | Availability | Confirm that the chosen actors can commit to the full shooting schedule (including any rehearsals). |

Marcela’s plan: She loved the role of Mary Lennox because the character’s curiosity reminded her of her own love for exploring the woods behind her house. Marcela read the script at home, highlighted Mary’s lines, and practiced them in front of a mirror. She also wrote down any words she found tricky and asked her older brother to read them aloud.

Ethel’s plan: Ethel was drawn to the role of Martha, the garden’s caretaker. She listened to a recording of the play’s original soundtrack to get a feel for Martha’s calm, steady voice. Ethel also rehearsed a short monologue from a different play to showcase her range, because the director asked each actor to bring a personal “show‑stopper” piece. casting marcela 13y ethel 15y

Helpful tip: When you’re under 18, ask a parent, teacher, or trusted adult to help you proofread any written material you’ll bring to an audition. It’s a good way to catch spelling errors and to make sure you’ve covered all the required parts of the script.

The community center’s lobby smelled of fresh coffee and crayons. A sign read “Casting – Please Sign In”. Marcela’s mother checked the list, handed Marcela a clipboard, and reminded her, “Remember to breathe and smile.”

Ethel’s older sister, who had acted in high school productions, gave her a quick pep‑talk: “Show them your confidence, but stay true to who you are. They want to see the real you.” Send the contract to the parents at least

Helpful tip: Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Use that time to stretch, do some vocal warm‑ups (hum a scale, tongue twisters), and review your lines quietly. Being on time shows professionalism and reduces stress.

| Area | Guidelines | |------|-------------| | Work Hours | • Under‑16s: typically max 4 hrs work + 2 hrs schooling per day.
• 15‑year‑olds often can work up to 8 hrs (including breaks).
Check local labor laws for exact numbers. | | Breaks | Provide a 15‑minute break every 2 hrs and a 30‑minute lunch (if >4 hrs). Offer healthy snacks and water. | | Chaperone | The designated child welfare person must be present at all times the minor is on set. | | Set Conduct | No alcohol or adult‑only parties in the same area. Keep language appropriate. | | Medical | Keep a first‑aid kit and a list of any medical conditions/allergies on hand. Have a qualified medic on standby for larger productions. | | Performance Feedback | Offer constructive, short feedback after each take; avoid lengthy critiques that could overwhelm a child. | | End of Day | Provide a clear “wrap‑up” routine: collect personal items, de‑brief with the guardian, and thank the actor for their work. |

Create a simple scoring sheet with categories such as: Marcela’s plan: She loved the role of Mary

Assign a 1–5 rating for each category and add brief bullet‑point notes. This makes later comparison objective and defensible.

| Mistake | Why it fails | |---------|---------------| | Casting adults (20+) as 13/15 | Hair, skin, voice, and body language give them away. Audiences detect it instantly. | | Mock auditions / no emotional safety | Young actors perform poorly when embarrassed. Create a kind, patient room. | | Forcing a “teen style” on the actor | Let Marcela and Ethel’s wardrobe and direction shape the character, not the actor’s real personality. | | Ignoring voice pitch | 13-year-old voices are often higher or cracking; 15-year-olds may have lowered pitch. Cast with ears, not just eyes. |

Both 13 and 15 require a Child Performance License from the local authority where the child lives. No license = illegal.