Funny Short Audition Scripts for Kids Under 10
Auditioning kids under the age of ten requires a completely different approach than adult acting. Casting directors for commercials, Disney, Nickelodeon, and stage plays aren't looking for deep, method acting. They are looking for one main thing: a big, sparkling personality.
Below are four original, hilarious, and easy-to-memorize monologues written specifically for young children. They are short enough to hold their attention and funny enough to make any casting director smile.
1. The Broccoli Negotiation
Character: A very stubborn eater.
Setting: Sitting at the dinner table.
Vibe: Serious, business-like, dramatic.
"Mom, we need to have a serious talk. Look at my plate. What is this green thing? You call it broccoli, but I call it a tiny tree. I am not a giraffe, Mom. I am a human child.
I have a proposal. I will eat exactly three peas. In exchange, I get a scoop of chocolate ice cream. I feel this is a very fair trade. If I eat the tiny tree, my stomach will be too full, and I won't have room for dessert. And we both know that dessert makes me happy. Don't you want me to be happy, Mom? Think about it."
Performance Tip: Have the child sit up very straight and cross their arms. The funnier it is, the more serious the child should act. They are negotiating a very important business deal!
2. The Pet Dinosaur
Character: A kid with a big imagination.
Setting: Pleading with a parent in the living room.
Vibe: Enthusiastic, persuasive, hyper.
"Dad! I know what I want for my birthday! I don't want a dog. Dogs are boring. I want a T-Rex. Wait, don't say no yet!
I thought about it, and it makes perfect sense. He could sleep in the garage. I would walk him every day, and nobody would ever mess with me at the park again! I would feed him... well, I don't know what they eat, but we have a lot of hot dogs in the fridge. I promise I will clean up after him. I'll even name him Fluffy. Please, Dad? I’ll be your best friend forever!"
Performance Tip: Use lots of energy. Big smiles, wide eyes, and bouncing on the toes. Let the child's natural excitement shine through.
3. The Ghost in the Bedroom
Character: A kid trying to get out of trouble.
Setting: Standing in front of a very messy room.
Vibe: Innocent, totally making up a lie on the spot.
"I know what this looks like. You think I made this mess. But you are wrong.
I was just sitting here reading a book, and suddenly, a ghost flew in through the window! It was a very messy ghost. He threw all my toys on the floor, he pulled all my clothes out of the drawers, and then he ate the last cookie. I tried to stop him! I said, 'Mr. Ghost, my mom just cleaned this room!' But he didn't listen. So, really, I am a victim here. We should probably just close the door and go watch cartoons until he leaves."
Performance Tip: The child should look extremely innocent. Shrugging their shoulders and looking at the ceiling while talking about the ghost will get a great laugh.
4. The Bedtime Lawyer
Character: A kid trying to delay going to sleep.
Setting: Standing in pajamas in the hallway.
Vibe: Calculating, sneaky, exhausted but fighting it.
"You said my bedtime is 8:00 PM. But technically, my clock says 7:58. That is two whole minutes.
Do you know what I can do in two minutes? I could build a Lego tower. I could learn how to juggle. I need a glass of water, actually. My throat is so dry, I might not make it to morning. And I forgot to say goodnight to the goldfish. It's rude to ignore the goldfish, Dad. I'm just trying to have good manners! Okay, okay, I'm going. But tomorrow, we are renegotiating my bedtime contract."
Performance Tip: Have the child let out a big fake yawn right in the middle of the monologue, but then quickly shake their head to prove they aren't tired.
Audition Tips for Parents of Child Actors
Helping your child prepare for an audition should be a positive, stress-free experience. Here is how you can help them succeed in the audition room:
- Memorization is key: Kids cannot read a script and act at the same time. Help them memorize the lines completely so they can focus on having fun and being expressive.
- Don't over-coach: Avoid telling your child exactly how to say every single line. Casting directors want to see the child's natural instincts, not a robotic copy of their parent's performance.
- Speak loudly and clearly: The number one issue with kid auditions is mumbling or speaking too softly. Practice having them project their voice to the back of the room.
- Keep it fun: If the child feels pressured, they will freeze up. Treat the audition like a fun game of pretend. When they are having fun, the casting director will too.
Final Thoughts
A great audition for a kid under 10 isn't about being perfectly polished; it's about being fearless and joyful. Pick a script that makes your child giggle, practice it until it's second nature, and let their unique personality do the rest!
