Today we’re pulling back the curtain on casting — with help from one of the industry’s true icons: Allison Jones.

If you’ve laughed at The Office, fallen in love with Lady Bird, or giggled through Bridesmaids, you’ve experienced the magic of Allison’s casting genius.

Over four decades, she’s been the secret sauce behind some of TV and film’s most beloved characters — and today, she’s still at it, currently casting Steve Carell’s new untitled HBO comedy.

Casting directors like Allison aren’t just looking for “perfect” actors — they’re looking for the right actors. And thanks to a recent podcast interview appearance on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard (watch here) we have a treasure chest of tips, stories, and advice straight from Allison herself — tailored to help your young actor shine.

CD Allison Jones is A Hitmaker with Heart

First, a quick moment of awe. Allison’s résumé includes:

Films, such as:

Barbie
Bombshell
Lady Bird
Knocked Up
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Anchorman 2
Bridesmaids
Step Brothers
Superbad
Borat
Sky High
Deep Impact

TV Series, including:

The Office
The Good Place
Curb Your Enthusiasm
What We Do In The Shadows
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Arrested Development
Veep
Freaks and Geeks
Boy Meets World
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Golden Girls
Family Ties

Mind officially blown?

In the world of casting, it’s often said that 90% of a production’s success is determined before the cameras even roll. And nobody embodies that better than Allison. She’s spent over four decades building casts that feel like old friends — even if they just met at the first table read.

Fun tidbit:

She even played herself in Curb Your Enthusiasm during the hilarious “Young Larry” storyline (my absolute favorite episodes), where Larry is forced to cast the… let’s say enthusiastically untalented Maria Sofia Estrada (played by Keyla Monterroso Mejia in a star making role).

What Parents Should Know: Allison Jones’s Audition Advice

Allison has worked with countless actors from their first audition to superstardom. Here’s what she says parents and young actors should truly keep in mind:

1. Preparation is Everything

It sounds basic — but it’s where many young actors stumble.

“Mostly, prepare and don’t chew gum. It’s shocking how many people are not prepared for their auditions.”

Preparation doesn’t just mean memorizing lines. It means understanding the character, knowing the tone of the project, and walking into the room ready to collaborate.

(And yes — no gum, even if you think it makes you look casual.)

2. Your Child’s “Fit” Matters More Than Their “Perfect Read”

This next insight is a biggie:

“When you walk in the room, you’re either right for the role or not. It doesn’t mean you didn’t give a good audition.”

Sometimes kids (and parents) get discouraged after an audition that felt great but didn’t result in a callback. Allison reminds us — it’s often about height, chemistry, or just an indescribable “feeling” that isn’t personal.

3. Casting Directors Are Rooting for Your Child

Parents, take a deep breath:

Casting directors are not judging your child with crossed arms and icy stares. Quite the opposite.

“The casting director is rooting for you. They want nothing more than for you to come in and be great.”

They’re hoping your child makes their job easier!

Allison (and her peers) genuinely want to see young actors succeed.

So, teach your child to see the audition room (or Zoom screen) as a space of support, not judgment. It can change everything.

4. Authenticity Over “Performance”

Especially in self-tapes (which are now industry standard), Allison says casting directors are hunting for vibe, not polished performances:

“We are trained to spot something on the video. We don’t necessarily go by line readings… It’s a leap of faith.”

If your child feels stiff, over-rehearsed, or “fake funny,” it works against them. A little roughness around the edges is okay if it means they’re bringing their real personality to the tape.

5. Tenacity Wins the Marathon

The entertainment industry is a long game, and Allison’s advice echoes this truth:

“Don’t beat yourself up, and move on. After every audition. Just keep moving forward. Tenacity is everything.”

Every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes.” It’s the kids (and parents) who stick with it that ultimately succeed.

Help your child fall in love with the process — not just the results.

6. Take Opportunities as They Come

Especially in the early stages of a career, Allison believes every job can open doors:

“Take any work you can get. Don’t pass on something if it’s a commercial. Take it. Work really does lead to other work.”

Small roles, background work, commercials — it all builds experience, confidence, and connections.

Advice as golden as her Emmy

Allison Jones’s career proves that finding the right actor can make a movie or TV show unforgettable.

And when it comes to young actors, her advice is simple but golden: Be ready. Be real. Be resilient.

Got questions about auditions? Curious about coaching options?

Drop a comment or check out our Child Actor 101 private coaching and classes — we’re here to help!

Allison Jones on Casting Actors: Golden Advice from a Legend