Tough gig: Play School's gruelling audition process. Photo: Janie Barrett

Working for Play School might seem like fun and games but the show's executive producers says it's harder than you think.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph Executive Producer Jan Stradling says: "All of our presenters manage to make it look easy, but of course, it's very difficult. People are often surprised by how hard the audition process is."

So what does it take to be a presenter on Play School?

"They will usually audition two to three times for the role," says Stradling.

"Play School relies on presenters being able to do long takes to camera, which engage the audience."

The audition process involves performing a scripted piece, reading a story and performing a song.

"We ask people to do a scripted piece that will involve making something at the desk, then flowing seamlessly into a movement type song, and then perhaps a short story or rhyme that will involve the toys," she says.

"We also ask people to read a story or perform a gentle song. All of these activities show if the person can connect with the audience, if they can retain scripts and if they can find the right levels of light and shade to sustain the performance."

When it comes to celebrity presenters, Stradling says they prefer to do the approaching.


"If there's someone we think might be suited to the show, we will approach their agent and ask them to audition," she said.

If someone high profile with potential does approach the show, they will ask them to attend the next audition round, which are only held once every two years.

Regardless of whether you can sing, dance and craft, you have to have the one other thing the show's producers look for: x- factor.

"There's also a real x-factor involved - you might not have someone who has all of the skills at a high level, but if they have that special something, we can work on the other areas."

"You also need people who are prepared to play and look silly and not feel inhibited. Toy play is also an important part of the job - being able to breathe life into the toys via puppetry and character voices is a great skill."