Coping with not getting called back for a role?

Question

So for those out there who have done shows/musicals, what's the best way to get your mind off not getting a callback for the role you really wanted?

This afternoon there were auditions for a musical at the community theater. There was a huge turnout, and I thought I did pretty well. I mean did get called back for other lead roles, just not the specific one I wanted, and I admit, I'm a bit bummed. I know it's selfish of me for saying that. Any advice?

Answer 1

Okay, let's take this apart one piece at a time.

For me, the single most important thing you wrote was: "I thought I did pretty well." Ultimately, YOU are the only person who can truly assess the quality of your performance in an audition situation. And, as counter-intuitive as this might sound, your assessment might have nothing whatsoever to do with whether you get a callback. Believe me, I've been at this a long time. Sometimes, I leave an audition KNOWING that I hit it out of the park...and get nothing. Conversely, I've done auditions where I thought I was pretty pathetic...and the phone was ringing by the time I got home. YOU have to be secure in your ability to evaluate your performance.

The point, you see, is that you can't EVER know what the people conducting the audition have in mind. Roles might have been pre-cast. They might have had their heart set on a blonde actor for the role you wanted...etc. No point in beating yourself up over something that was always out of your control. You go in, you give it your best shot, and you let the chips fall where they may.

However, you clearly made an impression on these people. You say that you were called back for "other lead roles;" how bad can that be?

Now, as to whether your post-audition feelings and emotions make you "selfish"...not necessarily. Listen, as an actor and director, I understand completely that actors are disappointed when they don't get the castings they want. Of COURSE they are...and they should be. If you didn't WANT that role, I'm not so sure I'd want you in my cast. So, you're disappointed. Fine. You'll get over it. Selfish? Not yet. You're only selfish if you hang onto your disappointment for too long, allowing it to spill over into your callback audition, or (God forbid!) allowing you to undermine the rehearsals/performances of the show...assuming you're cast in it.

Answer 2

Just because you get called back for a certain role doesn't necessarily mean the director is thinking about casting you as that role only. Callbacks are just a way that the director can see what role you're best fitted for.

Answer 3

Try not to take it personally.

Most directors are looking for a specific thing, type, spark. If they've worked with somebody before and enjoyed it they are more likely to cast them. There are so many reasons that directors cast the way they do. Don't try to 2nd guess them, you'll only make yourself nuts.

Remember it isn't personal.

Keep trying, roles are out there you just got to roll with it for a while.

Break many legs.

Answer 4

It's not really selfish to get bummed out about not getting called back. Nobody likes rejection.

But it's true, in this field you must have thick skin. Most actors get rejected way more often than they get cast, so your best bet is to find your own way of dealing - get a hobby, watch a movie, drink whiskey, whatever. You'll figure it out, and you'll get over it soon enough. Don't worry.

Answer 5

The best way I have found to cope with it, is to keep it to myself--I don't tell anyone except MY DOG when I go for an audition. I have found that the worst part of rejection, is having to tell everyone else about it.

Answer 6

I just tried out for the play Seussical the Musical
I tried out for Gertrude
and... I did get called back

and I did good.
everyone said I should have gotten it
but the director is pretty much a bag of douche,

I am coping with it by telling myself that I will just have to work harder and learn from my mistakes.

it gets easier.
good luck.

Answer 7

You are going to have to toughen up alot if you are going to stay in show biz. You will be rejected over and over and you will be told all of your faults and even your physical shortcomings. Get a thicker skin or go into a different line of work.

Answer 8

think of auditioning as if it's a job.
don't ever give up.
if you're not right for one part,
chances are you'll be perfect for another.
if you get called back one out of every ten auditions,
you're doing really well.
:]

Answer 9

Role with it