I just got back from an audition. I'm feeling confident, but I have not yet seen the other girls..............

Question

I am not the only one trying out, of course. Most people are trying out for the lead role, but as far as I know, everyone will get a part. I am feeling confident about my audition-- the director gave me constructive criticism and said that I was very good, knew what I was saying, and gave me an overall 31.9 out of 35. While this might give me confidence, I am worried in the areas that I did not do so well, the other girls will be better...as long as there is competition, there is always going to be someone better than me, right? I just need advice on how to deal with the post-audition stress. The cast list will be posted after everyone tries out, and that worries me-- firstly, that there might be people who will kick my a** and make me feel like a loser when I don't get the part, and also, I usually forget about an audition and move on and only remember if the director calls to tell me I got the part. However, this time I can't forget it (I must remember to see the cast list myself)...

Answer 1

Put an alarm in your cell phone for when the cast list is to be posted, then do what you normally do. Go on with your life. As for those other people... be above them. Be supportive and congratulatory of the person who got the coveted role and realize that you may have more to learn and if by chance it's you? Be humble and know that others may be looking to you for what they can do better next time. For any nay-sayers, just know that they're jealous and don't pay them any mind.

Congratulations on whatever role you receive!

Answer 2

This will happen for as long as you pursue acting, so it's good you're learning to deal with it now.

There are millions of things you can't control when you are trying to be cast in a show.

Maybe dozens of brilliant, amazing actors also tried out for the part you want.

Maybe they are casting a family, and another actor looks more like the other family members.

May be director was hungry or in a bad mood when you auditioned.

Maybe you wore orange, and the director hates orange.


OK. So the only thing you can do is work on the few things you DO control. You got a 31.9 out of 35. That sounds very good to me.

Did they tell you why they took 3.1 points off?

This audition is over, and you can't turn back time. So work on the things that weren't perfect, so you'll be even better next time!

If you do get a part in the show, even if it's not the lead, apply the things you learned from the audition to be your very best.

Give the part all the attention and work you would if it were the lead. That's how you'll get ahead as an actor - by always looking for ways to imporve.

Answer 3

Here's a valuable lesson, if you're willing to learn it:

The quality of your audition really doesn't have anything to do with whether you get the role.

Weird, huh? But, when you think about it, it's something every actor needs to embrace at some point in their development. Sometimes, you'll just absolutely NAIL an audition...and the phone never rings. It doesn't mean you weren't good; it just means you weren't what they were looking for on that particular occasion.

You claim that you felt confident about your work at this audition...that, by FAR, is the most important outcome. You also got some positive feedback from the director; that's a bonus.

Don't hang your evaluation of an audition (or, God forbid, your self-esteem) on external responses that are quite beyond your control. If YOU feel positive about the experience, then it was a good audition.