has anyone ever had a huge disappointment from an audition?

Question

Ok so I'm a freshman in high school and we had auditions last night for Oklahoma. I've been working for weeks on my audition... and everyone said I did an awesome job. Today in Choir and Theatre my teachers (who are the directors) said I had an amazing audition. I didn't get called back for the role I wanted (Ado Annie) but I did get called back for Gerttie. I got put in the chorus... i didn't even get the small singing part from Out of Your Dreams (stage version) what did I do wrong? Why is it that all the popular people got leads? and yes there was a mix of freshmen cast members who got bigger roles. I've had experience of three other musicals from a theatre troupe close to where I live too. Am I being a "Small Actor"? :-(

Answer 1

I know exactly how you feel. I am also a freshman in high school, and I auditioned for a role in my school's production of Carousel about a week and a half ago.
I guess everybody has this perception of themselves as the "next big thing" or the "showstopper meant to be a star", as do I, but unfortunately, not everyone can see that in you.
I was disappointed when the only thing I made was ensemble/chorus. I can sympathize how you felt there.
The fact of the matter is with performing is sometimes you're going to be liked, and other times, you're not going to be what they're looking for. Sometimes, you'll get a lead, and sometimes the directors won't find one role in the play you're good for.
You've just got to keep your head up and roll with punches.
If you didn't get what you want, make the most of it the small role you DID get, and move on.
Be prepared for the next audition! =]

Answer 2

In answer to the title question... Who hasn't? Seriously, everyone as had an experience where they felt they nailed an audition and not gotten a role. Sometimes a mistake was made, but too late. You were cast and fr whatever reason you were put in the ensemble so you'll have to suck it up and be the best ensemble member you can be. Don't do your best to stick out. Do what an ensemble member does, blend and round out the show. However, be a leader. Pay attention to EVERYTHING and they'll likely notice. Mark your blocking and always know what's going on. If they forget where they put someone or something and you're the one who knows, maybe you're the one they'll remember next time.

You can always ask what you can do better next time. Start by maybe telling them that you are absolutely happy to be part of the show in any capacity but you'd like to know what you may do better in your audition the next time around and that you really would appreciate any constructive criticism. I hate to say it but you may not be able to trust your friends who tell you how great you were... they'll always say that. Teachers by the same token may not always say, wow that was awful. Or gee, that was mediocre.

Also, having prior experience doesn't guarantee you anything except that you have experience. Some of the other kids may have had a certain look, enthusiasm that shined through more that day, or maybe family-wise they matched better... there are so many reasons to choose one actor over another, maybe you shouldn't take it personally.

Answer 3

Theatre directors in high school have the show cast before they audition. Well, the majority do. You might not have the look because you're a freshman. Or, your director might play favorites and give the parts to the Seniors. Put in your time and effort and you'll be rewarded. If not, go find a community theatre and tell your high school director to f off.

Answer 4

Things like this have happened to me. Personally, it's been because the teacher tends to typecast her plays . . . it's very annoying. I'm sort of serious and smart, and I've always been dumped into roles of teachers, parents, authority figures, etc. -- which weren't the roles I felt I'd auditioned best for, if I even auditioned for them at all!

My friends were in a rendition of High School Musical this spring, directed by this teacher, and I hadn't seen the movie until a few weeks ago. When I watched the film, I was horrified at how much the students our teacher chose to fill various roles looked like their famous counterparts.

My point: You may not have done anything wrong at all. High school auditions, I'm sorry to say, have never been very objective or talent-based in my experience.

Good luck in the future!

Answer 5

don't freak out about it. they liked your audition. freshman year it's more important to set precedence for yourself... basically they're going to be working with you for four years. if they remember you as having a good audition, being a solid chorus member who went to all the rehearsals and had good energy, they'll keep that in mind when you audition next year.

on the other hand, if you decide that they didnt give you a part so you're not going to work, or you think it doesnt matter so you dont have energy or learn your dances, they'll remember that too. i'm sure you're dissappointed but dont drop out of the show and work hard during the rehearsals. directors notice that stuff and it will be a deffinite plus for the next show.

Answer 6

i say yes you are when you show them that you r right for that part you take over the whole stage be enthusiastic be YOU show them u want it and you'll do anything