Survived a Bad Audition?
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Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
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It’s okay to acknowledge your feelings if you think that you did not do your best work, but keep everything in perspective. You’re human! Things don’t always go completely smoothly or perfectly, and mistakes happen. And even when a mistake occurs in an audition, it is typically not a bad thing. After all, as Carolyne Barry explains, “mistakes are gifts.” We can learn from mistakes, and in an audition, we can use them to show a casting director how we would handle a mistake as a professional performer. (A mistake just might land you the job!)
Keep a Good Perspective About It
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It is certainly understandable that it’s not always easy to keep a good perspective when you’re not feeling great. But it’s important to shake negative thoughts as quickly as possible! Recently, I auditioned for a role in a film, and I left this audition feeling disappointed in myself. As I was walking from the audition to my car, I kept thinking over and over, “I could have done better.” I aim to stay positive at all times, but I was feeling very frustrated with myself, and I began thinking in a negative manner. I pondered such thoughts as, “Am I really a good actor? Will my agent drop me after that one?!” and, “Is it even worth my time to keep pursuing acting when I just auditioned so horribly?!”
As I approached my car, I looked to my left and I noticed a cemetery. When I looked at it, I almost instantly snapped out of that negative mindset. I was reminded while looking at those gravestones that, hey—I’m still here—I’m alive! I have the opportunity to do better, because I’m still here. This may seem quite obvious, but it can be easy to lose sight of how precious every moment is if we don’t take the time to stop and look around at all that we have. Life moves fast, and it’s important to keep a good perspective. I survived an audition that didn’t go so great, but so what!? I’ll work on doing a better job tomorrow. And that is what we all should strive for every day, isn’t it?
Consider What You Can Work On
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After a “bad” audition, ask yourself why you think that it went so “bad?” What could you improve upon? I put quotes around the word “bad” because in reality, you probably did much better than you thought you did!
On the other hand, if you really did something awful in the audition room and feel like you need to explain yourself, consider sending a short note to the casting director. Thank them for the opportunity, and explain what you learned from your experience! Most casting directors are wonderful, kind people and will be understanding.
As an actor (and as a person!) you are a work in progress, and you have the opportunity to grow all the time. Being constantly enrolled in an acting class and an audition-technique class can help you to better prepare for your auditions. Note what it is that you’d like to improve on so you can sharpen your skills. Since my tough audition involved improvisation, I was reminded of how important it is to study improv as an actor. These insights can further your growth as an actor.
Move On To The Next One!
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It’s important to learn how to let go. The worst thing that you can do after an audition that doesn’t go so well is to dwell on how “bad” you did. (As mentioned previously, it is likely that you did a fine job anyway!) Even if you deliver your worst possible audition ever, it does no good thinking about what you “could have” or “should have” done differently! The same is true for any past event; it’s over and cannot be changed. We must move forward, and let it go. Focus your attention on what you learned, what you hope to improve upon, and start preparing for your next opportunity. There will always be more opportunities to audition. On to the next!
