Audition Rejection - Don't Take It Personally
by Catherine L. Tully
Early on in my career I auditioned for a dance role in a movie. There
was actually a big Hollywood name associated with the film and I was
really excited. I took extra care getting ready, arrived early and did
all the things I was supposed to do. At the audition, I learned the
steps and danced them flawlessly.
I got cut first round.
When I left the place, I replayed everything in my head wondering how
on earth I had messed this up. I knew that I danced better than anyone
in my group--and for that matter, better than most of the people
there. I couldn't figure it out--why did they let me go so early?
Feeling crushed, I can remember getting home and having a pretty good
cry, followed by a sinking feeling that I just wasn't making it in the
business. It shook my confidence to know that I did very well at the
audition and it just didn't seem to be enough.
Exactly one week later, I ran into a friend of mine who was a fellow
dancer and actor. We got to talking and I told him my tale of woe from
the audition. He laughed out loud and told me there was no way I could
have made it past the first cut--they wanted blonde women under 5'3. I
am a 5'8 redhead.
There are many reasons that you might not get a part that you try out
for--and not all of them have do with your acting ability. Take heart,
and take a look at some of the following:
The Wrong Look
Just like my audition experience, roles often call for a general type
of look and if you don't fit you are out--just like that. Sometimes
you may know this information ahead of time, but sometimes you might
not. There are also situations where a director may have certain ideas
about a character, but doesn't verbalize them to anyone else. The type
they are looking for is in their head, and you may or may not fit that
idea.
Surprises
Did you know that you were going to have to sing for that part? Ever
been asked to do an impromptu waltz? Does your character need to
yodel? Sometimes you can be caught off-guard by an audition, not
knowing that you have to draw from more than one skill. Most times
these are spelled out ahead of time, but not always. You can only
prepare for an audition with the information that you have been
given--the rest is improv.
Bad Timing
Even the best of directors can have an off day--or a bad phone call.
At times you may wind up being the one to suffer. After all, they are
only human, right? On the flip side, the same can happen to you right
before an audition--either way its no reflection on your acting
talent. Real life sometimes gets in the way.
The Experience Factor
Nobody likes to think of this, but it does happen. You are clearly the
best choice for the role, but it goes to the person with more
experience than you--the girl that starred in the director's last
film. Or the guy that knows the casting director's mother. Generally
speaking professionals in the field will choose the right people for
the project, but occasionally someone slips by on things other than
acting merit alone. Sometimes a director may feel more comfortable
working with someone that they have worked with before, or a casting
director just doesn't want to take a chance on an unknown.
The next time you are tempted to give up and throw in the towel after
a frustrating audition, remember that some things are simply
not in your control. There are times that you just can't land the
role--no matter how well you read for it. Don't take every rejection
as a reflection on your ability, because sometimes skill just has
nothing to do with it!
Catherine L. Tully is a performing arts professional and educator with
over 30 years of experience. She is currently serving as the Outside
Europe Representative for the National Dance Teachers Association in
the UK, and has performed, modeled, choreographed and managed
productions both in the United States and in Japan. You can reach her at
www.freelance-zone.com.
Copyright © Catherine L. Tully. Used with permission of the author.
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or distributed.
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