Getting a call for an audition is one of the more exciting moments for an actor who’s trying to establish their acting career in Hollywood, isn’t it?
Getting real about it, the fact is, it’s challenging to get a decent audition these days. Which is why when you finally get a good one, you basically relate to it as a godsend.
The problem is — whether you’re a newbie or veteran actor — that excitement often turns to stress, frustration, and dismay when you finish the audition because they leave you in the dark with your thousand thoughts a minute wondering what the hell just happened. Here’s what I mean:
How The Audition Typically Goes
You prepare, practice, and work your heart out before you go.
You walk into the audition — and you’re ready.
You do a great job on your reading. And when you leave, the casting director is friendly, talkative, and happy.
She clearly liked you and your audition.
Based on her amazing feedback, you think you probably even booked the role.
You know — for sure — you’ll at least get a call-back.
So you wait… and then it’s nothing but crickets.
You hear nothing back at all. Nothing!
And you wonder what the hell happened from the time you left that room till you…. well… now… three weeks later when you know they didn’t just delay the shoot for three weeks until you’re available.
You heard NOTHING! And it’s frustrating!
And yes sometimes it’s the opposite. You go in and you blow it big-time.
The network execs or casting director sits there silently after you deliver your “bold choice” in your reading. You had already second guessed your choice before you walked into the room but you did it anyway. And now you’re pretty sure you’ll never audition for them again–ever.
You try to be pleasant as you leave… but inside you’re depressed.
But then, to your shock, your agent calls the next day and says, “You blew them away and you got the job!” And you’re stunned again, but this time in a good way.
Not knowing why you did or didn’t get cast can drive you crazy!
Anything that’s unknown and unexplained can create fear, but considering that great casting opportunities are so rare, dealing with the unknown around it can be debilitating.
Even if you start feeling good about yourself and your skills because you got cast after you thought you blew it, on your next audition, you realize the whole process is as unpredictable as ever.
You already understand that rejection is part of the business, but wouldn’t it be nice to know what’s going on in that little head of the casting director who seems to either love you or hate you for some inexplicable reason?
Of course it would. That’s why I am going to try to give you some insights here by pulling back the curtains on the casting director’s brain and telling you five things they won’t tell you directly.
Understanding the mindset of casting directors will empower you in your next audition.
These five things can give you insight as to why your audition may have gotten different results than you expected.
5 Things Hollywood Won’t Tell You About Your Audition
1. They don’t know what they’re looking for.
Countless times over the course of your career, you are not going to be cast in a role because they didn’t know exactly what they were looking for. If you look at who ends up being cast, it is often someone who is a completely different type.
In cases like that, it’s not about you and your performance talents, but the simple truth is that the casting director didn’t even know who they wanted to portray their character. When someone came along and struck them, they said, “Yeah, that’s what I want.”
All you can do each time is to go in, be authentic, and give it your best shot.
2. When you are given an “adjustment” or direction in an audition, that’s a good sign.
Every so often the casting director will give you an adjustment in your performance. Don’t let this frighten you – it’s a good sign. It might seem like they just threw you a curve ball, but whatever you do, remember to relax, roll with it, and feel good about it.
The only reason they’re giving you direction is that they saw something in you they liked. If they had no interest in you whatsoever, they wouldn’t waste another minute of their time.
Getting an adjustment is a great opportunity to show another side of your talent and the capability you possess to take this character in a different direction.
Every so often the casting director will give you an adjustment in your performance. Don’t let this frighten you – it’s a good sign.
3. Your audition stinks.
This is pretty straightforward. If your audition stinks, there’s a good chance they’re not going to tell you so. They’ll just smile, say thanks, and hope your agent quits submitting you. But many times, they won’t tell you it was bad…. just like they often don’t tell you when it’s great (see #5 below).
The only thing you can do when you leave is ask yourself these questions: Did you prepare properly for this part? Did you rehearse and practice with a friend or hire an acting coach?
An audition is just like any other job interview. If you want the part, you have to be willing to give it your all and commit the necessary work and time to make them notice you. Otherwise, what’s the point of even going?
If you prepared properly and delivered what you intended, then feel good about it and move on.
Remember this is just like any other job interview; there is no difference. Be professional, concise, and willing to give your FULL commitment.
You really don’t know what they’re thinking, so let it go as soon as you leave.
4. They know you’re not right for the role the minute you walk in the door.
Another thing that they won’t tell you in Hollywood is that they know you aren’t right as soon as you walk in the door – or in the first two seconds of seeing you on video.
If you are auditioning there in person, you may feel confused by this concept because after all, they saw your headshot and should have known what to expect when they called you in. However, it’s not all about appearance. Sometimes an actor walks in and their vibe is completely different from what came across in their headshot.
However, remember too, that all is not lost. They may have something else you are really right for in the future.
5. They love everything about you and what you have to offer.
Once again, this is pretty straight-forward. On occasion, you may blow the casting director away, and they know they want to cast you for the part — they love you and MUST HAVE YOU for the role — but they won’t say anything to that effect while you’re there.
You might think they hated you because they said nothing to you as you left, but then you get the call-back or the call for wardrobe.
These are the bare facts of the entertainment business. The next time you go on an audition and think you know how it went, just remember that you probably don’t know what they’re really thinking. It could turn out to be the exact opposite!
This business can be tough, but just keep getting better and better at your craft, and keep getting yourself out to the market.
Don’t try to second-guess what the casting directors are thinking…. Focus on getting MORE casting directors thinking about you, and you’ll be in great shape.
If you would need more auditions, try getting better representation — an agent and manager who understands you and will pitch you to the casting directors.
Call me at 818/907-6511 to learn how I can help you get an agent or manager, or check this service out here: talent agent or personal manager