Understanding Rejection in the Acting World

Have you ever auditioned for that coveted role, only to be told by the director that they have chosen someone else?

The Role of Appearance and Rejection

My late friend and actor Ned Romero [Star Trek TNG Voyager] once shared, 'A lot of casting is about how you look, which you can't control. And most casting involves being rejected or not selected.'

Often, casting is done by casting directors who screen a large number of actors, narrowing down their choices to those who best fit the director's vision. This process can be frustrating but understanding it can help actors take a different perspective.

The Casting Process and Auditioning

Some actors, like myself, used to obsess over what could have been done differently in an audition. Recently, I've taken an interest in casting directors and their processes. Through online interactions, listening to their podcasts, and participating in their workshops, I've gained valuable insights into the decision-making process.

It's common for casting directors to choose actors based on factors such as physical appearance and how the actor makes them feel during the audition. For instance, if the lead role is a redhead and the actor auditioning for the mother role has the same hair color, this can be a deciding factor. Additionally, the director might prefer a specific tone, and an actor's natural wit could distract from the dramatic narrative.

Transforming Perceptions of Rejection

Knowing this, I no longer feel rejected when I don't land the part. Instead, I view each audition as an opportunity for personal growth and networking. If I've shown the casting director my talent and skill, I am happy that they saw my work and are considering me for other opportunities.

For example, after submitting a self-taped audition, a casting director might recommend me for a more prominent role later on. I've also learned that sometimes the casting director will appreciate the audition even if they didn't initially choose the actor for the part.

Learning from Feedback and Improving Performance

Even after an audition, there might be moments where I feel I could have done better. However, these experiences can be invaluable for personal growth.

For instance, in a recent callback for a role where the director asked me to 'go again but she's finding her strength in this moment,' I couldn't stop crying! While I was upset with myself, this feedback highlighted an area I needed to work on. In my next acting class, I focused on techniques to evoke emotion from the audience or other actors rather than getting lost in my own feelings. This experience taught me to adapt my performance and made me a more versatile and valuable actor to directors.

In conclusion, rethinking my approach to rejection has allowed me to see each audition as a unique opportunity. Embracing the process, whether I'm cast or not, has enriched my acting journey and opened doors to new professional networks and opportunities.