How Bad is a Bad Audition?

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One of my students recently wrote to me, and I think that her experience is so prevalent that I wanted to post her question and my answer here:

I have something that's really been bothering me and keeping me from auditioning-- and I am hoping you can help. 

I auditioned for a regional company that I have always wanted to work with. They always have a season that I love and feel is perfect for me. When I first auditioned for them, it wasn't one of my better days but I told myself I was doing the right thing by auditioning despite the circumstances.

The following season, another casting call rolled around for this theater. I submitted, and they emailed me back saying that they remembered my work and they didn't want to waste time seeing me again. It made me feel sick - this is something that has never happened to me before. It wasn't as if I wasn't right for their company, I think I just made a bad impression at that first audition.

Did I mess something up by going to that audition? Would I be better off just staying home if I am not feeling 100%? This situation has made it difficult for me to get out there to audition for anything at all. I wish there were a way I could start again fresh and know I can be successful.

I know people think I just need to get out there and audition, and I really do agree. But is this concern in any way valid?"

First off, your concerns are always valid. They are real, and tangible. The question is, are you going to let them make you "play small"? Are you going to let them stand in your way?

I can completely understand where you are coming from- what an awful experience! I have had things like that happen to me (I can tell you some stories in person that will blow your mind!) and it's like someone sucker punches you. There is no real consolation except to know that it happens to everyone at some point, and it very rarely has anything to do with how wonderful you are as an actor. With as many things that were going on in your life at that time, there could have been just as many things happening in that casting director's life that made them say those things to you. I am certainly not excusing them- I am simply saying that most of the time, people's behavior (bad, or even good) has nothing to do with how talented we are.

To get yourself on good footing with them (essentially erasing that bad experience) is go to one of the EPAs or open calls and show them a good audition. Don't wait for permission to audition for them, go on in your town terms and blow them away with what you are capable of doing. There is a chance that they meant what they said- they knew what you could do and they didn't have anything for you that season. If you see a season that you'd love to do, I'd highly recommend showing up at their auditions.

Now, as far as this experience overshadowing getting back out there now... ANYTIME you do an audition you run the risk of making a bad impression. Even if you feel like you are at your peak physically, emotionally and mentally, you may have someone behind the table who just doesn't appreciate what you have to offer. So, why wait? The risk of rejection is the same whether you wait or go for it, but if you put things on hold you are essentially putting your life and dreams on hold until this magical "someday" - and that can seem further away every day.

The question is, can you really afford NOT to take action? And I think you know my answer for that. =)


Erin Cronican's career as a professional actor and career coach has spanned the last 25 years in New York City, Los Angeles and San Diego. She has appeared in major feature films and on television, and has done national tours of plays and musicals. She has worked in the advertising & marketing departments of major corporations, film production companies, theater magazines, and non-profit acting organizations. To learn more, check out http://www.theactorsenterprise.org.