The audition waiting area is littered with distractions. It’s actually something I dread about the audition process. In a small area queued up with other actors, all vying for the same position? It’s madness! How are we ever o be successful with that kind of set up? Not to mention the other distractions that come along with that.

Let’s talk about rejection. It’s a huge part of an actor’s life. So let’s talk about it.

I couldn’t count the number of times I didn’t book the job. Seriously, it happens almost daily. If I counted, it would make me sick. So instead, I focus on the opportunities I’ve had. I focus on how all of these auditions have only enriched my skills as a performer. This business is difficult. It can break you down. We all have our moments of feeling rejected, not good enough, crazy for choosing this profession, fill in the blank. What helps me is simply focusing on the work. I haven’t always been able to do that, but recently, I’d say in the last year or so, I’ve been actively working on just focusing on the work and leaving it there. Any opportunity, no matter how small, is still an opportunity to learn and to grow.

The “big callback” is the high stakes callback. The callback you’ve been waiting for. This is the callback that may change your life. This is the callback of your dreams. Try not to vomit under the pressure of it all, okay? Once you have made it past initial casting calls and callbacks and you are actually in the room with the director, and the producers and the creative team who will undoubtedly decide your fate, how do you keep your cool?