Sometimes, actually often times, we can be our own worst enemy before an audition. Nerves and insecurities find a way to sneak into our minds right before we begin. Over the next two posts, we will discuss how to overcome this and set ourselves up for some fabulous audition experiences!

Remember, wherever there is a dream being pursued, there is a thought of self sabotage at it’s heels! Did I remember to bring my headshot? Is it the right headshot for this role? Is my resume updated? Remember, we have done everything right up to this point in order to get into the room. It is our job as professional artists to take proactive steps to chase away that negativity so our work can shine! 

One of the most important steps we can take for our inner artist is to manage our time before an audition with care. Many actor friends have shared that how they spend this precious time right before they walk into the room can in fact make or break their auditions. But the waiting area is a place full of temptation… 

It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to the others in the room. She’s skinnier, he’s taller, her resume is longer, he hugged the casting director, etc! You know you’ll be setting yourself up for failure if you partake in this kind of destructive inner monologue with yourself. Stop doing it! No one knows who is right for the part. It’s your job to show them. So breathe and focus on YOU. 

This also means no gossip or buying into other actor’s craziness beforehand either. Yup. His story about the director may be a juicy one, and maybe she does look like she really needs you to run lines with her – But you must first do your job. Your duty is to give your most focused, honest, passionate performance. You can’t do that if you were too busy giving someone else shoe choice advice in the hallway before you were called. And hey, on the flip side of that: Don’t you be the needy actor that is disrupting others from doing their best either! If karma doesn’t catch you, maybe the casting director will. 

Okay, okay, now you get what NOT to do before an audition. Catch tomorrow’s post for what exactly TO DO beforehand so you knock ’em dead in the room!

Break legs!
Megan