‘Going to auditions, there is a wonderful butterfly feeling in your stomach - an equal balance of being utterly terrified and exhilarated that this is your chance.'
Rose Leslie
JOSEPH
As someone who has been through countless auditions, I wanted to share some insights with you about the importance of looking after yourself during these pivotal moments.
Auditions can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking experiences. The pressure to perform, the anticipation of judgment, and the uncertainty of the outcome can all take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. That's why it's crucial to prioritize self-care during these times, not only for your own sake but also for the quality of your performances.
First and foremost, remember to breathe. It sounds simple, but taking slow, deep breaths can work wonders for calming your nerves and centering yourself before an audition. Practice mindfulness techniques to ground yourself in the present moment and release any tension or anxiety you may be feeling.
Secondly, nourish your body and mind. Make sure to eat a balanced meal before your audition to keep your energy levels up and your mind sharp. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or sugary drinks that can cause jitters. And don't forget to get plenty of rest the night before—a tired mind and body can make it much harder to deliver your best performance.
It's also important to manage your expectations and be kind to yourself. Auditions can be unpredictable, and even the most talented actors face rejection from time to time. Remember that a single audition does not define your worth as an actor, and try to focus on the process rather than the outcome. Celebrate the courage it took to put yourself out there and learn from each experience, whether it ends in success or not.
Finally, don't be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Surround yourself with a strong support system of friends, family, and fellow actors who understand the challenges you're facing. Seek out mentors or coaches who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. And never hesitate to seek professional help if you're struggling with your mental health—it's not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to your strength and resilience.
In the fast-paced world of auditions, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself amidst the hustle and bustle. But remember, your well-being is your greatest asset as an actor. By prioritizing self-care, you'll not only improve your chances of success in auditions but also cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy in your craft.
Wishing you all the best in your auditions and beyond.
Joseph
Auditions can bring a whole host of emotions. Below is some simple advice to help support you. However, it's probably useful to read the general Self-Care Practices, and Nervous System, sections alongside this.
Be prepared. DO the work, look up the company, the director, and, if an option, read the play.
Feel confident in any material you may have been asked to prepare.
If the audition is in person, plan your route and figure out how long it takes to get to the casting. There's nothing worse than turning up late and out of breath!
See if you can find somewhere you can relax beforehand. I would recommend not having too much caffeine (see nutrition).
Listen to music that relaxes you or puts you in a good mood beforehand. Maybe not something that gets you overly worked up, as this tends to move you into nervous energy.
Be present – all the above puts you in a better position to be present, open, and able to engage.
Know that you are auditioning the company/director as much as they are auditioning you. If you didn’t enjoy the audition, it might be the company/director/production may not be the right fit for you, and vice versa. Remember: you also have a say over the work that you take on. Trust your intuition.
Feeling nervous is natural – anyone who's auditioning you will take this into account. No one wants you to fail; normally, it's quite the opposite.
Use each audition experience to be curious about what has worked for you and what hasn't. What factors you are in control of and which factors you are not, i.e. casting directors, how the audition is run, casting requirements, casting dynamics etc. Develop a 'routine' built around the suggestions above.
Be aware of the auditions that you enjoy and the ones that you have found harder. You might find one-on-ones hard or group auditions daunting. You can then know what additional support or work you might need to do to support yourself. Know that these are the factors you can control and then let go of the factors you cannot.
REJECTION
Auditioning is a huge part of being an actor, which by default means that rejection is also!
Knowing how to cope with rejection and understanding how you personally experience it can help.
Discuss with others how they experience rejection. This will hopefully help you understand whether this has a greater or lesser impact on you than your peers.
Knowing if you are sensitive to rejection can really help - you can then try and work towards creating some separation from the sensations, feelings and thoughts and have compassion towards yourself when it comes up.
Below is a helpful discussion around self-validation, which can also support how we experience rejection.
However you experience rejection...
Strengthening your values and core identity separate from acting can be really helpful. This means rejection doesn't have to feel so personal, as it is not a rejection of you.
This is something I have had to work on and I am by no means an expert. I can still feel decimated by not getting a job, especially if I thought the audition went well but I now have a few more tools to:-
Gently guide me back to my centre
Be more objective
Allow myself to move on.
Below is a link to a list of core values.
Have a look and see which are similar to your own 'core values'.
You also may notice that you might have some values that you wish to challenge, or that no longer support you or ones you might wish to adopt!