2 answers
sanaa
Student
4
Questions
Updated
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When it comes to acting or wanting to be on Broadway, what is the best way not to get discourage with failed attempts at making the part you really wanted?
In all of my years of schooling- especially with performing arts- the rejection wasn't terrible or I would get the role I wanted; how would I deal with that especially since it's something I'm not entirely familiar with
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2 answers
Rebecca Gitomer
CareerVillage.org TeamFundraising, Partnerships, and Art
19
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Sanaa, I really admire the bravery of your question and I see the fact that you've asked this question as an encouraging sign that you will continue to fight through the obstacles life throws at you (and frankly, all of us). In my opinion, rejection is a reality we must accept. Everyone faces rejection in some capacity. This is especially true when you're pursuing a highly competitive career path, such as acting. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that rejection is simply part of life and perhaps in accepting this, it will make it easier to manage.
One way to think about rejection is evidence that you are working towards your career goal. I have a friend who was committed to receiving 100 rejections a year - her way of dealing with the inevitability of rejection. She is a writer, also a highly competitive career path, and was receiving so many rejections on her writing submissions that instead of giving up or taking it personally, she shifted her attitude to feel EMPOWERED by the rejection. She saw it as 100 times that she put herself out there, made herself vulnerable, and pushed herself closer to her dreams. I hope that you can shift your perspective to view rejection differently as you continue to apply yourself to your craft.
Do not let this get in the way of believing in yourself, continuing to improve your skills as an actor. You WILL get better if you put your mind to it and seek opportunities to grow - whether through the parts you wanted or in unexpected ways. Keep your head up and keep pushing forward - it will pay off in the long run :)
One way to think about rejection is evidence that you are working towards your career goal. I have a friend who was committed to receiving 100 rejections a year - her way of dealing with the inevitability of rejection. She is a writer, also a highly competitive career path, and was receiving so many rejections on her writing submissions that instead of giving up or taking it personally, she shifted her attitude to feel EMPOWERED by the rejection. She saw it as 100 times that she put herself out there, made herself vulnerable, and pushed herself closer to her dreams. I hope that you can shift your perspective to view rejection differently as you continue to apply yourself to your craft.
Do not let this get in the way of believing in yourself, continuing to improve your skills as an actor. You WILL get better if you put your mind to it and seek opportunities to grow - whether through the parts you wanted or in unexpected ways. Keep your head up and keep pushing forward - it will pay off in the long run :)
Loved reading this, thanks!
sanaa
This is such a great answer, Rebecca!! I would have said the same. Perfection is the hardest goal to achieve, but failure is the greatest coach!
Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
Stephanie Terrero
Director, Producer, Actor
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hey Sanaa!
I know that Rebecca answered this question beautifully but I am an actively auditioning actor and wanted to give my input!
It’s all a mental game. Whether you’re auditioning for film, tv or theater (off broadway or broadway) one key thing to remember is that you’re not being rejected for you.
You’re being rejected for the role. It takes hundreds of tries to find the role that’s right for you. You will always be perfect just the way you are but you may not be right for the role.
What’s for you will never miss you. So with each part that you don’t get remember that you’re winning because:
1. Out of a 1,000+ actors that submit to a role, less than that get called in for a part. So if you’re one of 500 auditioning for a role and then get a callback, you’ve already “won the room” and impressed casting.
2. You’re getting the chance to flex your actor muscles. Having 1000 auditions a year increases your odds of booking and hearing 1000 no’s will eventually lead to the 1 yes.
With each rejection that you receive you will come to realize that you’re GOOD ENOUGH to get called in to audition, are impressing the casting directors and are an actively auditioning actor.
As an actively auditioning actor, I welcome each and every rejection as I’m getting the chance to continuously work on my craft, meet new casting offices and increase my odds.
It’s all a mental game as I stated earlier and as long as you take care of your mental health, and not take it too seriously, you’ll find it easier to accept than you realize :)
And who knows! Doing lots of off broadway theater may eventually lead to being on broadway one day!
Hope this helps!
I know that Rebecca answered this question beautifully but I am an actively auditioning actor and wanted to give my input!
It’s all a mental game. Whether you’re auditioning for film, tv or theater (off broadway or broadway) one key thing to remember is that you’re not being rejected for you.
You’re being rejected for the role. It takes hundreds of tries to find the role that’s right for you. You will always be perfect just the way you are but you may not be right for the role.
What’s for you will never miss you. So with each part that you don’t get remember that you’re winning because:
1. Out of a 1,000+ actors that submit to a role, less than that get called in for a part. So if you’re one of 500 auditioning for a role and then get a callback, you’ve already “won the room” and impressed casting.
2. You’re getting the chance to flex your actor muscles. Having 1000 auditions a year increases your odds of booking and hearing 1000 no’s will eventually lead to the 1 yes.
With each rejection that you receive you will come to realize that you’re GOOD ENOUGH to get called in to audition, are impressing the casting directors and are an actively auditioning actor.
As an actively auditioning actor, I welcome each and every rejection as I’m getting the chance to continuously work on my craft, meet new casting offices and increase my odds.
It’s all a mental game as I stated earlier and as long as you take care of your mental health, and not take it too seriously, you’ll find it easier to accept than you realize :)
And who knows! Doing lots of off broadway theater may eventually lead to being on broadway one day!
Hope this helps!