Dealing with the Waiting

Hello all!

I had an audition on Tuesday and I feel like its dangerous as I really want this job as I haven't performed on stage in such a long time. I am trying not to think about it but I can't help but!

Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with this waiting game?!

Thank you!


  • 4 years ago
  • 939
  • 4
Heather Rome
Actor

This is something we all grapple with, whether you're just starting out, been working for a while or have come back into the profession after a break.

Do the best you can do at every audition, interview and self-tape and then just try to put it out of your mind and move on. It's natural to mull it over but try to focus on postivies from the experience, any lessons you may have learned about presentation, choice of material, etc. and the fact that you did actually "get to perform" for a brief moment.

Sounds harsh, but increasingly you don't get a "yes" or "no" after you've been seen unless they want to recall you or hire you. And that goes for good theater jobs, film and TV. Two good theater jobs last spring and now two TV jobs in the last few months for me. Being seen by big Casting Directors who are very pleasant and helpful but won't respond to my agent's emails or phone calls after a sufficient time has elapsed. It makes it hard to work around survival jobs, caring responsibilities and that holiday you usually so need and can't really afford.

It's rude and unfair but it seems to have been normalized in the last year or so. (And I believe it's happening in many other professions as well.) Equity is trying to push back, as because performers are free-lance it makes our lives even more precarious but it's going to take a while. In the meantime, be kind to yourself and try and focus on the positives.


  • 4 years ago
  • 1
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Forget it.. assume you don't have it, then if it does pop up..great.
As soon as you walk out the door.. do something else.. meet none acting friends.. hit the gym.. what ever you need to do, just move on.. as Heather says.. chances of hearing a defo yes/no.. are slim.. so don't let it steer your life. Its all an experience.


  • 4 years ago
  • 2
Gary Birch
Actor

Think it depends entirely on the job. There is some agonising waiting that can happen but quite often you won’t hear back if it’s a no. I guess it depends on the job. Theatre you tend to hear back yes or no and sometimes get some nice feedback also, it depends a lot on the relationship you have with your agent and similarly your relationship with the casting director. Also if it’s a major role in a major production and you get close to getting it, they may well let you know why you haven’t got it.


  • 4 years ago
  • 3
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