What Really Happens Behind the Audition Table
You Definitely Want to Know.
I’m sick of it. I’m sick of seeing actors get worked up. I’m sick of the misinformation. The assumptions. Auditions are supposed to be fun, damn it! So, I’m writing this tell-all blog post. Here’s what really happens behind the audition table.
I’ve cast more than a dozen shows for professional and community theatre companies alike. Over the past 15 years, one common thread that weaves into any audition is a lack of knowledge and worth. Performers don’t know how casting actually works.
I’ve asked family members and friends with theatre/performance degrees this question: Was casting a big chunk of your training? They all said the same thing: No. We have no idea what actually happens.
Here’s the breakdown for you.
Number 1.
It’s not about being perfect.
Let’s get something straight: Perfection doesn’t exist. Get the pressure to be absolutely perfect for the role, the casting director, and the producers out of your head.
The people on the other side of the table aren’t there to immediately judge you in a negative way. In fact, they’re rooting for you. They know that with every person that walks through those audition room doors, there’s a possibility they could find the next actor they’ve been searching for.
They want you to be as great as you want yourself to be. They’re on your side. Remember, they’re humans. So are you. You’re not a robot who can deliver a monologue flawlessly the same way every single time you perform it. You’re an actor, portraying another being, which means emotions, context, and environment come into play. They know that, so should you.
Number 2.
We’re not solely looking at your talent.
We’re looking at the acting choices you make. How you tell the story at the audition. You’re an actor, right? Your job is to tell a story in person. Not via reciting words from a page. Tell us a story. Get into character. Auditions are a chance for you to do what you like to do best: act. So actually act! Have fun. Dive deep. Let it go. Do what you need to do to get into a mindset that lets yourself go there. That’s what we want to see.
This is a biggie: we’re looking to see if you fit a vision. In another production, directed by another director, produced by another company, you may be THE Tracy Turnblad. But you might not be the one for the current production of Hairspray you’re auditioning for.
That doesn’t mean you're not talented, or not good enough, it just means you don’t match with the production’s vision. Think of it this way: this audition is just as much of a first date for you as it is for the audition table. You meet, have a conversation, do something, then say goodbye.
How many dates have you been on where you felt the person was nice, and had an enjoyable time, but didn’t seem like a good match? Same goes for auditions. It’s just as much of a match-making endeavor for you as it is for the audition team.
Here’s a scenario: If you had fun performing for that Hairspray audition, but had a sour taste in your mouth because of [insert reason here], you’re allowed to say “No” if they offer you a role. If you think the experience will drain you or give you unnecessary stress, you’re totally in the right to do what’s best for you. It wasn’t a good match on your side of the table.
Think of a production like a puzzle. Casting is the part where you look for the fitting pieces. If you’re not a fitting piece, it doesn’t mean you’re not talented. It doesn’t mean you’re not good. It simply means you don’t fit for this particular production and that’s okay.
Number 3.
We see past the nerves. Breathe.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen actors audition for me that were a barrel of nerves. I’m the kind of director that puts empathy and consideration first. I’ve calmed the nerves of auditioners (some of whom I’ve seen in numerous productions and are friends of mine) in the audition room. And I’m happy to do it.
Sometimes, people just need to get a little comfortable with the uncomfortable. They’ve fumbled lines, let the shakes take over their physicality, and felt like they needed to push through that madness, which will only make them feel unworthy in the end.
I stopped them. Requested they take a breath. In some cases, I had a little conversation with them. Then, they started over and delivered their audition piece with as much ease as if they were in the comfort of their own home.
And guess what? They nailed their audition piece and I cast them in the show. For some, they’ve gotten the lead. They fit my vision (I was Director) , and I never would’ve known that if I didn’t take 60 seconds to see past the nerves.
Auditions are your chance to shine. They’re your chance to show the casting table what you’ll bring to the production. If it works out, great. If it doesn’t. That’s okay. There're TONS more auditions for you happening at any moment.
I urge you to not put so much pressure on an audition. That’ll send your mind into a box of thinking that says “I need this” instead of “I want this.” That one word shift can change your audition prep mindset. It changes from a closed door to an open one of opportunity.
Those are the 3 biggest behind the table secrets about casting. That’s how it works. If you want more details on how to prepare for your audition, check out this blog post. It’s just some of the insider info I give my private students.
My mission is to make the entertainment industry easier to navigate, and the way to do that is by giving valuable information that’s been withheld from many. You may think what I'm doing isn’t a big deal, and that struggle and judgment are necessary, but they aren't. The world would be a better place if we pay it forward, not make others struggle the way we did.
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