Another Movie Guide

Rejection Means

R-E-J-E-C-T Tell you what it means to me. Actors face rejection daily. As an agent, I view it differently. If actors don’t get a role, they think the director didn’t like me. I see many actors not getting cast for that same role. A majority of the time actors don’t get the roles they audition for.Often I can see why casting choices are made and why actors shouldn’t take it personally, but it is easier said than done. Here are some of my thoughts on dealing with the disappointment of not getting a greatly desired role.

Give each audition your best shot. Work with a great coach, and when you walk out the door, know that you were prepared and listened well to the casting director. View each audition as a chance to perform. You got into the business because you love to act. Read the play, research the playwright, director, and create a compelling character. Make each audition a performance.Once it is over, don’t dwell on it. Waiting is the hardest part, but don’t spend time thinking you are going to get it because you want it the most, you deserve it, it is your turn to book something, you wished for it, you heard your lucky song on the radio., etc

After the audition, try not to think about it at all. Find as many opportunities as possible. The more projects you have going, the less time you have to focus on one. Spend your time trying to get more auditions not waiting to hear about auditions past.Have a backup plan if you don’t get booked. Take classes you have always wanted to take, research upcoming plays. And, most importantly live a full life with other hobbies, interests, jobs and relationships.If you are never close to booking a project or aren’t ever called back, don’t make excuses that you are always the wrong type. Try to get feedback from casting directors or friends in the business. Take a hard look at projects you didn’t get, who did and why. If you are always coming close but not getting booked it is probably a bigger disappointment, but have faith. Those who are always called back or put on hold do start booking projects, eventually. Being on hold or check avail does not mean you are cast.

If it is a theatre project and you are on hold for a period of time, it generally means that you were not the exact fit and they are still looking. It is my experience that those projects, don’t generally go your way. For commercials or films, see if you can find out how many others are on hold too, before you get your hopes up. I truly believe that in this business often times if you don’t get one thing, something better comes along. The great thing about it is that every day could bring the phone call that changes your life.

Gray Talent Group is a Chicago Talent Agency that secures work for actors in film, theatre, commercials, voiceovers, industrials, website and print advertisements. We have a passion to work closely with a select number of actors to help them develop a blueprint for career success, be it making a living in their profession in Chicago or ultimately heading to LA or New York.