Life as an aspiring actor can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride without the safety bar. One moment, you’re too tall, and the next moment, you’re too short. It’s as though you’ve become Goldilocks, but instead of porridge, you’re dealing with auditions. Not to mention the numerous times you’re too old, then paradoxically too young, or too loud but at the same time too quiet. There are even days when you’re dubbed too fat and too thin within the same breath.

If this feels like you, well, welcome to the team! We’ve all been there but every no brings you closer to a yes. Let me share my journey with you.

When I first started auditioning, I thought I was signing up for acting gigs, not a masterclass in rejection. But the universe had other plans, and it seemed to enjoy playing its favorite track on repeat – “Sorry, you’re not what we’re looking for.” At first, I took every rejection personally. Was I not good enough? Did I need to change something about myself?

After a few spirals down this rabbit hole, I realized something – they didn’t reject me, they rejected a perception of me. You see, casting is like a puzzle, each actor a unique piece. Sometimes, you’re just not the right shape for the spot they’re trying to fill. It doesn’t mean you’re an unfit piece, just unfit for that specific puzzle.

Embracing this mindset was like lifting a weight off my shoulders. Suddenly, the words ‘too tall’, ‘too short’, ‘too old’, ‘too young’, ‘too loud’, ‘too quiet’, ‘too fat’, ‘too thin’ seemed to lose their sting. They were not personal attacks, merely descriptors, nothing more.

Taking it one step further, I started to view each audition as an opportunity to improve, to explore my range. If I was ‘too loud,’ I could work on my volume control, or if I was ‘too quiet,’ maybe I could focus on projecting my voice. Every critique was a clue, a guidepost on my journey towards honing my craft.

But here’s the thing about auditions, it’s not all about fitting into someone else’s puzzle. It’s about creating your own masterpiece. Think of each audition as a brushstroke. Each rejection, a splash of color. Over time, those strokes and splashes add up to create a unique, vibrant painting – a representation of your journey, your experiences, your growth.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it – the journey is rough. But finding positivity in persistence isn’t just some feel-good motto; it’s an essential survival tool in the battlefield of auditions. It’s what keeps us going, hoping, and believing that the next audition might be the one. It’s the key to turning rejection into a catalyst for growth and, ultimately, success.

Finally, always remember: being an actor is not about becoming who they want you to be, but about embracing every bit of who you already are. So, the next time someone tells you you’re too this or too that, smile, thank them, and know in your heart that you are just right, for the right role is waiting just around the corner.

But how does this lesson fit into everyday life or the ‘real world’?

Just like auditions, job interviews can feel like stepping onto a tightrope with the weight of your career in balance. One minute, you’re too inexperienced, and the next, you’re overqualified. Sound familiar? Well, guess what? You’re already prepared for this scenario, thanks to your stint in the theatre of auditions.

Here’s the deal – you’ve mastered the art of dealing with rejection. And in the real world, this skill is not just valuable; it’s golden. The same principles apply. Just like each role demands a specific kind of actor, each job requires a particular skill set and personality. So, if you’re not a match, it’s not a personal failure. It’s just that you might not fit into this particular jigsaw puzzle of a job. Remember, there’s another puzzle out there where you’ll fit perfectly.

Use each interview as a learning opportunity, just like auditions. If you’re deemed ‘too inexperienced’, consider what skills you need to build upon. If you’re seen as ‘overqualified’, reflect on how to present your skills so they don’t overshadow your willingness to learn and grow within the role.

Just like in acting, the key lies in perseverance. No matter how many ‘nos’ you encounter, remember that every rejection is just a stepping stone towards your ‘yes’. Job hunting, like auditioning, is a numbers game. The more roles you apply for, the higher your chances of landing that dream job.

And don’t forget the most important lesson from the world of acting: Stay true to yourself. In the pursuit of a job, don’t lose sight of who you are. You’re not just an applicant; you’re a unique individual with a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives. The right job, just like the right role, will embrace you for who you are, not who they want you to be.

So whether it’s the stage or the ‘real world’, remember: You’re never ‘too’ anything. You’re just enough of everything for the right role or job that awaits you. Take it from an old audition hand – you’ve got this!

Here are some tips to deal with rejection:

1. Acknowledge your disappointment. It’s okay to feel disappointed when you don’t get a role or a job. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, but don’t live in that space for too long. It’s okay to cry but don’t drown yourself in your tears.
2. Learn from your mistakes. Always keep learning! Take the feedback from the audition or interview and use it to grow. Everyone has space to grow so use this rejection as your fertilizer.
3. Don’t take it personally. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth. It simply means that you weren’t right for that particular role.
4. Keep Trying. The more you audition, apply, or interview the more likely you are to find that perfect spot for you. Don’t give up!

Ways to move past rejection:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.
• Find a positive outlet for your emotions, such as exercise or writing.
• Set realistic expectations for yourself. Don’t expect to book every role you audition for or land every job.
• Keep a rejection journal. Write down all the reasons you’ve been rejected, and then make a list of all the reasons why those reasons are ridiculous or use it hone your skills.
• Turn rejection into a game. Make a rejection bingo card. Fill it up with all the different ways you’ve been rejected, and then see how many times you can get bingo.
• Find a rejection buddy. Seek out a friend who’s open to exchanging tales of rejection with you. It’s always helpful to know that you’re not alone.

Most importantly – stay positive, keep trying, and fake it till you make it!

http://www.thelittleactressthatcould.com/2019/06/04/the-balanced-theatre-brat-series-why-theatre-produces-successful-professionals/

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