The Audition: How Not to Be Nervous

by actorguru on September 26, 2008

in Technique

The audition process can be very daunting and overwhealming if you’re not careful.  Would you believe some of the best actors in the business still get nervous on auditions?  Do you get nervous on auditions?  Let’s go over a few pointers.

The main reason you get nervous on an audition is because of fear.  It’s perceived expectations in your mind that you will not do well or that you will not get the part. There may be many other reasons and factors as to why you’re nervous but the root cause of it it fear.  The key to not being nervous on an audition is to have the right mindset BEFORE you get to the audition.  Actually, it has a lot to do with your self-esteem in general but no worries.

So in order to have the right mindset, you must enjoy the fact that you are going on the audition–nothing more.  Nothing less.  Actors enjoy being “in the moment” during a performance.  You must look at the audition process as being “in the moment” so enjoy the process without any expectations.  Don’t get caught up into how popular the show or movie you’re auditioning for as you’ll lose your focus.  Your agent may have told you that if you book the role, you’ll be getting $35,000 an epsiode!  Sounds nice, doesn’t it? There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the “fringe benefits” of being a professional actor, but if you get caught up in all the glamour of it; you’ll eventually have a nervous breakdown, God forbid.  So, stay focusesd and enjoy the process.

You have to be convinced that you have talent and that you are OFFERING your gift (of acting) to the casting director.  Whether you are right for the part or not doesn’t matter.  The fact that you are “in the moment” and at peace with delivering your gift in the form of an audition is what eliminates your nervousness.  Your greatest performances will come from “being in the moment” and letting your acting gift superceding both the negative AND positive circumstances around you. We’ll cover more on this in other posts so stick around.

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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Larry November 21, 2008 at 6:33 pm

I've gone through many auditions., and I believe that the casting directors' job is only to 'interview' the actors. The ultimate decision in the choice of the actors are up to the producers/directors of the show?!

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Vince Delmonte April 14, 2009 at 3:46 pm

After reading this article, I feel that I really need more info. Can you share some more resources please?

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frances de Gama April 18, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Hi yeah thanks! but I sure wanted to read more, more, more SO THANKS!

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fanpage June 7, 2011 at 9:50 am

Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

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Sarah August 23, 2011 at 5:50 pm

thanks for the article. I am trying very hard to get into the singing and acting business, and I know that there will be some auditions in the near future. I am the nervous type, so this is helpful!

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