How Do YOU Handle Rejection?

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 4:44pm

What do you do if you don't get cast in the play you're auditioning for?

Do you handle it by beating the living daylights out of a mirror or other glass objects or do you say to yourself "Ahh it's koo. There will be other plays."?

[Pippin]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 4:49pm

it's ok, cruel. there is always another play.

just stay in the race. you'll get yours.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 4:58pm

Usually a pint of premium ice cream helps. Try Haagen Daz.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:00pm

I try to shrug it off. Then I'll look back at the audition and evaluate what I did wrong that may have led to my not getting cast.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:04pm

In all honesty, every time I've auditioned for a show, I've gotten a part. But one time I auditioned for Into the Woods. I really wanted to play the Baker but I got the narrator/mysterious man instead. I was bummed but I thought, "hell, it's one of my favorite shows and I've been cast in it. I will stop bitching now." It's not the same thing. But I never let the fact that I've passed every audition I've done. I go in there ready to prove why I'm right for this show.

[blueroses]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:06pm

"Koo?"

[Wicked_fan]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:08pm

I either psych myself out and just convince myself I won't get it...so if I don't... it's no big because I knew I wouldn't... but if I do... it's a pleasant surprise.

or I just tell myself that I'm not right for every part... as much as that sucks...it's true with every actor.

Updated On: 8/31/06 at 05:08 PM

[Pippin]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:12pm

.......I hate Mattbrain.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:31pm

Koo = Cool

[OnMyWay]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:39pm

You have to roll with the punches.

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:40pm

I handle rejection in acting as I do in other areas of my life: By not having any expectations when I go in there, and by just loving the process involved. I try to remain spiritual and have the outlook that even though I didn't get the part (or other type of job), that every step I take is leading to me to something greater.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:43pm

High school theatre is *SUCH* a bitch.

[Pippin]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:50pm

LOL!

[Calvin]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 5:51pm

Thank heavens it only gets easier from there.

[cathywellerstein]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 6:13pm

i eat ice cream too, goth! hagen daze is a very good suggestion.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 6:23pm

I live by the "if it's meant to be, it will be" philosophy. If I'm not cast I take it as a sign that there is something better suited for me coming along, whether it be a different show, or a shift in focus, or whatever. Frankly, it's probably a giant load of B.S., but it makes for good armor in a business so full of rejection.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 6:35pm

i basically am unprofessional, and think to myself "oh well- when i am big and star in some big thing, they'll be sorry they didnt cast me"
:P

[WiiCKED x3]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 9:33pm

I get pretty pissed, at first. About 2 minutes after that i'm over it.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 9:39pm

ive actually been rejected once, so ill have to see how i handle it a second time...
:P

[EganFan2]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 9:42pm

I'm usually sad for a day or two, especially if (in community theater) there is blantant favoritism. Then I get over it and move on. There is always something to try for.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 9:44pm

I always go into an audition believing I already have the role, making it feel like I'm going to rehearsal instead.

Of course, I always breathe very slowly and carefully tell myself before going in: "It's just a show. You'll do perfectly fine and you know damn well if you don't get it, it's fine. It's totally fine."

I haven't faced rejection yet, but I really don't have a problem with it. I'm far too busy a person to be bothered getting sad I didn't get cast. I can always bounce back and find something else to do.

[Amneris]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 10:57pm

at first, when i was young young like 14.. i used to get so upset.. for weeks. Then eventually, you just laugh it off. I am so used to it by now lol I actually think it's quite funny. I think of each audition as a game. And I give myself points for each one I go to.. etc. I try not to let it bother me simply because this was our choice as a profession. If we need to find ways to handle the rejection all the time, maybe this career isn't for us.. Just know you did your best, pat yourself on the back for going through with it and move on. I am a strong believer that there is something for everyone if they work hard.

[jv92]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 11:06pm

If it's something I want, sure I'll be sad for a while. If it's something I really don't care if I get, it passes quite quickly.

[Jane2]

Posted: 8/31/06 at 11:21pm

I never considered it as rejection and I have never felt bummed if I didn't book the job. If I give my all and am pleased with the audition, then I know they liked me but are looking for something different, and not "better".

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 9/2/06 at 8:56am

Finally, Pippin acknowledges what I have suspected ever since I first appeared on this message board. First I speculate whether Ellen Marlow should have gotten a Tony nomination. Then I profess my unabashed love for Brooklyn the Musical. Then I ruin the end of Sweeney Todd. Then I rip on that upcoming Broadway documentary about Wicked, Taboo, Avenue Q, and Caroline Change. Now this. I feel so accepted.

I was being sarcastic by the way.

And just for the record, Pippin, I always brace myself for rejection when I audition.

Updated On: 9/3/06 at 08:56 AM