Acting Auditions 101

Lesson 3: APPLYING THE TWELVE GUIDEPOSTS.

Defining a Successful Audition.

What does your definition of audition success have to do with a successful audition? Everything. Bear with me for a moment, but perhaps if we enlarged our vision for just a moment, we might see a greater vista in respect to auditions.

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon in Arizona? I was born in the United States and lived for a time in Arizona. During one family trip, we passed near a portion of the Grand Canyon. My family jumped out of the car and ran to the guard rail a good distance away. Being about fourteen, I found such things quite boring and chose to stay in the car.

Sure, I could see a few rocky bluffs off in the distance. No big deal. I seriously couldn't see why everyone in my family was so excited. Finally, somebody ran back to the car and insisted I come see.

Trudging unhappily along the path, I wasn't paying much attention to the scenery. Suddenly we got to the guard rail and I looked up. What I saw defined "taking your breath away." There literally is no other way to describe the visual impact of the Grand Canyon. And if you have never been there, at some point in your life you need to go.

Miles of open space stretched before me, equaled only by the miles of vast canyon walls stretching down below me. Never had I felt so close to dying and living at the same moment. It was exhilerating and I've not encountered anything like it since. I returned to the car a bit more humble as a teenager!

What does my first encounter with the Grand Canyon have to do with the definition of successful auditions? You may not think much at all. And perhaps it doesn't. Yet allow me to hopefully expand your view to include a broader vista -- which hopefully then will enlarge your power and presence at each future audition.

Here is my definition of a successful audition: achieved by arising to the occasion and giving it your all.

In other words, you know you’ve had a successful audition when you walk away energized by the experience and knowing that regardless of whether you got the part or not, you were allowed a mesmorizing experience in which you tapped deeply into the mysteries of your raw energy and talent.

In other words, you were “on.” You knew it and everyone in the room knew it. Perhaps you’re blond and six feet tall, and the director had in mind a petite brunette. Yet you walked out of that room knowing that you had “zinged” and people would not forget the performance. THAT is a successful audition.

You may not agree with me. That is fine. You are in the privacy of your own space, wherever you are right now. Don't take my definition, unless it fits for you. But have you considered all facets to a successful audition? Remember, your definition will rule your feelings as you leave each audition. Make sure the definition you are about to write provides a comfortable fit, for you will face it after each and every audition in your life!

Write down now what your definition is of a successful audition.

Is your definition of audition success identical to mine? Most likely not, because you are unique and will look at the process through your personal lenses of life. The point is, whether we feel like we are a success or a failure truly stems from our personal definitions we choose to live by. We shortchange our triumphs and our joys when we limit the viewpoint of audition success.

In fact, in the next section I will share with you my most memorable audition where I DIDN’T land the part, but walked away for the first time knowing I was an actor.

Feel free to rewrite your audition definition each and every time you grow in vantage point. Make it fit where you really want to go.

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