Outside professional chat

While chatting with a very experienced west end performer the subject of my inquiry topic popped up so I took the opportunity to ask her opinion on the matter of rejection in the business. Specifically on the variety of types of rejection.

"You learn quickly that the majority of the time you are not in control. You do your part by turning up to the audition, being well prepared in all aspects and doing your best. Then no matter the outcome you can walk away with your head held high because you'll know deep down there was nothing more you could have done. If however you haven't prepared properly then the fault may lie with you and you can start to beat yourself up. Over the years you learn your type, which style you suit and you must accept that you will suit certain parts and not others."

I agree completely. Through experience which shows suited me and which didn't. In your head you may imagine you could be right for everything but the reality is you have a stereotype and the casting directors know that....that's their job! Accepting the way you look goes a long way towards being able to deal with rejection.

"It's a tough business and rejection is a big part of it. No-one gets every job they go for. You'll experience rejections you don't mind so much, ones that you don't understand, ones you do, ones that shock you (how comes they kept her, I was much better?) One of the most difficult things to handle is  the further you go through the audition process the more you get your hopes up. It's only natural. You start imagining yourself in the job, day dreaming if you like. Then when the phone call doesn't come it's like punch in the stomach. There's no explanation. It's an awful feeling."

"How do you get over it?"

"Different ways. Talk it through with my husband or friends. Go for a run. Clean. I think it's important to vent. Get it out in the open and analyse it. You'll probably be disappointed for anything up to a week maybe more. It all depends on the personality. The bad ones stay with you a while."

Being able to put the negative feelings aside is a necessity for the performer to be able to move on looking forward to the next opportunity. It takes a strong character. It does however beat some people. After a few rejections in a row the self-esteem will lower. Doubt of ones ability enters the mind leading to a lack of confidence which will be noticeable in the next audition. Sink or swim time.