[ausbrit]

This is more to do with having been cast in a role rather than the initial audition, but I couldn't find another suitable place to post, so bear with me!!!

I am always really confident about preparaing and performing in auditions, it seems though that when i get a part I get to a stage where I start to wonder if I can really do it. I tell myself that the directors/production team have obviously seen something in me that they like, and that they have confidence in me, my problem seems to be self-doubt, despite having successfully performed many roles in the past.

Am I the only neurotic one out there? How do you think I should deal with it?

[music is my life!!!]

i actually find the audition process more daunting. Before your performance, think that the audience want you to do well, because they're coming to see you give a good performance and (maybe, just MAYBE!) enjoy it! they nearly never go to the theatre to see a bunch of teenagers ambarrass themselves!

you got the part because you're good at it - and never forget that!

[MaryMag]

I've felt this as well, ausbrit! Because I know sometimes casting directors cast someone just cuz they absolutely could not find someone better, not because the person they cast was that great. Sad but true.

Anyway, I developed a huge complex when I got the lead with a company that the theater community here expects big things from. I was like, WHA? ME? People here really respect this company. Reviewers that hate everything else love what this company does. I felt a ton of pressure. Didn't help when we got horrible reviews.

I know that doesn't comfort you much, but I guess all I'm saying if I've felt similarly. And I just got a thicker skin. I worked harder than I'd ever previously worked and I just developed a sort of, "fukc you, i think i'm good" attitude.

[Cake_in_Song]

Nah, not really. I find playing a role less scary, because I have time to build the character, work with the director, reherse and all that jazz before I have to show it to the audience. I'm one of those people who comes off really horrible in audition, but impresses wonderfully in real performances. The tough part is, nobody really wants to take the chance on me. I auditioned for a couple musical theatre schools, and wanted them to read my references and look at my experience and combine it with my performance to see raw potential, energy, and dedication. But all they saw was an awkward girl whose vibrato is out of control when she's nervous, whose body language is closed off, who can't dance to save her life. And that's not what they want. They all want people who are already perfect and polished, so they don't have to take any risks. If they know a person is sellable, that person isn't going to damage their reputation as highly elite institution. But they lose, because all of a sudden, I have this overwhelming urge to become the bloody best performer in the world, just to show them what idiots they were for not being the ones who "discovered" me. I'll make them sick with regret.

Sorry, that had nothing to do with this topic. If a director sees potential in you, it must mean you're doing something right. You've got to have faith in your own ability to pull off a role. Just give it your all, and things should go swimmingly. Of course, if you do come to a point when you're really struggling, just ask for help from the director or another expert.

[ausbrit]

Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice. I think MaryMag's experience is closest to my own in this particular instance - the theatre company I'm with consistently sells out and has an amazing reputation. This role is also the biggest I've ever played, the production is going on tour, and the pressure is really on to deliver - I know it is not a case of casting me because they couldn't find anyone better, either (that sounds vain - sorry, I'll explain!). Initial auditions for this show were held months ago and I was one of the few leads who was cast in the initial process. Months later they had still not cast a number of other leads and told me it was because they could not find anyone to match my calibre! Really flattering, but the PRESSURE!
Obviously, I'm going to get on and give it my best and keep giving them what they're asking for, but I'm so annoyed at these undermining, negative feelings and wish I could be rid of them!!!

[pinkpearlgirl]

I COMPLETELY understand. My first play ever was freshman year in college. I got Petra in ALNM, which isn't a huge huge role but it's pretty good and she has the longest solo song in the entire play. I was beyond confident throughout the entire audition process. One rehearsals started, I cried either sitting in the green room between scenes or when I got back to my dorm EVERY single night because I just felt like I couldn't do it. Thank god I had a really supportive cast, director, and epecially the stage managers who really helped me through. After the show was over and I realized I hadn't destroyed the entire show or anything I slowly started to gain more confidence. Then when I got the leads in 5 david ive's one-acts for another show I freaked out right until opening night and then I got AMAZING reviews. Pretty much you just need to try to work through it and realize that there is a reason you got cast - because you ARE talented!

[ausbrit]

Oh my goodness! Congrats on your reviews, but what a shame you has to go through such emotional angst on the way to receiving them!

You said your director et al. were really supportive - to be honest I feel a little embarrassed to admit to our production team how I'm feeling - I keep thinking it will be a problem and they'll wish they had chosen someone who was less 'hard-work'.

Oh, dear. I thought teenage insecurity was supposed to end when you left your teens...

[jazzygirlsings]

Read "Smart Actors: Foolish Choices"...seriously...It really helps you deal with this problem. It is NOT uncommon!