Acting : Warning - Actors Never Want to Hear 3 Words From Casting by Aaron Marcus

Thank you for sharing this video Aaron Marcus I too have learned not to read anything into casting director/director comments after an audition, because like you said, there are numerous reasons you didn't get cast that have nothing to do with your talent.

I agree. Especially your comment about not being able to read the casting director's reaction to your audition. It is impossible to know what is in the CD's brain at the time and they might be reacting to something that has nothing to do with the actor. Thank you again for your wonderful comments.

I view these as business interview sessions, do you fit the part, can you emulate the part, are you right for the part and what is their first impression! My thing is do you know anyone who can get you past the starting line to the finish line. Did a couple of low end interviews (auditions)

I agree, John. Perhaps, one other way that I view auditions is that they are play time for me. I never think I am going to book the role, so I never try to. I go in - incredibly prepared and have a goal of just wanting to have a good time. It is a Wednesday morning and I get a chance to play.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us here.

Once I understood by reversing roles with the casting people, it made sense. All those movies you enjoy as a fly on the wall, as a third party to the event or in a 4th wall presentation. They all had that something that make them believable as a real even to whisk you away for that time allow you to clear your brain better that any drug could. That was a whole different type of movie!!!!

You understand the criteria for the part to seek. If the information was accurate, if you interpreted the instructions correctly or once you get in front of people you can relax to metamorphose into the character in prose, poise and mannerisms, the part can be yours. One would think! Easy Breezy CoverGirl.

You are correct, it is play time.

One can see it in any artistic venture that is successful, egos channeled into a coercive cohesive force an audience get absorbed into. The storyteller's narrative for the character that you most identify with as understood you might be playing a supporting role. Then reality steps in with the comprehension of the process that took place.

Those on the silver screen had a "plan A" to be famous did something different or was something different to the people they met. That also means the audience reaction. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, A listers, B, C took time the climb the ladder. What I audition were starting roles to get a idea of the industry as I knew that would be on that other of the table.

Working on my writing, has been an interesting part of my life these days. So many revelations of the journey of the last 4,386 days in Texas. Not to mention the previous 2,010 days accumulated between Nevada and California. Now the time is to be a storyteller creating character and all business goes in the right direction will employ actors for the purpose of making the stories become 3 dimensional with a POV based on the depth of field.

Having fun on an audition makes me think of the 4th wall concept. Once you notice it, it shows up all over the place almost everywhere. Auditions are 4th wall, a direct connection to the audience then the back is turned making everyone an observer to progress with style that could land you the role.

Wow, you really are a great writer. I think the other helpful aspect of not trying to book the job is to help take the pressure off. And, for those who are only focused on getting the role, sometimes, the casting director can easily sense that desperation. That is not someone the casting director wants to hire. Thank you so much again.

The audition IS the job.

Great point. Thank you.

In learning to write for a shot at getting my work optioned, I did some study on the differences of writing for a specific actor as opposed to writing a character / description the a casting company would like to fill. I have read those after stories where an actor was hired then for whatever reason left the during the production.

Suzanne, the audition to me is or was the job interview.

Aaron, thanks!

And sometimes it's as the old saying goes, you may have given the best audition but "the costume didn't fit". Also as a number of you have implied, there's no such thing as a wasted audition.

Exactly Pamela. If you think of the audition as the job, opportunity to play, then it can't be for naught. Acting is what I want to do, so I never regret an audition. I laid it all out on the table, gave it 100%, after that it's beyond my control. I don't know what the other actors did, who has already been cast, etc. But I did me. Perception is everything.

Pamela and Suzanne. I really love what you say. No such thing as a wasted audition. I auditioned for the Netflix show House of Cards 14 times, and never got booked. I was on hold, had some call backs, but never booked. They certainly liked was I was doing at the audition, but as you stated, "the costume just didn't fit perfectly." However, on the 15th audition I booked a recurring role.

Thank you for sharing such wonderful insights.

Well said, Suzanne. No doubt your experience and perspective can be of value for others.

Good for you, Aaron! What a great example of how every audition can 'value add' to others' perceptions of you and your talents. Wishing you continuing success.

Another thing to keep in mind about casting selections -- when there are a lot of people involved in making the final decision [clients, agency, CD, director, co-star, exec, etc.] coming to a consensus typically means compromise. The actor who performed "best" might not be the favorite of one of the decision-makers. The power plays behind the casting session certainly affect choices and to quote the old saying, "It's not always about you".. So as so many of you have said here, always do your best.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience with us.

It takes a village to make a movie but it takes writer to make a " universe " that can be tweaked into a "Village Roadshow" (no reference to the company or the brand name).

That is so well said, John.