Expert: John T. Aney - 5/19/2007

Question
I am going to be a senior in High School next year and have been involved in the drama program for about two years now.  The club is very small with only about ten girls and six boys.  I have auditioned for the plays at every opportunity.  However I have yet to get a role.  I feel discouraged because so many people tell me that I am a good singer and actress yet freshman and sophmores who in my opinion are equally as talented beat me out on roles. I have gotten large roles in many plays previous to my sophomore and junior years.  I know that I'm going to audition for the fall play, but I feel really discouraged and nervous that I will be denied a role again.  Do you have any tips that I could use to show the director to give my a chance?
I would greatly appreciate it!

Answer
Unfortunately, while there are many things you can do to try to improve your chances, it is ultimately up to the director and what he/she sees, and that may end up having nothing to do with you or your talent.

It's a hard lesson to learn, but often the reason a director chooses one actor over another has very little to do with talent.  It can be a decision based on looks, physical comparison with other actors, politics, any number of things that you have no control over.

But you should make every effort to show how flexible you are and how easy it is to work with you.  Make strong choices in your audition - that is always impressive. And if the director makes a suggestion, make big changes to show that you understand the suggestion and that you are willing to work hard.  Be very attentive in the audition, make sure to thank the director, and indicate that you are willing to play ANY role.

Good luck.  If you don't get a role, don't be discouraged.  Are you planning on going to college?  If so, there may be lots more opportunities ahead of you, and the nice thing about college is you get to start over and be who  you want to be, not how others think you are.  At least for awhile...

jta