How to Deal with Audition Results: Student Edition


You practiced and practiced, put yourself out there, let it all hang out- and you didn’t get it. What do you do? For many students and parents, middle school is the first time they may have experienced this kind of disappointment. While every student and situation is different, here are some thoughts to get you started!

DO!
  • If you got a part, but it’s not the part you wanted, make the most of the part you have. Even if you didn’t get your dream role, being in a play is always fun and with the right perspective/attitude you can have an awesome time!
  • Congratulate your friends who got parts. Getting a part is exciting and you’d want them to be excited for you.
  • A good response to friends who are happy or sad about their part is: “the director chose this part for you for reason”!
  • Stay humble!
  • Try to control your emotions. Remember, it’s okay to be sad or disappointed, but in front of your friend who just got a really great part is probably not the place!
  • Congratulate yourself for working hard and trying your best. Remind yourself that sometimes not getting a part has absolutely nothing to do with how hard you worked or how you did in the auditions! Stay positive! Don’t be too hard on yourself! Don’t overthink it!
  • Remember that it’s possible that the reason you didn’t get the part (or even a part) is just that a lot of people auditioned and there weren’t an unlimited number of parts!
  • Ask for feedback from directors. This can help you do better on your next audition.
  • If you had hoped you would be having fun at rehearsals and won’t be going this time, fill that time slot with something fun. Try something new! And then remind yourself how lucky you are to get the chance to do this new cool thing. If you were in rehearsal, you wouldn’t be able to!
  • Assure yourself and others that there are always more shows to audition for!
DON’T
  • Ignore your friends that got good parts. Tell them you’re happy for them, even if it’s hard for you. You’ll be proud of yourself later!
  • Blame it / take it out on your parents, friends, yourself, the directors...anyone! Not getting cast happens to everyone who auditions from time to time. It really isn’t anybody’s “fault”!
  • Be upset over a small role. Any role can be a great role and you can learn a lot from ensemble. Be prepared to learn and look on the bright side.
  • Let it affect the rest of your life! It’s just one part in one play!
  • Let it cause you to believe lies about yourself. You are a rockstar and amazing things will happen in your future! Even if you didn’t get this part.