Ready for a career in show business? Great, get used to hearing these words… no, thanks anyway, not what were looking for, maybe next time, good luck, no. Let’s not sugar coat it, millions of people have the idea of being an acting or singing star and there just aren’t enough jobs and films to make everyone happy. No matter how skilled you are or how amazing your voice is you will be turned down, a lot. Don’t take it personal. Directors have to answer to producers and producers have to answer to financiers and that’s just the way the business works. Handling rejection is a lot like an athlete taking a loss, how you compose yourself can make a big difference on your chances in the future.

It’s very tough to pour your heart and soul into an audition or casting call and be rejected. But remember, it probably had nothing to do with your performance. Directors and casting agents have specifics in mind for what they are looking for and if you don’t fit that’s life. If you are mid-20’s with a lanky frame and awkward movements there’s little chance of you getting the role of the 16 year old high school quarterback star. You can nail all the lines, hit every mark and even wow the crew with your skills but if you don’t have the look the director wants it’s just not happening. Don’t get discouraged, every successful actor and singer has had their fair share of rejection but the ones who make it are the ones who persevere and believe in themselves.

Not getting what you want is part of growing up. And performing arts has everything to do with experiencing life. Unless it’s a role for a 6-year old directors and casting agents want to see some experience from your performance, some battle scars that show you’ve been hurt but can bounce back up and have the fortitude to continue. They also want to see you handle rejection with the heart of a champion. Even Michael Jordan missed some jump shots and lost plenty of games (in fact the best player ever didn’t even make his high school basketball team as a sophomore) but he didn’t sit around pouting feeling sorry for himself. He went back in the gym and shot several hundred more jumpers to be prepared for the next shot. As a performer you have to have the same attitude… next time I’ll make it.

How you handle being turned down says more about you then when you get the part. Being able to keep your head up, smile through the sting of rejection and thank the directors for their time shows a lot of courage and maturity and may even be the trick that gets you another casting call or audition in the future. Holding a grudge, rolling your eyes, sighing out loud and telling a director he is making a mistake are a great way to get yourself out of the game, permanently. Remember, people talk in show business and your actions can have major repercussions down the road. Look at rejection as a learning experience and let it teach you.

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