Why Am I Never Called For Callbacks?

Did you know that your audition begins as you first approach the Green Room door? There will always be a member of the theater staff to sign you in, right? What is your attitude if you have to wait in line? Are you angry and impatient or do you take it in stide? After you are signed in and you wait your turn to be called on stage, do you allow others to read their material or do you insist on chatting and interrupting others who need peace and quiet?

How did you dress for occasion? If the role calls for a tux, you obviously do not arrive in baggy shorts and sneakers. The director wants to get an idea of what you will look like in costume. Likewise, if you are a woman and the role calls for a ball gown, would you arrive in jeans and a sweatshirt? I hope not.

Are you prepared for the audition? Did you phone ahead to see what is expected of you? Are you reading from the script or do you need a prepared monologue? Always be prepared to do the unexpected. A director might ask for you to change direction in the middle of an audition and do something that seems totally out of character for the character you are auditioning for. Take the direction and do your best with it. You're probably being tested to see if you take direction well.

Lastly, is your acting and characterization technique what the director has in mind? Don't be upset if you are not called back. There are at least 50 reasons you may be wrong for the part but keep trying.

If you go to the Audition Notices on StageMagazineOnline.com, you will see so many possibilities for parts. Never give up. Someday you will get that part.

Ruth Goldman