Audition anxiety. If you have ever felt it, then you know how paralyzing it can be!
Auditioning is one of the most thrilling, yet nerve-wracking parts of an actor’s journey. It’s where you get to showcase your talent, but it can also feel like a test you have to ace. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been acting for years, that feeling of anxiety can sneak up on all of us.
One of the most common struggles for actors – especially when auditioning, is the pressure to do everything “perfectly.” We can become so focused on whether we’re meeting the casting director’s expectations that we forget one simple, yet vital truth: Auditions are not about being perfect. They’re about being you.
Letting Go of Expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of what the casting team might want. We often worry about whether we look right for the role, whether we’ve delivered the lines exactly as written, or if our interpretation is what they’re looking for. And while it’s natural to want to make a strong impression, these worries can paralyze us.
Instead of stressing about expectations, try focusing on being present in the moment. Remember, an audition is not a final performance; it’s a chance to show what you bring to the table. Directors, producers, and casting agents want to see who you are, your unique take on the character, and your creativity. They’re not expecting a perfect rendition of the role, they want to see your spin on it. What that spin is, no one knows until they see it. So go ahead and let your audition anxiety go!
5 Ways To Start Letting Go
- Shift Your Mindset from Perfection to Authenticity
Instead of aiming for perfection, remind yourself that an audition is about showcasing your unique interpretation of the character. Trust that authenticity is more important than getting every line or detail exactly right! - Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
Concentrate on the experience of auditioning. How you feel in the moment, the energy you bring, and how you connect with the character? Letting go of the outcome allows you to enjoy the process rather than stressing about what may or may not happen. It really does more harm than good when you dwell on the outcome that you have no control over. BREATHE!!!! - Practice Self-Compassion
Acknowledge that auditions are a learning experience, and it’s okay to make mistakes or not fit perfectly into a role. Be kind to yourself and use each audition as a chance to grow, regardless of the outcome. If you don’t book the role, it’s ok! At least you tried and you are continually growing as an actor. - Release Control
Understand that casting decisions are influenced by many factors outside of your control. Trust that your job is to show up, do your best, and leave the rest to the casting team. Letting go of control reduces anxiety and helps you perform more naturally. You might have submitted the best performance but still didn’t book it because they needed a certain look to cast. - Embrace Imperfection
Recognize that there is no “one way” to play a role. Casting teams are looking for diverse approaches and interpretations. Embrace the freedom of expressing yourself without worrying about fitting a specific mold. Your individuality might be exactly what they’re seeking. This makes the audition process way more fun too! Have FUN with what you’re doing, always!
The Fear of “Doing It Wrong”
How many times have you walked into an audition room and found yourself frozen with the fear of doing it wrong? Maybe you’re worried you won’t nail a particular scene or that you’ll forget your lines. It’s easy to feel like failure is just one mistake away, but in reality, there is no “wrong” way to perform. When you realize this, you will start to see your audition anxiety slip away – like a balloon drifting up into the blue sky.
Every audition is an opportunity to try something new, to experiment, and to learn. Even if you don’t get the part, you’ve gained valuable experience. In fact, some of the most successful actors failed hundreds of times before landing their breakthrough roles. They learned from their auditions, not just from landing the job, but from how they pushed past their doubts and embraced the process.
So, the next time you walk into an audition room, instead of worrying about whether you’re doing it “right,” embrace the freedom of letting go. Don’t focus on the end result. Simply engage with the material and the character, and allow yourself to be vulnerable in the process. If you make a mistake, roll with it! It’s not the end of the world… It’s a chance to show your ability to think on your feet and recover!
If you have a background in theatre, you know how important it is to roll with the punches. People will forget lines, props will fail and you have to be ready for the unexpected. You prepared for months to learn your lines, choreograph the scene and know your cues. It’s time to let go, have fun and trust yourself. Everything else is temporary – just like your auditions! Just do it and forget about it!
Shifting the Focus: From “Perfection” to “Connection”
Here’s a mindset shift I find helpful when it comes to audition anxiety: Rather than focusing on whether you’re performing perfectly, try to focus on connecting with the material, the character, and the scene. What emotions are you trying to evoke? What does your character want in that moment? Is there something in the scene that resonates with you personally? Focus on finding that connection. When you are emotionally invested in the scene, it naturally leads to a more authentic and captivating performance.
Casting directors are looking for that raw connection and authenticity. They want to see you bring yourself to the role. So, let go of the pressure to be flawless and shift your focus to the emotional truth of the performance.
Breathing Through the Audition Anxiety
While letting go of expectations is an important part of overcoming audition anxiety, there are also practical ways to deal with those pre-audition jitters. One of the most effective tools? Deep breathing.
Before you step into the room, take a few moments to calm your nerves with some deep, slow breaths. This simple act can do wonders in grounding you and quieting the anxious thoughts racing through your mind. Focus on the present moment. Feel the air in your lungs, the ground beneath your feet, and the opportunity ahead. By tuning into your breath, you can keep your body from being overtaken by nervous energy.
There are a lot of different breathing exercises you can do, but one in particular that helps me is adding in some physical movement while beating on your chest as you breathe. This might sound complicated, but it’s so easy and you can do it anywhere! If you tend to feel your heartbeat racing and you can’t perform to your best ability because of it, try this technique out. It could be just what you need to help those nerves during your audition!
Here is a video where you can see how it’s done (one technique was taught to me be the incredible Michael Antonakos!!!)!:
Acknowledge the Audition Anxiety, But Don’t Let It Define You
It’s also important to acknowledge that audition anxiety is perfectly normal. Everyone experiences it, even the most seasoned actors. That tight knot in your stomach, the shaking hands, the fear of messing up, it’s all part of the process. The key is not to try to eliminate anxiety entirely but to work with it. Recognize it, breathe through it, and let it fuel your performance, rather than hinder it.
Remember, auditions are not a test. They are a moment for you to step into a role, explore your creative instincts, and show up as your authentic self. If you let go of the pressure to be perfect and focus on the experience itself, you’ll find that your auditions feel less like a performance and more like an exciting opportunity to grow and connect with your craft.
It’s Time To Trust Yourself
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do to overcome audition anxiety is to trust yourself. You’ve put in the work. You’ve trained. You have your unique qualities that make you an exceptional actor. Auditions are not about getting everything right, they’re about showing up, being present, and sharing your interpretation of the role.
So, the next time you feel the pressure mounting before an audition, remember: It’s okay to let go of expectations. Don’t stress about whether you’re doing it right. Instead, focus on doing it your way. And most importantly, believe in yourself. You’ve got this!!!
To learn more about Shannon, visit her about page or subscribe to her YouTube channel Simply Shannon Entertainment LLC for more inspirational, fun and upbeat content!