Are you Nervous at Auditions? 5 Solutions by Top Directors

A typical film audition scene

A typical audition scene in a Bollywood film or TV audition:

Fierce competition! A long queue of hundreds for a single role in audition! “Hell! Everyone is looking better than me! My chances are poor! What to do?”

This is a common experience of many, especially new actors. They enter the audition room with a scared face with sweat trickling down the neck.
The result is disastrous. In nutshell, this nervousness just screws up all your efforts and preparation.
Stress and anxiety are factors that an actor has to deal with when they audition for a part. But it’s important that an actor knows what to do with their nervousness so it doesn’t prevent them from getting what they want.
Based on my own experience and the recommendations of top casting directors, here are 5 invaluable techniques as solutions to fight nervousness and anxiety

1. Stop Negative Thoughts. Take a break. 

Sometimes an actor gets stressed out before they have to perform. When this happens, a person must give an auto suggestion with Saying “Stop” to self, should take a deep breath, say “I’m confident, I’ll do the best”, just smile for self and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things before auditioning for a part.

2. Read motivating quotes, something uplifting your mood. 

A technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive quotes; statements that make you feel good. Whenever you come across a motivational quote, being positive in life, statements by great Hollywood or Bollywood actors, how to manage anxiety, etc., write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed or frustrated, open up your notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking before going on stage or set.

3. Visualize the audition scene before and practice. 

Sometimes we can get anxious over an upcoming audition just for the heck of it or perhaps because we don’t know anything about it.
There are 2 options:
• If possible, visit the place before a day and try to inquire about it. If it’s a casting director’s office try to meet few concerned people. This will help you to reach at the audition place without hassles on time on the day and mentally you may be in a relaxed mood.
• Before the big day comes, imagine yourself doing the audition using your mind. By doing this, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self-visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

4. Worrying only makes things worse. 

A lot of times, our worrying can make the problem even worse. All the worrying in the world will not change anything. All you can do is to do your best each day, hope for the best, and if something does not work out, learn to take it in stride. Just say to yourself “If they don’t select me, the loss is theirs’s. They lost a good actor for their film”. “Ha…ha…ha”

5. Take help. 

Take advantage of the help that is available around you if you get really anxious in your auditions. If possible, talk to your school teacher or a professional acting coach who can help you manage your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.
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