How do you personally handle rejection? Do you have any embarassing/heartwrenching stories? Have you ever had to deal w/ a recasting?

Crying works for me.

Our family starts by not using the word rejection. We use selection. You are selected or you are not. There are so many variables, in addition to talent, that may factor into the selection. The actor may not fit the director's vision. The actor may have a killer audition and nail it, but the look, coloring of skin and/or eyes, height or size may be a factor, especially when matching a family unit. You just never know.

Recasting happens all the time, especially with child actors. They can grow out of parts before filming begins or they may not grow enough to carry a recurring role of an established character in a series onto the next season. There are even actors who have been replaced at the table read or during production, due to various circumstances. This business can be fickle, so it's best be flexible and prepared for anything. Work hard, do your best and pray, once hired, you make it to the end of production and see you and your credits on the finished product!

quote:

Originally posted by Mominbiz:
Our family starts by not using the word rejection. We use selection. You are selected or you are not. There are so many variables, in addition to talent, that may factor into the selection. The actor may not fit the director's vision. The actor may have a killer audition and nail it, but the look, coloring of skin and/or eyes, height or size may be a factor, especially when matching a family unit. You just never know.

I really, really like what you just said, Mominbiz.

It reminds us of the options we all have when the chips don't fall in our favor. I think that we as actors tend to take the casting process far too personally and I think it's all tied up with our basic insecurities and desire to succeed. We are all the authors of our own scripts. But even when we try and focus on the very point you mentioned, the reality of not booking the job is never pleasant, especially when there are bills to pay, agreed?

"Whatever works."

I know it's hard, but you just can't take it personally.

I have been through re-casting twice... it's hard to not take it personally... but time heals all wounds.

for whatever reason, my coping mechanism has become to go to thrift stores and buy cheap things i don't need. some of the coolest (and most economical) items i own are a direct result of not getting cast in shows.

true story.

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Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:

quote:

Originally posted by Mominbiz:
Our family starts by not using the word rejection. We use selection. You are selected or you are not. There are so many variables, in addition to talent, that may factor into the selection. The actor may not fit the director's vision. The actor may have a killer audition and nail it, but the look, coloring of skin and/or eyes, height or size may be a factor, especially when matching a family unit. You just never know.

I really, really like what you just said, Mominbiz.

It reminds us of the options we all have when the chips don't fall in our favor. I think that we as actors tend to take the casting process far too personally and I think it's all tied up with our basic insecurities and desire to succeed. We are all the authors of our own scripts. But even when we try and focus on the very point you mentioned, the reality of not booking the job is never pleasant, especially when there are bills to pay, agreed?

Thank you, Robert. And yes, I agree, not booking is still not pleasant, no matter how you look at it, especially when there are bills to pay. That's why actors have to focus on moving forward from one audition to the next.