So many actors struggle with the audition process. I want to help you understand so I asked several of my Casting Director friends for reasons why Actors don’t get the role and here is what they said:
There are soooooo many reasons an actor does not book a role:
1. We are going in a different direction with another race.
2. Going in a different direction with another gender.
3. We want someone taller, shorter, fatter, skinnier.
4. Too pretty.
5. Not pretty enough.
6. Looks too much like another character.
7. Doesn’t look enough like another character.
8. Not the right age for the role in comparison to the Actors we already cast.
9. Not the right energy for the role.
10. Not the right attitude.
11. Not believable.
12. Didn’t take redirection well.
13. They want a different hair color or hair style already on the actor, not one that has to be changed.
14. The voice is too similar or different to another actor who has already been cast in another role.
15. The Actor’s energy was too aggressive.
16. Their energy was not aggressive enough.
17. They can act and sing, but they’re dancing was terrible. Or any combination of that.
18. Much too happy and upbeat for this role.
19. Too dark and depressing for this role.
20. We loved them! Great actor just does NOT fit this role.
21. They have had prominent roles on other shows on same network, so no.
22. Reminds me too much of my ex wife, so no.
23. Casting loved them for the role but producers didn’t.
24. New storyline written during re-write, changing all the characters, need all new actors.
25. Can’t afford the actor we really wanted.
26. Our 1st choice turned down a direct offer, then schedule changed and they could accept.
27. Not the right chemistry with the other actor(s).
28. More good looking than the lead, so no.
29. Not funny enough.
30. Too funny.
31. Too green. Not enough experience. Can’t take the risk. Too much money on the line.
32. Decided to go with a name actor or a recognizable face.
33. Allergic to the animals cast on set.
34. Too nervous.
35. Too cocky.
36. Not enough layers/texture in the work. All one tone.
37. Voice is too deep.
38. Voice is too high pitched.
39. Wrong eye color.
40. Skin is too pale. Skin is too dark.
41. Didn’t make strong choices with the script.
42. Not a local hire where we are shooting. Budget won’t allow flying actor in and putting them up.
43. Actor doesn’t do well in auditions.
44. Couldn’t play homosexual/heterosexual convincingly enough.
45. Too intimidating. Not intimidating enough.
46. Criminal record.
47. Uninsurable.
48. Actor had too much “entitlement” energy going on.
49. Actor seemed angry they had to audition.
50. Actor not connecting with the reader.
51. Actor not actively listening to their reader/scene partner(s).
These are just some of the reasons I heard from casting directors. Remember they are often looking for something specific and you are either it or not it. Occasionally an actor goes in the room and does something they never thought of or something f so interesting they throw out everything they were going for and hire that actor. But usually not. They have to cast a CIRCLE so they do not cast a square, rectangle, obliging, hexagon or triangle… no matter how fabulous they are.
That’s why EVERY audition should just be an opportunity for you to go in and ACT and to show them what you prepared for that role. If you were interesting they will think of you for other roles and continue to bring You in.
Over time and with many, MANY auditions, that casting director will get to know your ability and range through seeing you in the various roles they audition you for.
When all the stars align you may book one for them and NOONE will be happier to make that call to you than the Casting Director who has been hoping for years there would finally be a FIT.
This is how it really works.
So stay training, be prepared and your time will come. LEARN HOW TO AUDITION…It is a different skill set. And after you audition let it go. Don’t think about it. Your job as an actor is to audition a lot. For long periods of time auditioning may be most of the acting you do. Go into each audition like you have already been cast in the role.
My advice: Create your OWN projects if you are tired of waiting.
