The entertainment industry not only examines your résumé and qualifications, but your talents, appearance, connections, and competition. And once you film a role, you’re unemployed once again seeking the next wave of success. Choosing to pursue an acting career is not for the faint of heart. It’s for individuals who can handle rejection over and over again. So how do working actors overcome rejection?
1. They seek out a supportive community. While your family may not completely understand your struggle to build your acting career, others actors will understand. Your acting classmates and the actors you have previously worked with can be a great source of camaraderie, so seek out relationships with other supportive actors. Your friends in and out of class can cheer you on.
2. They have confidence in their accomplishments. Maybe you haven’t booked that series regular or leading film role yet, but you can be grateful for the costars and guest stars you’ve booked, because you’re on your way to that next role. Haven’t booked a co-starring or guest-starring role yet? Reflect on the other things that are on your résumé. Build confidence in yourself, knowing you are a capable, talented individual with lots to offer.
3. They are in competition with themselves. Yes, other actors are auditioning for the same role, but if you perform to the best of your ability, your cast-ability will come down to type. Successful actors do not take it personally when they are not hired. Constantly comparing yourself to other actors can weaken your self-esteem, but improving upon your own skills and connections will keep you focusing on the positive. An acting career can sometimes be a sprint—things can happen quickly, but most actors will experience a marathon. Your acting career requires endurance.
4. They define success according to the time they put in, not just the jobs they book. This can be a hard pill to swallow. If you’re in acting class, taking casting director workshops, marketing yourself, and more, you can be assured you’re putting yourself out there. That’s half the battle. Getting cast relies on so many people: agents submit you for the audition, casting directors call you in, directors/producers agree to cast you, networks/studios give the stamp of approval. Working actors focus on their part, because it pays off.
5. Their identity isn’t solely dependent upon their career. An acting career doesn’t totally define you. Yes, most introductions in the entertainment industry normally start with your name and then the question, “What do you do?” But what you do isn’t completely who you are. Feel the freedom to nurture other interests you enjoy that you can add to your list of special skills. Such activities will not only help relieve stress, but can make space for more opportunities. You never know who you will meet at the gym, the park, a cooking class, etc. who can help you move your career forward.
Overcoming rejection isn’t easy. After a weak audition, actors will be tempted to delve into self-criticism. But the actors who push through these feelings, find the humor in an off day, pick themselves up and brush themselves off will be stronger the next time. And there is always a next time.
Like this advice? Check out more from our Backstage Experts!
