From my “Don’t Call Us–We’ll Call You,” A Cynic’s Answer to Why Actors Don’t Get Cast.
YOU WEREN’T ENERGETIC. When your name was called you lazily walked to the stage. When I asked for volunteers, you didn’t raise your hand. When you were delivering your audition piece your eyes seemed dead and lifeless. I can overlook a lot of mistakes made by an auditionee if they make up for it by displaying a lot of energy (controlled energy). Energy is one of the most important ingredients of Charisma — and if you don’t have it, you just don’t have it.
One of the best ways to let a theatre know you want to work for them is to be full of pep and energy. Who wants to volunteer? ME! Come on up. OKAY, HERE I COME! Don’t make them wait on you for anything. Sit as close to where the action is as possible. Now, don’t go overboard and make them wonder if you’re high on something (even a HINT of that may cost your a job) but be quick to volunteer and when you’re onstage, make sure you “turn it on.”
During my performing days, I made a bit out of being energetic. The theatres that knew me, knew that I was a serious performer– but they also knew I had a quick sense of humor and behind my blue eyes was a little kid just waiting to have fun. Everyone likes to be around fun people– especially if they are confident that the fun won’t get in the way of work.
About this series:
These entries are taken from my article “Don’t Call Us — We’ll Call You.” It is a tongue-in-cheek survey of silly mistakes actors make that should never have been made. Your comments are welcome, but PLEASE don’t comment “that’s dumb” or “everybody knows that” because I have personally seen these mistakes cost actors roles.
