Share this page on Facebook
Backstage: The Call - Dealing with rejection
  
Sunday, 29 November 2009 10:26

Diplomacy goes a long way, no matter your age, physique, intellect, financial status or talent. In the case of the actor or artist, it is a time tested gem. I have heard the saying, more than once, that people may never remember what you say to them, but they will always remember how you make them feel.
 
In this field, where actors, producers, directors, and crew all seem to be on the ‘hustle’, being diplomatic and professional always has and always will go a long way. How an actor responds to a rejection or acceptance call or email will always be remembered.
 
There’s not much to be said for dealing with ‘acceptance’, except to say that it would be wise to remain cool, calm and collected once you’re invited for a callback or once an agent says they definitely want you. From thereon, negotiations for your participation will be made, rehearsals scheduled and meetings with the Director will more than likely take place. Never for a second think that because you got the role, you are now a ‘diva’. There are executives who will replace you in a second, no matter your skill or talent. But what about the other end of the stick?
 
Rejections happen more often than not.

 
I started my six month-old son on baby cereal the other day. On the back of the box, there are three photos of a baby. In the first photo the baby is frowning at whoever is trying to feed her. In the second photo, the baby’s face seems a little lighter but her mouth is still closed and she still seems tense at the thought of eating anything but her mother’s breast milk or formula. By the time the third photo is seen, the baby is giggling, happily accepting whatever comes on that spoon. On the back of the box, in big bold letters, are the words, ‘Try, Try Again’. For a mother breaking her baby into eating solid food (more like foreign food to a baby), those words are very encouraging.
 
In the acting business, the same principle applies. It is a principle that actually thrives within every industry, relationships, applications and fields of study. Even the late Aaliyah admonishes us in her song, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try try again’. As children we hear the saying over and over. But it’s a matter of will, determination and discipline, to allow the words to pass from our minds into our hearts, producing nothing but persistent fruit.
 
The point is people, so what if you’re rejected for an acting gig you really wanted! It’s not the end of the world. Try, try again!!! You would know by now that casting calls pop up when you least expect them. And as I stated in an earlier newsletter, there is a project with your name on it, yes, in big, beautiful lighting. In the interim, honing your skills and developing your craft is a must. This increases your chance of ever being considered or invited for a call back. But you mustn’t be like the boy who got rejected by the most beautiful girl in the school and there on decided he’s never going to ask another girl out again. Try, try again!!!
 
You’re not doing anyone a favor by moping around and resolving never to audition again. In fact, you’d be serving yourself the biggest injustice you can. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt! Even if only to prove to yourself that your spirit is not easily broken, try, try again. The very Casting Call you decide to ignore because according to you ‘you cannot get the part’, is the very one that was waiting on you to show up.