This post was written by P&P Contributor, Tara Sampson.

As an actor and a singer, sometimes it’s difficult to feel like I brought my best into every audition; and it’s even harder to avoid over-analyzing every choice I made once I leave the audition. Throughout my time auditioning, being rejected, being rejected again, being rejected some more, then finally booking a job here and there, I have developed a way for myself to feel good about every audition I go to, regardless of whether or not I book the gig. Here are five tips to feel confident going into (and leaving) any audition.

1. Come prepared

It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised! I make sure to be well-rehearsed for every audition, even it means sacrificing some sleep. Knowing you have done everything you can to prep for an audition will allow you to walk in feeling ready for whatever the auditors throw at you. 

2. Be Friendly – especially in the waiting room

Aside from the obvious, “You never know who someone is or who they might know,” talking with others in the waiting room can be very relaxing. It’s always nice to bond with the people who are in the exact same situation as yourself. I find it counter-productive to view them as “competition.” These fellow actors are your colleagues, you may be cast alongside them in this show or the next, so there’s no reason to feel isolated and lonely while waiting to be called into the room. 

3. Take Your Time

This audition slot is YOURS, own it. I don’t mean force them to watch you warm up or use up all your time chatting, but don’t let yourself feel rushed. I know a 2-minute time slot (which is the standard for most auditions) feels short, but it’s plenty of time. Take a deep breath, or two, if you need to. At my last audition, the accompanist played my starting note and was waiting for my cue to begin, when I totally blanked on the first line! I just took a moment, breathed in deep, and it came to me – then I got a callback. They want your audition to be great just as badly as you do (okay, maybe not JUST as badly, but they’re rooting for you!), so if you need a second to get yourself in the right headspace, take it!

4. Do What Your Rehearsed

An audition is NEVER the time to try something new. Enough said.

5. Let It Go Immediately

As soon as you leave the room, it’s over. You cannot change what you did, so try to remind yourself it’s now out of your hands, so why agonize over it? I am very familiar with the need to rethink every choice made in the audition room, but I’ve realized that if I give it my all and do what I rehearsed every time, I don’t feel that need. Trust your preparation and your skill; if it’s not what they are looking for, so what? You cannot control the director’s vision, or if the girl right after you can hit the most fabulous mixed G note you’ve ever heard. All you can do is be proud of yourself for showing up and move on to the next one!

These are just some things you can do to feel more confident before and after the audition; and these may not be universal (some people can’t stand making small talk before an audition), but they help me and I hope they help you too! As actors, our job is auditioning – the gigs just make it worth it! Heck, it’s awesome to be allowed a free chance to perform (without having to pay for the space or the accompanist!), so enjoy every minute of your journey. 

Tara is a professional actor and voice teacher in San Diego, California. She currently teaches voice to students of all ages out of her studios in Murrieta and La Jolla. You can learn more about Tara and her coaching packages (including scheduling your first free lesson) on her website, TaraSampsonVoice.com.