Rejection is an inevitable part of any profession, and it’s especially prevalent in the performing arts. Auditions are a daily reality for actors, and with each audition comes the possibility of rejection. However, dealing with rejection can be challenging and emotionally taxing despite its frequency. This article explores strategies for coping with rejection and nurturing the actor within, enabling you to turn these experiences into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Understanding Rejection
Before learning to deal with rejection, it’s essential to understand it. In acting, rejection can take many forms: not getting a call back after an audition, losing a role to another actor, receiving negative reviews, or even being overlooked for opportunities. Remember, though, that rejection is rarely personal. It’s usually based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond your control, such as a specific look, a director’s vision, or even budget constraints.
Accepting Rejection as Part of the Process
The first step in dealing with rejection is to accept it as part of the acting profession. For every role an actor gets, there could be dozens, if not hundreds, of rejections. Even the most successful actors in the world have faced rejection at various points in their careers.
Meryl Streep, considered one of the finest actresses of her generation, was once told she wasn’t pretty enough for a film role. Oscar-winner Halle Berry spent some time living in a homeless shelter when starting her career. These examples serve as a reminder that rejection is not unique to you; it’s a universal experience in the acting world.
Adopting a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. When applied to acting, this mindset can help you view rejection not as a failure but as a learning opportunity.
Every audition, whether successful or not, provides an experience to learn. Did your preparation pay off? Could your performance have been more nuanced? Was your interpretation of the character well-received? Reflecting on these points after each audition helps you identify areas for improvement.
Building Resilience
Building resilience is key to coping with rejection. Resilience doesn’t mean ignoring the disappointment that comes with rejection; it means acknowledging those feelings and then finding ways to move forward.
Developing a self-care routine can be an effective way to boost resilience. This could include physical exercise, meditation, journaling, or pursuing a hobby. Self-care activities promote mental well-being and can provide a much-needed distraction after a disappointing audition.
Cultivating a Support Network
Having a strong support network is invaluable in dealing with rejection. This network could include fellow actors, mentors, family, and friends. These individuals can provide encouragement, advice, and a sympathetic ear when dealing with rejection.
Actor networking groups, both online and in-person, can also provide support. They offer a platform to share experiences and coping strategies and remind you that you’re not alone in dealing with rejection.
Expanding Your Skills and Experience
Acting classes, workshops, and new experiences help broaden your skills and increase your versatility as an actor. The more tools you have in your actor’s toolkit, the more roles you become eligible for. Each new skill or experience is an opportunity to bring something unique to your next audition.
Keeping the Passion Alive
Remember why you started acting in the first place. Whether it was the thrill of being on stage, the joy of embodying different characters, or the love of storytelling, keep that passion at the forefront of your mind. This passion can keep you motivated and committed even in the face of rejection.
Finding Other Creative Outlets
While acting might be your primary passion, exploring other creative outlets can help deal with rejection. Writing, directing, painting, or playing a musical instrument, for example, can help keep your creative juices flowing. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and a way to express yourself artistically when acting opportunities seem scarce.
Setting Personal Goals
Setting personal goals can provide a sense of control in an industry where so much is out of your hands. These goals should focus on elements you can control, such as improving a specific acting skill, learning a new monologue each month, or building your network of industry contacts. Achieving these goals can provide a confidence boost and a sense of accomplishment, independent of casting decisions.
Practicing Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can provide a fresh perspective and help you cope with rejection. Gratitude exercises, such as keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on the positive aspects of your life and career, can shift focus away from the negatives and foster a more positive mindset.
Conclusion
Dealing with rejection can be one of the most challenging aspects of being an actor. However, by accepting rejection as part of the acting process, adopting a growth mindset, and nurturing the actor within, you can transform these experiences into opportunities for growth and learning.
Remember, every actor faces rejection. What sets successful actors apart is how they handle these disappointments. Instead of viewing rejections as setbacks, view them as stepping stones on your journey to becoming a better, more resilient actor. After all, acting is not just about the roles you land; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the passion for the craft that propels you forward.