Everyone’s had The Audition from Hell. You flubbed your lines in your monologue. You forgot your headshot. Your shoe broke right before you walked in the audition room. Your cold read was drier than the stale crackers you ate for breakfast.

Auditions are scary, and sometimes they’re rough, but don’t let them define your whole acting career.

One bad day does not diminish your talent.

Remember all those times you nailed a monologue in your acting class? What about that time you made an entire audience double over with laughter because of the way you delivered a single line? Having a sub-par audition doesn’t erase your past, present, or future talent. It just means today wasn’t your day. Take a deep breath, let it go, and remind yourself of why you’re in this business. Let that memory push you forward. (However, if you don’t prepare your audition in time or you purposefully “throw away” your audition, your failure lies in your hands. Always do your best.)

You made the effort.

Think of all the people who didn’t show up to that audition. The ones who said they were going to go, but ended up cancelling — either because they were afraid or because they didn’t have their material in time. You made the effort and the risk to put yourself out there. By walking in that audition room, you proved to the casting directors that you’re dedicated to your art.

If you’re not cast, you have more time to learn new skills.

Think about all the time you’ll have to work on your art. Ever wanted to take a dance class? What about an improv class? If you’re short on funds, head to your local library and familiarize yourself with more plays. Use this time to better your craft so that, the next time you walk into an audition, you’re more confident and prepared.

You can’t take casting directors’ reactions (or lack thereof) personally.

Casting directors are people, too, and you can’t always expect them to react the way you would like them to. You might face a casting director who is on the phone through your audition, is eating their lunch, or is totally emotionless through your monologue or cold read. Don’t take it personally. Most times, casting directors have been in the audition room for hours, watching hundreds of people do the same rotation of cold reads or similar monologues. They’re exhausted. If no one reacts, or if they’re busy on their phone, don’t let it phase you. You do you, and move on.

There will be more auditions in the future.

Think about all the opportunities that come around in a year. And if you don’t see any auditions posted, look for them! You’ll always get another chance to prove your worth. Review your audition material and make sure you’re ready to go for the next time you’re in front of casting directors. #PrepYourRep!