Why One Actor Over Another?

I just remembered that there was one more question I'd wanted to get around to answering in a post. A follower asked whether, all things being equal, there was a certain undefinable something that resulted in one actor getting cast in a part, as opposed to another equally talented and suitable actor getting the part. I realize it can be perplexing when you audition for something, feel the audition went really well, feel that you're perfect for the role, but then you still don't get it, and can't figure out what went wrong. You're left hanging. And also disappointed.

Sometimes it's true that there's only the smallest of distinctions between why one actor might get chosen over another. But remember that I'm not always the only person in the room. Directors are called in to readings, and other people associated with the project might be weighing in as well. There's a connection and kinship between actors who have worked with certain directors before--a working relationship is already in place--and sometimes there's an actor I haven't had the opportunity to work with before, but have always wanted to work with. If it's a romantic comedy, chemistry between the two leads is critical, so that's a huge factor in why someone might get chosen over someone else.

It's important for you to remember that you're looking at your part in the process through a rather narrow lens. When you walk into the audition room, you don't have all the information about all the variables that are in play, in getting that role cast. You have the sides, you saw who else was waiting in the room with you, and that's about it. I'm sure it must be frustrating in those situations when you feel you knocked it out of the park and never learned to your satisfaction why you didn't get cast.

It comes down to developing the ability to evaluate your own performance--to know when it felt right, when you feel like you nailed a read--and to be good with that. The other factors are factors that aren't within your control, so the key to maintaining your equilibrium and a positive outlook is to give yourself credit when you feel you auditioned to the best of your abilities, and to then put it behind you, and move forward to the next opportunity. Being psychologically agile and emotionally open is part of being an actor, or any kind of artist.

So stay positive, learn from and build on each audition, keep focused on what's ahead of you as opposed to what's behind you, and you're going to get there. In the meantime, don't forget to do good things for others, because that sort of thing always swings back around. Thanks for reading, and now go out there and have a great day.