If actors were asked how they felt before a commercial audition, most would say that they were nervous. If asked to elaborate why, they'd probably say they were anxious about not doing well or making mistakes. I define mistakes as: not doing the copy correctly, not following the direction fully, mispronunciation and/or not doing what was rehearsed. This self-imposed pressure is often the very concern that prevents actors from doing their best. I have seen rookies ruin auditions after making simple mistakes and confident professionals book jobs with the way they handle them.

Actors are unforgiving of themselves after making real or imagined mistakes during auditions. Many stop their audition after foundering for a few seconds and ask, "can I do that again?" It is usually not a good move. Besides appearing unprofessional, it often disturbs the session operator or director because it looks self-indulgent and requires time to rewind the tape(s) and start again. Or worse, if taping continues the client and agency execs will see the actor's frustration and it could create a negative impression. I have seen when actors do start over, it is difficult for most to get out of their head and recover from this self-imposed interruption.

Feeling fully prepared for commercial auditions is challenging. With film and TV auditions, there are sides that actors have time to work. As opposed to Commercials where actors with little or no time to prepare, are asked to; do dialogue alone or with other actors, improvise a scenario, perform a skill or activity, react to a situation or play to the camera. With limited preparation, there is a high probability that things could go wrong - so actors might worry. But when they have the freedom to use everything that happens during the audition with confidence, there are no perceived mistakes.

What can actors do to comfortably handle audition mistakes?

First, it's important to know that it is very rare that an actor walks out of a commercial audition feeling they did a flawless job. In my years of casting, I have seen actors make mistakes all the time. It's normal and accepted. Believe me; YOU are not the only one. Accepting this will ease some pressure off.

TIPS:

• During an audition, when you start finding fault with what you are doing, don't consider stopping. Quickly adjust what needs adjusting without self-deprecation. If you are talking too fast, slow down; if you are talking too loud, lower your voice, etc.
• If you are judging or realize that you are not doing what you rehearsed or were directed to do, quickly modify what you are doing or ignore your critical voice and continue. Know that your instinct has taken the lead and trust it.
• When you say the wrong words or mispronounce one: laugh, play with it and/or correct yourself in character and go on. Everyday we say the wrong words or don't do what we planned but when we realize our mistake, we naturally correct ourselves (often with humor) and move on. That's what I am suggesting. In addition to benefiting your audition, this method of handling mistakes gives those watching an engaging glimpse of your personality.

Although these tips seem obvious and beneficial they are not always used. If you need to work on this, practice in front of a camera with copy. Whenever you think about stopping, utilize these tips. Another way to build the confidence to better handle audition mistakes is to take an Improvisation class. It teaches actors to trust their instincts and adjust quickly without judgment.

When you are no longer afraid to make mistakes, you usually don't make many. If you believe they are gifts, you look can forward to them.

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