It's (Probably) Not About You - When & How to Ask for Audition Feedback

by Bekah Harbison, Guest Editorial

After reading Chris Peterson’s advice to directors about audition feedback, I agreed with many of his points. Directors must take a kind and thoughtful approach to the casting process, especially when asked for audition feedback. The topic of giving and receiving feedback is nuanced, though, and it’s important for actors to look at the big picture before approaching the team. 

Consider the Context

Before asking for audition feedback, consider where you auditioned. Educational & youth theatres are generally more than happy to provide feedback, while some professional theatres consider reaching out a faux pas. Many community theatres fall somewhere in between. 

Try to think objectively about your audition experience and be honest with yourself about what may have held you back. Did you audition for 42nd Street without any tap experience? Do you appear much younger or older than the show’s characters require? Was it clear to you in callbacks that someone fit the role better than you? If so, it’s not a director’s job to provide you with answers you already have. Don’t reach out for comfort. Process the loss with your support system; don’t seek relief from those who made the potentially difficult decisions. 

Give it Time

Auditions are such a vulnerable process for the performers and can be exhausting for the production team. Both are great reasons to give time between a rejection and asking for feedback. By waiting a few days before reaching out, you allow yourself to process any big emotions you may be feeling regarding casting. You also allow the production team to receive your message at a more opportune time. Between auditions and callbacks, production teams often send and receive hundreds of emails- waiting a few days helps you not get lost in the shuffle. 

Lead with Humility 

Some auditioners make the mistake of phrasing their requests for feedback in a way that comes across as entitled, or as if they are owed an explanation. Saying “I want to know why I wasn’t called back” will be received much differently than “I’m curious if you could share any areas for growth as I prepare for my next audition”. Recognize that the vast majority of directors are rooting for everyone throughout the audition process- approach them with that in mind. It’s hard to want to engage in potentially delicate dialogue with someone who asks for feedback with a tone of outrage, anger, or entitlement. 

You Don’t Have to Agree, But Don’t Argue

If a director provides you with feedback, the worst thing you can do is to tell the director they are wrong. It’s okay if you disagree, but if your goal in opening a dialogue is to change the director’s mind, you’ll likely be disappointed. Responding “Well I booked another show with the same song” or “No one’s ever given that feedback about my performance before” will leave a bad taste in the director’s mouth. Never, ever, make comparisons to other performers at auditions or callbacks when speaking to the team. “I know I gave the best vocal audition of the day” is a surefire way to make the director grateful they didn’t cast you! Constructive feedback can be hard to swallow; don’t ask if you don’t want to know. 

You Can Only Control Your Performance

More often than not, the answer to “why didn’t I get the role?” is simply “someone was a better fit for the role.” Sometimes that means that despite having a perfectly good audition, someone’s audition was just a little bit better. Casting, even at the community theatre level, often comes down to things out of your control, like height, chemistry, or who had a stronger day. If you plan to approach a team for feedback, keep in mind that there genuinely may not be any fruitful feedback to give. 

Directors should absolutely be mindful of how they interact with auditioners looking for answers. But actors should recognize that casting is a complex puzzle. There’s nothing wrong with seeking feedback, as long as you have the understanding that the answer may be as simple as “someone else fit better this time.”