Auditioning. The big, scary “A” word. Let’s dig a little deeper into that, shall we?
Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of newer voice actors say things like, “I was so perfect for that job. I’m definitely gonna book it. I think I’ll email the producer and see if he’s heard anything yet.”
Don’t do it! That’s a great way to look like a BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW TALENT and also seriouslyget on a producer’s nerves. Producers ain’t got time for that! They’re working on multiple projects with countless talent and clients, and believe me, if you book the gig, you will hear about it!
Please understand that bugging clients, producers and talent agents is a HUGE no-no. To ask if they’ve ‘heard anything’ is unprofessional and a big, fat VO DON’T.
Instead, submit and forget. Say it with me: submit and forget. Make it your motto. Paint it on a canvas and put it in your booth. Tattoo it on your forehead (okay, maybe don’t go that far. Unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it.)
Troy and I have been saying this to new voicers for years and years. Submit your audition and then put it out of your mind, so you can fully focus on the next one, and the next one, and the next one. You gotta keep moving in a forward motion. Full steam ahead! Don’t forget: by constantly worrying about your auditions, you can get in your own way. Let it go. Because you’re awesome!
Here’s the truth: after submitting an audition, you can get booked within minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months later. Seriously! I’ve had producers call to book me just minutes after sending my audition in! And then there have been times where they’ve called weeks or months later. Just because we’re auditioning now doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to book talent and produce their project now. Sometimes, jobs get put on hold or they’re waiting for the client to approve the script. So many things can slow the process down.
The reason I’m sharing this with you is because many newer talent think they should hear back from producers RIGHT NOW! Because they’re EXCITED! Whoooooo! Trust me, I get it—I’m the same way! And you need that excitement because it will show in your audition and set you apart. Passion always does.
But at the end of the day, we’re going to get booked for the things we’re right for. And we aren’t perfect for everything. Guess what? That’s OKAY!
Yes, there’s a lot of stellar talent out there. But don’t worry about them. Worry about YOU. Focus on the yeses. Pay attention to your booking trends. If you keep booking hospital commercials, it’s because you’re really great at those. If you keep booking phone holds, there’s a reason for that, too!
So pay attention to your work. Make sure your performance skills are solid and your audio quality is clean. Do your best interpretation, give it your all, and then move onto the next one! It’s simpler than you thought, right?
The more you put into your auditions, the more work you’ll get out of them. It takes time in the beginning when you first get started, so be kind to yourself and be patient.
Final thoughts: Every time you audition, keep telling yourself, “I’m exactly what they’re looking for.” It’s a confidence-booster and helps conquer self-doubt. And every time I submit an audition, just as I’m hitting ‘send,’ I bless and release my audition and put out a positive thought. Why not? I believe putting positive energy out there as a part of my creative process is far more joyful and effective than thinking anything self-defeating like, “I’ll never book this.”
So work hard. Be great because you are great. You’ve got this.