Not as scary as it looks, well maybe!
My first audition was pretty interestingly scary, and full of the unknown. Ironically, I was more excited about booking an audition than getting the job.
                      The Audition Room
Submission Less than one week after signing up for Backstage I was booked to audition for a new game show. Sounds pretty cheesy right? In comparison, to a dramatic small roll for television series or film; my job is a contestant for a smart game show to possibly win $15,000 dollars.Â
The Unknown In the audition room, excited while devastated, a weird creepy guy walked over to me and said,
 “Hey, are you Sanestina Hunter?”Â
“Please sign here, and have a seat, the casting director will be with you shortly.”
 There I sat in the lightly tented quiet room with empty chairs surrounded by three other hopefuls. It was so awkward! Everyone seemed stressed with pale faces, overworked and nervous. But what made me so different? Maybe relaxation and perspective? Let’s be honest, my intentions were different. I was just excited land my first audition.Â
Waiting Period Ten minutes later a lady walked out from one of the mysterious  corridor rooms, appearing as if she’s had the longest day ever. Looking down at the clipboard placed on a small table in the middle of the room. Oh.. gosh. i thought, my heart begins to race. I’m next, I thought. Her hesitation to pronounces the next name gave it away,
“Sa-nes-stin-a? Politely smiling, and examining the room.Â
“It’s San-estina, Hello”
 I shook her hand. Politely smiled, Tasha she informed. Follow me. The private room was filled with bright lights, and large drawing boards. There were also three windows if that means anything.Â
The Process- Tasha asked several general questions, she already knew the answers too. For instance; name, age, hometown, hobbies, and dating life. I found the questions amusing, but learned the purpose was observed how well I spoke and interacted on camera. After the first set of questions; the next were an array of trivia. The real Deal.
 “Who won film of the year in 2015?”Â
“How much did Fifty Shades of Gray make opening night?” ect, ect.Â
Meanwhile, standing there trying not to feel nervous with the obvious answer. I shouted “B and C.”
 Yes, that’s correct. But your other two answer choices are wrong. Sorry, Thank you. Have a great day!
Photo Credit: The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Apprehensive I thought to myself, that’s it? This is an audition? A piece of cake! Why would anyone feel nervous about this? Arrogance got the best of me because I was scared and insecure of the Audition Process for so many years. This moment signified a lesson and training grounds for improvement. Â
Confidence The audition only last for less than six minutes. Wow! How fast can you walk into a casting room, take a deep breathe, sit and leave? Should I have asked for notes on what what I did  good or badly? I think not. Auditioning is all about seeing and feeling who will be the right for the story from thousands of applicants. Having confidence and knowing that you are right for the role is enough. Go in positive. Own the room and walkout knowing you did your best work. That’s it. Think about who casting directors are strategically searching for not just BOOKING THE JOB.
Energy and Experience Its all about energy. When its right the job is yours. Yes, simply put. Rejection simply means go another way, try something different. “I never knew what the audition room would entail. But it was nothing like my fears had place it out to be.” Auditioning is also a time where performers prove they can do the job. Acting jobs are based on skills, talent, and looks. Remember, confidence actors can book anything. Its a give and take.
Believing in yourself is significant to surviving the longevity of the business.Â
Acting is creative. Creativity is the backbone of this business. Aspiring actors and actresses almost aways have to be multi-talented. For example; singing, dancing, writing, playing an instrument, producing, even directing will be useful. Â A loving charismatic personality will take you far, anything is possible. Why? Because you never know what you can do until you try. :)
By Sanestina Hunter with Contributions from Backstage
Educate yourself,Â
Walking Into the Audition Room By Holly Powell
9 Tips for Building ConfidenceÂ
How to Get Started Â