The Audition Rollercoaster: Buckle Up!

The Audition Rollercoaster: Buckle Up!

Ever had an audition that made you question your entire life’s path?
Yeah. Me too.

Auditioning is like strapping into an emotional Six Flags ride. One minute you’re cruising with confidence, the next you’re screaming inside because you just called the casting director “Mom.”

Welcome to the ride, folks.

The Loops: Confidence, Then Chaos

There’s nothing like walking into a room thinking, I’ve got this, only to blank on your first line like your brain hit a blue screen. Bonus points if you say, “Wait—can I start over?” and the casting director responds with, “Sure… but we’re tight on time.”

We’ve all had those moments:

• Tripping on the way in

• Holding a prop upside down

• Mispronouncing your own character’s name

(Ask me about the time I confidently delivered a monologue… from the wrong script. Bold choice. Not a good choice. But bold.)

The Dips: Self-Doubt and Second-Guessing

After the adrenaline fades, the real ride begins: the waiting game.
You replay every moment in your head—Did I smile too much? Was that a laugh or a weird snort? Did I say “thank you” or “love you”?

Reminder: this mental spiral is sponsored by your overthinking brain. It means you care. It also means you’re human.

If you’re newer to the industry and wondering whether this is all worth it—or how to even start—my guide Start Where You Are might help. It’s designed for actors like us: late bloomers, career shifters, and “what if?” types who still want a shot at the work. For just a few bucks, it walks you through the mindset shifts that make this whole rollercoaster a little less jolting.

The Highs: Booking (or Just Surviving)

And sometimes—miraculously—you book it.
Or you get a callback.
Or they say, “We’ll keep you in mind,” which may or may not be code for no, but hey, it’s something.

Even when you don’t book, you did show up. You got up, prepped, and performed under pressure. That matters. That builds muscle.

If you’re still in the early stages of building that muscle, especially if you’re over 50, my free Beginner’s Guide to Breaking Into Acting After Retirement lays out a clear, honest path forward—no fluff, no ego, just real talk from someone who’s been there.

Tools That Help Smooth the Ride

Want to feel just a little more in control? Having the right tools in your audition kit helps—whether it’s a ring light, a great mic for self-tapes, or a professional backdrop setup. If you’re looking to upgrade your gear, this wrinkle-resistant grey backdrop is one of my go-tos for clean, distraction-free auditions.

Also, if you’re just getting started with self-tapes and submissions and want a step-by-step map, my Working Actor Starter Kit might be exactly what you need. It walks you through everything from your first background gig to building real momentum—with a healthy dose of truth and humor along the way.

Final Thoughts

Auditioning is chaotic, emotional, unpredictable… and kind of addictive. Like rollercoasters, you scream, you cry, you swear you’ll never do it again – Then you’re right back in line the next day, headshot in hand.

So buckle up, laugh loudly, and keep showing up.
You never know which wild turn might lead to the role of your dreams.

Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).