When I first started auditioning, it took some getting used to never hear anything back from the audition. I always wondered how close I got to landing the role or if I was even being considered. Most actors who audition don’t even get past the casting director, as only a fraction of actors who audition get passed along to the final decision makers. If you’re interested in how the whole process works, I wrote a post about it a couple of weeks ago.
Then, earlier this year, I got a check avail for a guest star role in a Kevin Bacon series called The Bondsman. The role was the father of one of the main characters and I was one of 2-3 actors being considered for the role. I didn’t end of booking the role, but I know I was close. And to be honest, I don’t know which is worse. Not knowing anything or knowing I was close and didn’t get it.
So now I find myself wondering: Which is worse? The blissful ignorance of never knowing how close you came, or the bittersweet knowledge that you were right on the cusp of a booking?
I think both scenarios suck, but knowing I’m close is better. It tells me I’m doing something right and casting likes what I’m doing.
Simon Shih 