BWW Blog: Life in the Waiting Room

"You usually have to wait for that which is worth waiting for." Craig Bruce

Trying to get your acting career started can be one of the most physically and mentally draining tasks that burns out so many actors before they get their "big break." Especially if you are starting out with a resume with some college credits, and maybe some high school shows as well. Which is perfectly acceptable as long as it builds your resume to reflect the work you are capable of. The worst part about auditioning green is finding out what steps or rituals can keep you focused and grounded while you wait.

There is nothing wrong with starting out green. In fact that is where you learn the most about your work ethic and determination, which is pretty exciting. Knowing when you need to wake up, put yourself together and make it to the audition space early enough to put your name down on the unofficial waitlist, all plays a part in learning ritual. Then you finally get your name on the sheet the monitor puts up. Luckily, you're number 5, but then you see all the equity and EMC walk-ins. You fear you will never be seen. Then you start cursing to the sky wishing you could be seen right away. Consider this paying your dues. Everyone has been where you are; it will get better. So, what do you do then? You collect your belongings, find a corner in the holding room and wait for the crowd to dwindle down. Waiting in the holding area is where people get into their heads and start to doubt themselves. Hopefully you can and will be able to avoid getting stuck in feeling trapped with some tips and tricks to successfully get into the room with a clear mind.

One of the easiest ways of blocking the room out is through your headphones. Download a movie, put on some music, or knock out a couple of episodes of your favorite podcast. It doesn't take much when in the holding room to listen to other people's conversations on what they are going to sing, or what project they have been working on. Some people like to use that time to catch up with other theatre artists in the community, whether that be congratulating someone you saw in a show or reminiscing with old cast mates from shows you had done before. Luckily there is no right or wrong method to waiting in the room, just be a good person, and save it for the bus. The only thing that could hinder having in headphones is missing your name being called, which is easier to do than you think.

Bring a book that you've been aching to read to zone out the room and dive into a completely different world. One girl while waiting brought an SAT book that she likes to work through because it gets her mind working in a completely different way. From time to time you will find people knitting or crocheting in little groups, which is awesome! Some theatres that you audition for have a library of plays which is a great time to find new material while you're waiting around.

What also takes a huge load of pressure off is snacks. Come prepared to wait a long time and most likely forget to eat in the process because you're too nervous to run down the street to the nearest coffee shop only to find out they called your name. Once lunch break happens treat yourself, relax, get out of the room and get some fresh air enjoy the day you are having as an artist. As an actor your job is not to book, but to audition. Booking is the reward for hard work and perseverance, not to mention your killer audition package.

Also, take time to plan out not only your audition but how you want to spend your day while waiting to audition. What are three things that you can work on while you wait? Can you update your website? Find new materials? Finally start on your passion project that you always keep putting on the back burner? Why wait when you are waiting anyway.