Networking you probably didn’t know you were already doing.

Oh wait. Did I forget to mention? I was at a callback. Yes, I might have made a complete fool of myself when dancing and I might have wanted to bolt out the studio door screaming instead of take my place on a spot when they called my name to do said dance. And yes, I was reading and singing against 20 girls for the same part. Girls who all looked, acted, and sounded JUST LIKE ME. (I guess I’ve found my type?!)

Sound like a familiar, frustrating situation?

Maybe.

But here is why this callback was worth my time and energy, regardless of casting:

1) I was personally satisfied with my work, and feel like I accomplished what I came to do.

2) I learned a lot about the role and about me while prepping for the callback. The things I learn while prepping for callbacks are not things I can learn any other way.  I’m guessing I’m not alone in this?

3) I was seen by an incredibly picky director who I haven’t auditioned for before. Casting in his shows is highly competive, and I was thankful to get in the room.

And here is the biggest reason:

 4)I did so much NETWORKING.

So how does this callback-turned-networking-event story end? The next morning I received a sweet note from the music director. Then I had a Facebook friend request from a girl I had met. Later in the afternoon I ran into a girl at a different audition who, after seeing her repeatedly I had finally connected with the night before at the callback (now we are friends, not just familiar faces!) I made baby steps to building and growing my network. No, I don’t often do much talking at callbacks… sometimes I prefer to sit and focus. I’m not suggesting you force conversation with someone trying to sit and focus, but rather, make genuine conversation with the people you connect with, and keep away from any kind of audition room drama. Happy auditioning!