How to Deal with Not Getting a Callback?

How to Deal with Not Getting a Callback?

Emotional Resilience for Actors: Understanding Rejection and Moving Forward

(By Jim Webb)

(Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels)

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Rejection is tough, especially in an industry where success often hinges on landing callbacks. When you don’t get a callback, it’s natural to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even defeated. But instead of burying those emotions, allow yourself to experience them.

Quote:
“As an actor, you have to learn that rejection isn’t personal,” says casting director Donna Morong. “It’s part of the business. That doesn’t make it any easier, but it does make it more manageable.”

It’s important to understand that not every audition will lead to a callback, and that doesn’t reflect your talent or effort. Many factors—such as the director’s vision, the chemistry with other actors, or the simple logistics of casting—can influence the decision.

Example:
Award-winning actor Jennifer Lawrence shared that her early auditions were filled with rejection. “I had to learn to not take it personally. It wasn’t until I stopped obsessing over the callback and focused on doing my best work that things started to shift.”

It’s easy to begin internalizing rejection, especially when it happens repeatedly. You might think, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’ll never book this role.” This kind of thinking is dangerous and counterproductive. It can lead to self-doubt and burnout.

Quote:
Actor and coach Stanislavski once said, “Rejection is not an evaluation of you as a person, but an evaluation of a very specific moment, a role, a character.”

Understand that a lack of a callback doesn’t mean you’re not talented or that you won’t ever get hired again. Instead, treat it as an isolated event rather than a reflection of your worth.

Example:
Actor Viola Davis shared that she went through many periods of rejection in her early career. “It wasn’t about whether I was talented or not,” she said. “It was about being in the right place at the right time. And sometimes, you just have to wait for your moment.”

Rather than dwelling on the negative, reframe the situation. Instead of asking, “Why didn’t I get a callback?” try thinking, “What can I learn from this experience?”

Tip:
After each audition, ask yourself:

What did I do well?

Where could I improve?

Was there something unexpected in the audition that I can take forward?

Example:
Actor Chris Hemsworth admitted that he wasn’t always a perfect fit for the roles he auditioned for. “But each audition helped me grow,” he said. “Even the ones I didn’t get were valuable.”

Quote:
“Rejection is simply redirection,” said actress and motivational speaker Liza Minnelli. “It’s not about what you didn’t get; it’s about making sure you’re ready when the right opportunity comes.”

The more you focus on the outcome (i.e., getting a callback or landing a role), the more frustration you may feel when things don’t go as planned. Instead, focus on the process and effort you’re putting into your craft.

Tip:

Commit to consistently improving your audition technique.

Experiment with new methods and approaches in your work.

Remain open to feedback, but don’t let it define you.

Example:
Actor Meryl Streep has often said that her career was built on learning and growing through the auditions she didn’t book. “When I was younger, I auditioned for everything. I didn’t always get the role, but I kept learning and trying new things,” she explained. “That’s how you build a career.”

Quote:
“Success isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up and doing the work every day,” says actor and motivational speaker Will Smith.

Surrounding yourself with a solid support system can make a world of difference when you’re dealing with rejection. Whether it’s a mentor, a fellow actor, or family and friends, having someone to talk to can help you process the experience and regain perspective.

Quote:
“Actors should have a strong network to lean on during tough times,” says actor and coach Michael Caine. “Your friends and family can offer the reassurance that you’re doing well, even when things feel difficult.”

Example:
Actor Lupita Nyong’o turned to her close friend, actress Danai Gurira, for support after early struggles in her career. “Having someone who believed in me made a huge difference when I was feeling down,” Nyong’o recalled. “It gave me the confidence to keep going.”

Rejection can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It’s crucial to practice self-care to stay resilient. Taking care of your body, mind, and spirit will help you navigate through setbacks.

Tip:

Exercise regularly to release stress and keep your energy levels up.

Engage in activities that bring you joy outside of acting.

Set aside time for relaxation, whether it’s meditating, journaling, or spending time with loved ones.

Example:
Actor Emma Stone has spoken about how self-care is a priority in her life. “It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of auditions and the pressure to succeed,” she shared. “But when I take time for myself, I can approach my work with a clearer mind.”

Quote:
“Your mental health is just as important as your acting career,” says actor Kristen Bell. “Don’t let rejection define you. It’s just a small part of a much bigger journey.”

Acting careers are rarely built overnight. The most successful actors experience rejection, just like everyone else. What sets them apart is their persistence and long-term perspective.

Tip:

Keep a journal of your auditions, including feedback, lessons learned, and any positive moments you experienced during the process.

Celebrate the small wins, like nailing a challenging scene or receiving positive feedback from a director.

Example:
Tom Hanks is known for his resilience and commitment to the craft. “I’ve been rejected more times than I can count,” he says. “But I never let it stop me. I stayed focused on the work and the process.”

Quote:
“The key to success is in persistence, not perfection,” says actor Denzel Washington. “Don’t let one setback stop you from reaching your goal.”

The best way to overcome rejection is by continuing to audition. Each opportunity is a step forward, and the more you audition, the better your chances are of landing a callback or role. Keep showing up, and remember that your persistence is just as important as your talent.

Example:
Actor Steve Carell was rejected numerous times early in his career, but he kept pushing forward. “The key is to just keep going,” Carell says. “The more auditions I went to, the more I learned and the better I became.”

Tip:

Set specific audition goals for yourself—whether it’s auditioning for a certain number of roles each month or perfecting a specific skill.

Stay active in your craft. Take classes, work on monologues, and keep building your portfolio.

Dealing with not getting a callback is never easy, but it’s a part of the journey. Remember, every rejection is an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to refine your craft, gain valuable experience, and keep working toward your goal. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth, but rather an opportunity to learn and improve.

Quote:
“Rejection is just part of the process,” says actor Samuel L. Jackson. “It’s not the end of the road. Keep pushing forward.”

Keep your head up, stay focused on the long-term, and trust that your next big break is just around the corner.

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