Dealing with Rejection

You’ve Got to Learn How to “Embrace” the Idea of Rejection

It can be a difficult concept to wrap your head around - and you might be wondering: How do I deal with not getting chosen? As you dive deeper into this industry, you'll soon realize that alongside the thrill of landing roles and bringing characters to life, there will also be moments of rejection. While it's natural to feel discouraged when you're not chosen for a role, it's crucial to understand that rejection is not a setback but a stepping stone towards your ultimate success.

Understanding Rejection in Voice Acting

In voice acting, rejection is a universal experience. Even the most seasoned professionals encounter it regularly. It's important to remember that casting decisions are often influenced by various factors beyond your control: from the specific voice qualities the casting director envisions to the character's age, gender, and even the direction the project takes after auditions.

So How Do You Overcome the Initial Disappointment?

When you receive a rejection, it's normal to feel disappointed or frustrated. Here’s how to navigate through those feelings:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:

Allow yourself to feel disappointed. It's okay to be upset—it shows that you care about your craft and the opportunities you pursue.

2. Reflect on the Experience:

Take time to reflect on your audition. As you listen back, is there something you think you need to improve upon? Really review the copy and instructions or delivery notes again: is there something you might have missed? Did you get the audition in on time? Was your audition rushed because you did it at the last minute? Think about the circumstances surrounding your audition as well. Take note of anything you think you might have missed and carry that with you into your prep for the next audition.

3. Seek Constructive Feedback:

If possible, seek feedback from casting directors or mentors. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights that help you refine your skills.

4. Maintain Perspective:

Remember that rejection is not personal. It often has more to do with the fit for the role rather than your abilities as a voice actor.

5. Stay Motivated:

Use rejection as motivation to work harder. Channel your disappointment into honing your skills, exploring new techniques, or even trying out for different types of roles.

Building Resilience and Persistence

Resilience is key to navigating the ups and downs of a voice acting career. Here are some strategies to build resilience:

1. Develop a Support System:

Surround yourself with supportive friends, fellow voice actors, and mentors who understand the challenges of the industry. If possible, set up a scheduled time to connect with them to keep your spirits lifted.

2. Focus on Continuous Improvement:

Keep refining your skills through training, workshops, and practice sessions. The more you grow as a voice actor, the better equipped you’ll be for future opportunities.

3. Celebrate Small Wins:

Recognize and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Whether it's mastering a difficult accent or delivering a particularly emotive line, acknowledge your progress.

4. Stay Persistent:

Persistence is often the defining factor in success. Keep auditioning, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. Your determination will pay off.

Turning Rejection into Opportunity

Lastly, remember that every rejection brings with it an opportunity for growth and resilience. Each audition, regardless of the outcome, contributes to your experience and skill set. Embrace the process, trust in your abilities, and keep pursuing your passion with unwavering dedication.

To Sum it Up:

In conclusion, handling rejection in voice acting is about perspective, resilience, and continuous growth. It's a testament to your courage and commitment to pursuing your dreams in this industry. Embrace each audition as a chance to learn, improve, and showcase your unique talents. Keep pushing forward, stay positive, and believe in your journey. For help getting started as a voice actor, check out my 7-week voice over training program. In this program we talk about building the mindset of a confident voice actor, starting a voiceover business from scratch, and building a client attractive freelancing business. Don’t be discouraged by the thought of rejection, use each audition, or encounter with someone in the industry as a way to grow, improve and advance in the industry you’ve chosen. :)