If you have ever felt nervous before an audition, this post is for you. If you think that feeling this nervousness affects your audition in a negative way, you are probably correct. Unless you are auditioning for someone with high anxiety levels and a sweat gland problem, your nerves probably aren’t in your favor. If you have ever felt like maybe acting isn’t for you because you cannot stand the fact of auditioning for some stranger that has the power to say no to you because your hair is 3 centimeters too short, then read on, perhaps you shall find salvation in this post.

First things first, if you are in an acting class, this is one of the best places to get nerves out. Ask your teacher if you can perform your audition in front of class, or practice with someone you feel slightly uncomfortable with. This will make you feel more comfortable because if you can make it through all of that, let’s face it, you are more likely to be able to make it through the actual audition. So, that’s the first step. Practice, practice, practice, and practice some more in any place you can think of that may make you uncomfortable. Anywhere you couldn’t possibly stomach reciting lines for some audition should be exactly where you do it first.

Then, when you get to the actual audition, you should have fewer nerves. Right before you walk into the waiting room to put your name on the sign in sheet do something idiotic outside. A weird dance move, an odd face, a funny noise, anything that you would normally feel uncomfortable doing. Do it, and then do it some more until you no longer feel uncomfortable doing it, then, walk in and write your name on that sheet with the most confidence you have ever had.

Take a seat, look over your lines, and do whatever you would normally do right before an audition (except for freaking out, of course, because you have no nerves left to do that). When your name is called to come into the audition room, stand up, and walk towards the door, right before you walk in, make a huge smile. Just smile as big as you possibly can. Then shake it out, smile normally so that the casting director doesn’t think you’re weird or anything, introduce yourself, and have an amazing audition.

You cant always take away all of the nervousness that may come along with auditioning, but you can do your best to make it subside. Just know that the casting director is there because they want you to do well, and they want to give actors jobs. So feel comfortable with that fact, and know that the nerves will not help anything, although they may not go away. Use them to the best of your ability, make the most out of your situation, and you’ll find some good success.