The Dos and Don’ts of Post-Audition Follow-Ups and Feedback

August 19, 2024 | Rachel Frawley
Photo Credit: LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com

“What could I have done better” is a post-audition question bound to haunt any actor at some point (or more likely, at many points). Oftentimes, we’re hurling self-tapes into the void, or showing up, doing our song and dance and then left to wonder and wait, sometimes never to hear a definitive no. 

Asking for feedback can be tempting, especially for those new to the acting industry and trying to get their footing. But when it comes to following up for feedback, there are some definite dos and don’ts (more don’ts, really, but let’s start with when it is OK). 

The Dos of Post-Audition Follow-Ups

Are You in an Educational Environment?

If you’re auditioning in any sort of educational environment, university, conservatory, studio or what have you, it is appropriate to request feedback. It’s all part of the learning process. 

Do You Have a Close Personal Rapport With Anyone in the Audition Room?

While you don’t want to hassle casting professionals, you might have a friend in the room. Asking them for their observations (especially if you allow them to decline to talk about it) might be an option. Just know that the bigger the scale of the audition, the more likely it is they have signed an NDA or would otherwise be unable to chat about it without risk to their position.

However, if it’s an indie project or non-union regional theatre and you have the kind of relationship where asking would be appropriate, then feedback from an insider could be incredibly useful. Just consider the context. 

What to Know Before Going for Post-Audition Feedback

When asking for post-audition feedback, try to stay away from asking about what other actors might have done. Instead, keep things focused on your performance and what you could have done differently. This will ensure that you don’t put anyone in an awkward position ethically.

Accept that you might get a no, and just have to move on. Make your notes to yourself as best you can, and let it go. 

What Not to Do When Pursuing Feedback

Do not hunt down the personal contact information of any of the professionals in the room and request feedback that way. This is never OK. Besides being an invasion of privacy and unprofessional, it will only serve to get you on a list of folks they won’t be inviting to audition in the future.

Never Send Multiple Follow-Ups

If you have deemed it an appropriate scenario (or have already sent an impulsive email), let it rest. Don’t keep knocking on a closed door. If a casting director or other recipient of your follow-up wants to answer, they will. 

Don’t Ambush Someone for Post-Audition Feedback

 

If you’re in a position where you run into directors and casting professionals “in the wild,” don’t spring questions about recent auditions on them in otherwise social or unrelated settings. It’s unprofessional and unwelcome. 

Never Argue a Note

Should you be so lucky as to receive feedback, do it gracefully. Resist any temptation to explain or defend your choices. Take note and thank them. If it ends up not serving you, you can choose whether or not to implement it later.
 
Wanting to learn from feedback is completely natural, even admirable. Just keep in mind it’s not something that is owed to you. If you’re feeling stuck, remember that you can get feedback from other places. An acting coach or class can help you workshop audition material before and after, and asking questions in an educational environment is appropriate.

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