In a magazine interview, Leslie Mann said she is terrible at auditioning:
“I get so scared, and I can’t seem to get out of my head.”
She appreciates casting directors who are patient with her, and notes there were many who were rude.
“The people who responded to me were the people I respected,” she said.
“I remember the people who were rude and dismissive; I would watch the TV show or movie they cast, and it was always a piece of shit. Always.
“And the people who responded to me or were kind to actors, they always made the good stuff. So when people are being assholes, you might as well not waste your time and walk away..”
From interview article: “Isle of Mann” By Jenelle Riley, July 16, 2009 on Backstage.com [click on the News & Reviews for articles].
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Good advice. Many actors get anxious about auditions, about not getting work, dealing with difficult people, and other issues that are kind of built in to the profession.
Energy psychiatrist Judith Orloff, M.D. works with many actors to help them overcome anxiety.
She says one approach is using beta blockers or Inderal, a medication to reduce stage fright by decreasing the fight or flight response.
But she thinks a better way is a three minute mini-meditation she teaches her clients, and includes in her book Emotional Freedom.
It helps people “learn how to breathe, center themselves, let their thoughts flow by, and focus on something really nurturing and positive for three minutes, which is a better way to shift your anxiety and really own the moment.”
Dr. Orloff also writes about how to deal with energy vampires, like some casting directors, acting coaches and, really, people in any field.
Audio interview with Judith Orloff, M.D.
Book: Emotional Freedom, by Judith Orloff.
Non-drug help for stage fright etc: Anxiety Relief Solutions
Talent Development Resources site
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