confidence, perception

It isn't always about building your confidence, but possibly about changing your perspective.  The perspective of things can change our feelings drastically.  Louisiana has a lot of workshops.  I have nothing against workshops, as I think they are great for many reasons.  Please don't think I am knocking them.  I think they are wonderful to get to know a coach, or to learn some quick tips, etc  For auditions, I think workshops are great.  However, you have to understand that auditioning is a different animal than "Acting" or living in the moment.  I know some brilliant actors that couldn't audition for their life!!!  I also know some brilliant auditioners that can't act for shit!

Back to confidence and perspective.  If my perspective is that I am going into an audition to prove something, then I have already lost.  If I am going in their to impress someone, then I am lost.  Go into the audition as a human being.   You are there to do what you do best.  We only have control of a few things in this industry.  One is that we can control how much work we put into each audition before we step into the room.  After you kill it, you have no control of what happens.  Don't fool yourself into thinking you didn't book it just because of your acting. They may have wanted a blonde, or brunette, or red head ... who knows!  Do your job and the casting director will be happy.  If I go in begging for a job, they will feel the neediness.  If you come in as a professional and have a real human personality, not an actor personality, but a real person, then they already like you.  They called you in because you looked perfect.  Casting directors want you to do a good job and make them look good.  Now forget about them, and don't let your perspective get the best of you.  Take casting, and directors, and producers off of their pedestal.  They are looking for human beings that do their jobs well.  They need you as much as you need them.  They want to work with someone on their level.  When you are on the same playing field, then your confidence will show.  By the way, confidence is different from arrogance.