I wanted that job!

Q:  If you have a minute, I'd like your take on this.  I had a role in a play I really wanted.  From everything I had been getting as feedback (a casting director had me do a survey of how people perceive me as a character), this role filled the bill, plus it was a rare opportunity for a male lead.  I really threw myself into getting the part.  I studied the script as if I had the role.  I did relaxation techniques and saw myself in the role.  I spent several weeks preparing for the audition.  I did not get the role, I did not even get the second role, I was given a minor role - people associated with the theater were amazed.  I learned later the role had been pre-cast.  This is the first time I had feelings of anger about not being given the role. It surprises me and I have had to "deprogram" myself from being "Steve". What should I be aware of next time so I don't fall into this negative affect?  I understand the seeing yourself in something you want to do however I did not know how to deal with not being in it - hence the feelings of anger and confusion.  


A:  Don't attach yourself, and your happiness, to a specific narrowly defined outcome - this is messing with the details. A particular role is NOT the end result, it is a HOW, a cursed HOW.

The end result you're after is to be a fulfilled, accomplished, and respected actor... so leave your attachment there. Which roles you get are up to the Universe.

THIS DOESN'T MEAN don't go after roles. And this DOESN'T mean you can't want particular roles. You just need to understand that things are working themselves out for the best, whether or not you can see it. So if you don't get something you want, at least then you won't lose faith, and can stay on track towards your broader goal.

WHO KNOWS what kind of problems, or nightmares even, might have sprung up if you HAD gotten something you weren't "supposed" to get. Be glad for how things turned out and keep looking forward.