Do you know about the perfectionism syndrom? It’s an irresistible need to do everything “right”, to be faultless, to seek approval from your professional or personal environment, to be infallible – or at least appear to be so – to be appreciated and recognized for your efforts and work.

This can sometimes translate into anxiety about not knowing your lines well enough, feeling obligated to follow all the stage directions when preparing an audition, contorting yourself to accommodate a meeting without even daring to suggest a time that suits you, not feeling ready enough, trying to conform as closely as possible to a character’s description, fearing that you won’t measure up, and so on and so forth.

Relax. If you forget your lines, you can improvise, paraphrase. What you’re given to play during an audition is not Shakespeare and the stage directions are not meant to be followed in the context of an film audition. You’re not at anyone’s disposal, in reality. Of course, you need to work, but if someone calls you for an audition, it’s because they need to see you. They will try to adapt to your schedule. You will never be ready. And that’s okay. The casting director will work with you to take you where he wants you to go. And if you’re the opposite of the role, that’s probably why they’re calling you, so there’s no need to try to conform to the description…

Believe in yourself, and know that your flaws can also be loved. Express your desires, your ambitions. And above all, be kind to yourself.