How To Be Confident in Auditions | Tips from an Acting Coach

Boost your confidence in acting auditions and get over audition nerves with celebrity acting coach Joseph Pearlman. In this episode of the Actor’s Toolkit from Backstage, Pearlman explains how actors can build career momentum and book acting work by embodying the highest, most confident, version of themselves.
Pearlman breaks down what confidence in the audition room looks like (a segment that doubles as a great way to psych yourself out before a big audition!), before coaching two Backstage actors by providing personalized feedback on their career goals.
In this session
00:10 - Pre-Audition pep talk
09:02 - Backstage actor coaching sessions
34:03 - Being authentic as an actor
37:22 - Stopping anxiety during auditions
38:20 - Getting casting directors to fall in love with you
More Resources From Backstage:
An Acting Coach’s 5 Tips for Achieving an Audition Win Every Time
www.backstage.com/magazine/ar...
How To Teleport Yourself To an a-List Acting Career
www.backstage.com/magazine/ar...
How To Audition | Backstage Guide
www.backstage.com/magazine/ar...
Looking for more remote learning opportunities? Check out The Slate! www.backstage.com/magazine/se...
The Slate is Backstage’s digital and on-camera series featuring insights and direct feedback from casting directors, acting coaches, agents, actors, and creators. All conducted remotely, we’re taking you directly to industry power players through live-learning webinars with casting directors and industry pros, celebrity Instagram takeovers and Q&As, and more.

[@CinemaGuyTy]

This is awesome! Hannah interacting with her future self brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this.

[@tammy6575]

WOW! This is my first time virtually meeting you, Joseph, and I’m so drawn to how you’re working with these actors and the inspiration that you exude to the rest of us!

[@ladyslick121]

This man is a very special soul. I have so much to say, but i'll leave it at that - because that is the conclusion. May he manifest ALL of his desires - whilst helping so many do so for theirs. My, my what a human.... Thank you Joseph, just - thank you thank you thank you. You truly deserve all things good in this world.

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you for your beautiful and kind words.

[@nextlevel5265]

This is awesome! They are literally embodying the present moment to the fullest.

[@kimleamays7111]

I done this exercise with her and my heart was beating so fast and I cried and it was JUST AMAZING!!!!

[@JaMarrJ]

Great Masterclass Joseph! These techniques work in all areas of life! From business 💼to relationships! 💜

[@KazzKarenLewsader]

Still using the techniques you taught me, Joseph. Thank you!

[@josephjpearlman]

Yeah! Thank you for watching it, Kazz.

[@lmaonyc]

Amen! My #1 rule for students is HAVE FUN

[@julieleon_ny]

Joseph is the best! I have watched him work in his acting studio. Hanna made me cry! Go girl!

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you, Julie!

[@martindavis1395]

I Love Being Recharged and Re-Energized by Watching Joseph Pearlman Do HIS THING!!!

[@josephjpearlman]

THANK YOU, MARTIN!

[@allrisemartialarts9189]

Fascinating stuff! Not only for actors, but for anyone with a goal.

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you, Backstage! This was such a joy!

[@KellyRyan]

Terrific message Joseph and very much needed today! I’ll definitely revisit this video and develop a daily practice of believing and seeing it happening NOW! Blessings!!

[@josephjpearlman]

Awesome, Kelly!! Thank you for watching it :)

[@AshleSolace]

WOW! this is beautiful Hannah ❤️

[@RamonemCena]

Wow, wow and woooow, this class iss sooooo inspiring, my heart beats sooo fast, I am so motivated. Thank you, thank you. God Blessssss. I am Brazilian and I am very happy

[@marayayres9]

Love this man 🎭🎬👍

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you, Maray 🙏😊

[@kevincarvalho5054]

I got so excited watching these actors.

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you for watching it, Kevin. I'm so happy you had fun!

[@ShaunBedgood]

Mindset is everything

[@josephjpearlman]

YES. Thank you for watching it, Shaun!

[@barbarascolaro2013]

This made me joyful, thanks J! Get BRAVE!

[@josephjpearlman]

YES! So happy it made you feel joyful, Barbara. Thank you for watching it!

[@dianatanaka4679]

Thank you!

[@MaryEBoutte]

I got a check avail thanks in part to watching this before I went into the room! I was like a puppy wanting to play fetch I was so lit up with fun!

[@josephjpearlman]

Woohoo!! That's awesome, Mary! Congratulations. Being lit with fun is everything.

[@MaryEBoutte]

I got excited and emotional too, thank you!

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you for watching it :)

[@tashawillingham1036]

Thanks

[@slavamanvelyan3453]

Thank you so much! I have a question: where could I find scripts without copyright issues, to learn some lines and post them on social media?

[@johnnyrobishcomedy]

You look great - trim and fit! The quarantine has been good to you.

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you, Johnny!

[@bradstein8776]

You can be John Malkovichs voice stand in!

[@josephjpearlman]

Ha! I get that all the time, Brad :) And, I'd love too!

[@jellyboy1112]

First and thank you!

[@josephjpearlman]

Thank you!

[@m.sharrp1772]

Hiii😍

[@onourteam5911]

Backstage needs to support entertainment workers by requiring clear rates of pay on their job site. It helps build equity and close the gender and racial pay gaps. Plus, it's the industry norm - Playbill, BroadwayWorld, OffStageJobs, USITT, and TCG all require employers to post the pay. When will Backstage stand for fair work practices?

[@tammylukas2813]

For 30 years and I have never been able to get over audition anxiety. Doesn't matter how much I practice ( I am a person who is super prepared) when I get in that room, I can't breathe and my body locks up. Deep breathing does NOT work- I can't breathe at all. I do NOT believe that they want you to succeed. I am positive that they make fun of you after you leave the room. I am clearly not what anyone is looking for. Since moving to this area, I have not been able to break into the theatre clique- even after a decade. They have drained my confidence with a straw. I want it sooo badly, but never going to get it because at the end of the day , they will just choose their friends no matter how well I do. Ugh, I hate casting.