Five Useful Mantras for Pilot Season (and Beyond!) -

It’s a stressful time of year. Many of us cling to whatever form of sanity (read: chocolate) to help us survive until mid-April. But as you all know, the more we let anxiety and stress into our bodies, the harder it is to function.

Here are a few helpful mantras or mindsets to aid your sanity this pilot season, and beyond.

Remember these buzzwords: ENCOURAGEMENT, ENTHUSIASM, PASSION, TEAMWORK, GRATITUDE.

And here’s how you can apply them, (these are just a few examples. There are MANY ways you can connect these phrases to your careers and lives):

1. ENCOURAGEMENT MANTRA: “Casting WANTS me to be the one!”

Seriously, we are ON YOUR SIDE. If you are the one, that means that A. You’ve validated our creative choice to see you in the first place, and B. Our job is done (at least on that character.) Walk in to every Casting office and remember (no matter how cranky we are,) we are ROOTING FOR YOU. Feel the love, y’all.

2. ENTHUSIASM MANTRA: “I love a challenge!”

Pilot season is hard, the audition process (any time of year!) can be stressful, things move quickly, sides change at the last minute, self-tapes are due in a matter of hours, etc. Prepare for these opportunities as if you’re running towards a hurdle; put your heart and energy into it and then fly, my friends. The immediate moment after can feel like a MAJOR “fuck yeah!! I did it!”

3. PASSION MANTRA: “Every audition is an opportunity for me to do what I love.”

Sure, auditioning isn’t always the best part of being an actor, but every chance you get to sink your teeth into a new script, embody a new character and perform or workshop a scene is a big win. Enjoy the ride, my friends.

4. TEAMWORK MANTRA: “Every Casting office that sees me sets the course for a new relationship or strengthens an old one.”

It’s a business of relationship folks! If you go into a room or send in a tape and nail that read while behaving/communicating professionally, you will UNDOUBTEDLY audition for that Casting team again. Strengthen the connection, make Casting fall in love with your talent and attitude, and you will be back before you know it.

5. GRATITUDE MANTRA: “I’m grateful I have a strong team that works hard to get me these opportunities.”

In signing you, your reps have said “yes, I believe in your talent.” They’re working hard, doing their part to provide opportunities so you can go shine. Remember to acknowledge them in your heart, AND out loud.

Five Useful Mantras for Pilot Season (and Beyond!)