At the start of each semester, students in the Conservatory of Performing Arts are required to audition for all shows applicable to their major or minors. Auditions are the busiest and arguably most stressful time of the year. The dancers spend multiple days in a row running from studio to studio, quickly learning combos and dancing their hearts out. The theater performers meticulously prepare monologues and songs in hopes to attend days’ worth of callbacks. All while being known as just another number.

This process may sound gruesome to outsiders, but on the contrary, it is what most students live for. Being cast in one show here at Point Park University is worth the rejection of 50 others. Better yet, this is what the rest of our careers may entail.

Regardless, it is inevitable that not being cast will sting. Days of dedicating blood, sweat and tears with no reward hurts. Many students might begin to question their worth and experience imposter syndrome. Why am I not good enough? Do I belong here? This rejection can feel the loneliest when celebrating your peers around you who were cast.

While it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I’m here to assure you that it gets better. This is a small deviation on a path that you must continue down, because the best is always yet to come. By simply believing that opportunities that are meant for you will find you, more doors to your future will begin to open.

Not being cast leaves time to prioritize rest and physical wellness, discover more about yourself as an individual, create important relationships and even pick up hobbies or passions that make you human, rather than just an artist. It is your responsibility to redirect this rejection.

Perhaps for peace of mind, it’s also important to be aware of the industry. Casting is beyond subjective. What one panel may overlook could be celebrated by another. Many times decisions are a reflection on timing and circumstance. The artistry you continue to bring to each audition room is not defined by this experience, rather, it’s defined by persistence.

Most of all, it is important to practice gratitude. Continue to be grateful for these incredible opportunities to audition, and recognize how much you learn and grow with each experience. Don’t give up.