Should I give this actor feedback

S

sk85

Member
I just emailed an actor to tell him that he didn't get a part. He asked if I could tell him how he fell short. The truth is that his reading was a little flat and the other actor who got cast was funnier.

What if anything should I say to him? I have never encountered this before.
 
I'd tell him that it's not about him falling short, it's about who you feel is the best fit for the role, thank him again and leave it at that.
 
I think you should tell him, but it would be best if you came up with some more useful critiques than 'a little flat'. Something like a lack of energy and not being into the role enough. Also mention that the other person just fit the role better to lighten it. If I had asked that I would want an honest answer, because people have no chance of improving if no one tells them what to work on. Feedback can make a huge difference. Just take your own answer seriously.
 
No, just tell them that you're glad they came in for it but you've cast someone else who was a better fit for the part.
 
Actors need feedback, and get constant critiques when they are working, so I'd be very honest and tell him the truth - it doesn't help him to get fobbed off, and as a Director, you'll need to be honest if you wish to be accepted, so just tell him!
 
I don't think it's really useful to tell him that someone else did a better job (kinda obvious since they were chosen over him) but it would be helpful to tell him what it was about his performance didn't resonate with you.
 
sk85 said:
I just emailed an actor to tell him that he didn't get a part. He asked if I could tell him how he fell short. The truth is that his reading was a little flat and the other actor who got cast was funnier.

What if anything should I say to him? I have never encountered this before.
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You're not really under any obligation to e-mail anyone to tell them they didn't get the part. Most actors will know that if they don't hear from you, they didn't get it. You can tell them if you want to, but you aren't being unprofessional or jerkish if you don't, especially if there were many auditions.

If you tell him anything about why you didn't choose him, just tell him what you're comfortable telling him. If you have a relationship with him, then it might be useful to be honest, friend to friend. But if you don't, you're not his acting coach, his agent, or his director, so if you're not comfortable with critiquing him, you don't have to.

Obviously, be polite and professional, but sometimes a person just isn't right and you don't need a reason other than that. Or, someone else is just that much better no matter how good he was. Or, sometimes, it just is what it is, where there's no articulable reason. I just chose an actor when three or four of them who auditioned would be great for the role, but I can only pick one. It would not at all be helpful to try to explain to the others why, especially when it was kind of a gut call.
 
And go with the sandwich technique; give him some praise followed by constructive critisism then end with praise.
 
If you have time to make a post on here and ask then you have time to reply to him in a professional manner.
 
David is right when he says "it is what it is." That sounds too vague, but unless you're a very good at articulating constructive criticism, there's nothing more you can say. To tell an actor they are "flat" or "not funny enough" is not helpful. If the actor is an amateur, they may mistake your subjective opinions as objective truths.
 
It's bad form for this actor to ask you why he didn't get the role. This is something an actor should never ever do. The real impulse behind it is an actor's insecurity. He needs to learn how to look at what he did and recognize what he is happy with and where he feels he fell short and then move on, put the whole thing behind him. This is essential to an actor's development. You never ever ever (did I make that clear?) ask why you didn't get the part. Please don't indulge him, you will do way more harm than good.
 
I did reply. I simply said that the other actor was a better fit for the role. I did not give any specific advice or criticism. I really appreciate all of the responses, they were very helpful.
 
It's bad form for this actor to ask you why he didn't get the role.
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Maybe in the US, but here, it's common, useful, and worthwhile. Sometimes people may wish to re-audition for the same production company, and it saves lots of time if any issues can be identified in a professional manner. I've told people that their voice is great, but just won't blend with the person they'll be paired with, I've told people they're the wrong build for the pre-made costumes - as in we visualised the role going to someone shorter than you, and even though you're great, you are just too tall. I've even told somebody that they really can't sing - recommended a decent teacher, and to re-apply if we have anything similar next year. If the actor doesn't ask, their agent almost certainly will!
 
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