The list goes up. You scan the names of the characters and actors. You check a second time. And a third. Your heart drops. Your name isn't on the list. The worst nightmare of any actor. What follows is the five stages of grief not being cast.

1. Denial

There's no way you weren't cast. Your audition and callback were on point. They even laughed at one of your monologues. There must be some kind of mistake. Your name was left off, or a draft of the list was posted, not the final version. This is just some mistake.

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2. Anger

What were they thinking not casting you?! You've committed your life to this art, and they think they can tell you no?! Do they have any idea how hard you've worked at this? How good you are?

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3. Bargaining

Okay, maybe they didn't cast you because there's a lead for you in the next show. That must be it. You're the secret weapon.

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4. Depression

You're numb. You've lost all hope in your talent and your future of performing. Might as well become a lawyer. You sob into your gallon of cookie dough ice cream.

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5. Acceptance

Okay, so you weren't cast. Plenty of people weren't cast in the show, too. You aren't the only one. There will be other auditions and other shows. You take a deep breath, and start preparing for the next audition.

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