Literature: 26 reasons why you didn't get the part

Possibly the funniest article I have read since beginning my research, which really (bluntly) addresses the general feedback I have been receiving in regards to the importance of the factors we cannot control, in the current industry. 

Amy Jo Berman was the Vice President of Casting at HBO for 14 years and below is the list she gives of reasons actors don't get the role.

1. You’re too tall.

2. You’re too short.

3. You’re too pretty.

4. You’re not pretty enough.

5. You’re too fat.

6. You’re too thin.

7. You’re too blonde.

8. You’re not blonde enough.

9. You’re too old.

10. You’re too young.

11. You’re too serious.

12. You’re too funny.

13. You look too much like the lead.

14. You don’t look enough like the lead.

15. You’re taller than the lead.

16. You’re shorter than the lead.

17. You remind the producer of his sister, and he hates his sister.

18. You are too ethnic.

19. You are not ethnic enough.

20. You were the first one to read that day.

21. You were the last one to read that day.

22. You’re more like the best friend than the lead.

23. You’re more of a lead than the best friend.

24. You’re too character-y.

25. You’re not character-y enough.

26. You look like the director’s wife and he had a fight with his wife right before he left the house this morning.

This list, from a leading industry casting professional, sums up to me how trivial casting can be. This confirms my point that there are so many elements to auditioning that are completely out of our control. 

amy jo berman. (2017). 26 reasons why you didnt get the part. Available: https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/26-reasons-why-you-didnt-get-part/.