The very first play I auditioned for (in middle school), I got called back to read for a bunch of parts, and thought I did pretty well.  The cast list was up on the teacher's door first thing next morning.  I looked, and looked, and I didn't get a role.  So, I went home dejected while my friends stayed after school for the readthrough.  What had actually happened: there were two sheets for the cast list.  I'd landed a medium-sized role, so I was the first name on sheet two.  The teacher accidentally covered my name when he taped the sheets together.

Mind you, I was eleven, so this was pretty traumatizing!

Have been thinking about this thread and my auditions.  I HATE'em!  Even now as a seasoned actor (and director), I realize there are thousands of variables in casting a show and knowing that even my best may not be what the director wants (sometimes for reasons valid only to the director) makes it even worse.

However...even my worst audition turned out to be my best:

When I was an unseasoned newcomer to this craft, with only a few roles done, I auditioned for a part in "Whose Life is it Anyway" and realized even then that I was not what the director had in mind.  With the fervor (and idiocy) of youth and inexperience, halfway home from the auditions I turned my car around and went back to discuss it with the director.  Of course, they had already locked up.

Rushed home, got on the phone and called the director's number and expressed my thoughts that I had not done well and would really like another chance to show what I could do.

He replied, "I thought you did well and I was really considering you for the part, but we have to do something about your Southern accent.  The setting is New York.  I don't want a New York accent, but I can't have Alabama either.  If you will consent to a line by line working to discuss it, I will be glad to give you the part since you obviously want it so dearly."

Still new and looking for ways to improve my chances and never having worked with this director before, I agreed immediately.  After the read-through, my first rehearsal was a half hour session one on one with him where we "cleansed" the accent from my delivery.  I learned extremely valuable lessons in diction, line analysis, accent, and having a proper "ear" for acting.

Since that time we have worked many shows together, me learning all the way.  Once I decided to be a director, much of what I use came straight from this remarkable craftsman and friend who took a chance on my worst audition ever.

At my first audition for the Southern CA New Playwrights Festival ("The Fritz Blitz" as it's known in San Diego), the Artistic Director apparently was so impressed with me that he spoke to the Artistic Director for a major regional theatre here and arranged for me to go and read for their upcoming production of "Proof".

I went and picked up the sides two days before, and promptly went home and studied.  Audition day rolls around.  It's a very hot Southern CA day.  I wore jeans and a white t-shirt and brought along a lightweight jacket.  Parked in the downtown parking structure - which is attached to a shopping center (the theatre is located underground).  Stopped at Starbucks to get my parking validated and to pick up some water.  On the spur of the moment, I bought an iced double shot.  Drank it while walking to the theatre.  I showed up expecting a ton of people waiting to read.  No.  Just me.  Based on the Artistic Director's recommendation, they had made a special audition for me BEFORE they even started seeing people in San Diego!!  They had just came back from Los Angeles auditions.  Off I went into the giant theatre and read with the Artistic Director (who was pre-cast as the father), with the show's director sitting halfway back.  By this time, the caffeine had kicked in - along with my nerves.  Pressure!!!  I started sweating profusely, soaking through the white t-shirt.  Couldn't remember one damned line without reading directly off the sides.  I fumbled and bumbled and generally made an ass of myself.  I felt completely out of my element.  A community theatre actress auditioning for the BIG TIME!  And a "special" audition at that! 

Hanging my head in shame, I skulked out of the theatre.  I totally blew it.  THEN... with my adrenaline soaring from the audition and added caffeine, I proceeded to the confusing parking stucture.  COULDN'T FIND MY CAR!!!  Wandered around for 20+ minutes.  Finally found it.  I was parked right next to one of the elevators.  Got in my car, started it up, felt ill, opened the car door, leaned out and then threw up - just in time for the elevator door to open letting loose a stream of people. 

Yeah.  I didn't get the gig.  Danica McKellar (from "Wonder Years" fame) ended up with the role.  And she was great.

B-M-D - but did you get the part?!?

Beware the Music Director that thinks he's funny.  I went on stage to sing my audition piece for our latest show.  The accompanist played the intro, I took a deep breath and the Music Director yells "Next".  Great ice breaker for the auditions but boy did it take the wind out of my sails for a second or two. 

PS, I did get the part.  The director really wanted me to build and the costume was already built to my measurements.