Actor Eric Sheffer Stevens talks about the actual audition process that led to his recurring soap opera role as Dr. Reid Oliver on As the World Turns. Eric shares a joke that helps him keep the proper perspective during auditions.
Susan Dansby: So how did you get the job? laps of the world? Did you read scenes with Mary Clay Boland, the casting director? What was the process?
Eric Shefer Stevens: Yes, I went for Mary Clay. She had been once or twice before to different parts, I’m not sure what. Yes, it went very well. I went in and read for her, and it was just with her. Reading the scene, I guess it was a made up scene. It wasn’t something that really figured in history.
I understood who the guy was, or how I would like to play him, I did and it went well. But that doesn’t excite you or anything. You have so many auditions that go well, but they never go anywhere. So, you train yourself not to get carried away. Otherwise, you would be emotionally beaten all the time.
So, they called me to do it and Chris Goutman was there. And then a third time, I think, they actually brought Van [Van Hansis, Luke, As the World Turns] to read with me, because they knew the story was going to go that way eventually.
Susan Dansby: Now, when they called you the second time, was that when they recorded you? Or was it the third time?
Eric Shefer Stevens: Yes, I’m sure it was on the tape the second and third time. Pretty sure. Vaguely sure.
Susan Dansby: And when you came in to do the same thing with Van, were there any other actors there? Were you aware of other people auditioning?
Eric Shefer Stevens: They had narrowed it down to three by then.
Susan Dansby: So how does it feel when you see these three guys walk up for the same role you’re after?
Eric Shefer Stevens: That’s another thing you’re used to. There’s an old joke: I was in the New Yorker actually, this guy who shows up at a cafe with his two friends, and he’s really excited. And he’s like, “Guys, guys, I just heard from my agent, it’s between me and the guy that’s going to get it!”
So, you’re just sitting in the room, and you’re just talking, and like, I guess, in a form of self-preservation, you assume someone else will understand. And that takes the responsibility off you. Just do what you planned to do in the room. As long as you do that, you feel good about the audition. That’s all you have control over.
Susan Dansby: Had you been recorded before in a different listening situation? Was it a new experience for you?
Eric Shefer Stevens: Oh no. If you’re in movies, pilots, all television, they always record you.
Susan Dansby: Well, tell me this, Eric. For a new actor, don’t you think it really helps to have all the experience that you had in school, after school and studying, just to prepare yourself for those situations? Isn’t it incredibly intimidating if you’ve never done it before?
Eric Shefer Stevens: Yes it is. I mean, it takes a long time to get used to. And there were definitely different mediums where he was stronger to begin with.
Susan Dansby: I suppose that would be theater.
Eric Shefer Stevens: I felt comfortable with that, auditioning for that, I knew what it was. I definitely sucked at first auditioning for commercials, auditioning for television. It’s a completely different style, it’s also a different room than the audition room.
Audition is completely different from your real job. It’s another skill. Being able to audition well is very different from being able to rehearse and be a good actor. So, it takes a little bit of time to develop that.
Any experience you have behind always helps, because it makes you feel more comfortable. The more comfortable you feel, the more likely it is that you will actually do what you have prepared and not get discouraged.
Susan Dansby: One of the things that Chris Goutman talked about is that he wants [actors] to come and be themselves, which is pretty much the hardest thing in the world in an audition situation.
Eric Shefer Stevens: I think you have to get to a place where you’re very comfortable with who you are, and comfortable with new people and a situation that’s completely unfamiliar before you walk through the door. The more you do that, the more prepared you will be to do it.
