The F#$*ed up psychology of cattle call auditions.

I recently went out on an audition for a supporting role in a SAG ultra low budget feature. It was a total cattle call, with a claustrophobic's nightmare sized crush of people in a long narrow hallway. No actor really likes to walk into a room and see 100 better looking versions of themselves up for the same role. The needy energy of hordes of hungry actors was palpable. The situation reminds me of just how potentially tough the odds are. This brings out some wacky behavior in folks.

• Actors who are fearful start consulting other actors for advice before they go in the room.
• Actors play mind games and come out of auditions laughing, hooting, hollering and saying things like "You can all go home now!"
• Actors attempt to prove that they are the funniest people in the room and talk loudly about random crap - too many guys boast about their cars.
• Actors will intentionally undercut others, "Oh, you wore a blue shirt. That's a... bold choice."

Suffice to say, a lot of folks are anxious and it manifests in whacked out ways. Bring a book, read your book, focus on your work and give a good audition. Leave the showmanship for the stage.