I lost three but on the fourth one I won. I've picked both cross fingers and .... I don't think it matters which you choose. I don't think you're supposed to win at first. I'm level 18 and I've won my first award.
Whenever he calls and offers you a part if you say what else he offers you other parts to choose from. Is this the role where you're up against Paige? If it is then you don't have to succeed at the 24 hour drama if you're willing to use some stars.
You click on the trash cans, birds, boxes, mailboxes. They give you xp and money and sometimes energy. If you click on them it takes off about six seconds from your wait time for more energy.