Audition Policies
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
So I have these policies for myself for auditions--
1) Don't go to an audition for which I am not prepared. To me, at this point, there is little reason to go to an audition if I'm not going to prepare for it. "Winging it" doesn't really teach me anything except how well I can wing it.
2) Don't go to an audition where, if you were to win, you have no intention of taking the job. First off, I am not so competitive that I have to win just for the sake of winning.* Second, it wastes everyone's time-the committee, the other auditionees, those running the audition- everyone.
3) Don't go to an audition "for the experience." I'm nearly 30. I have been to countless auditions. I don't need "the experience" anymore.
So I'm going to an audition tonight that violates pretty much all of my rules for myself. I'm completely unprepared because my friend got married this past weekend and I didn't pick up my horn for a few days, let alone think about excerpts. I have no intention of taking this gig even if it was miraculously offered to me-- it is quite far, not a good orchestra, and has tons of conflicts with gigs I already have lined up for the season. And the reason I decided to go was so that I could ramp myself up for an audition in October that I'm incredibly excited about. Essentially, I'm just going for the experience.
So why go, you ask? Well, the cancellation date was the 21st of August and I want to get my deposit check back or I'll have to forfeit $50. It is September, there's not much work this month, and I can't really afford to suck up that much money. So I'll drive the hour, get my check, and, well, I might as well take my horn and see what happens....
But I don't think it'll be good...
*That is a lie. I like winning. Who doesn't?
Posted byL. at 10:39 AM
Labels: auditions, Freelancing
I think your policies are quite on the mark. I have the same basic premises for plain ole job interviews. Though, I have been known to go to various ones for one reason or another.
Good luck! Welcome back to the blog - hope all is well with you.