How many of you folks still audition for gigs? I played 3 gigs today and during one of them I was approached about auditioning for someone. To be honest it has been decades not years since I had to audition for a gig of any kind. But I was wondering how many people here are still willing to audition for a gig.

Hammer

NEVER!
Thats what a good website is for
or Let them come to see your show...

.....OR unless it's a full paid audition



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-25-2008).]

There's an Agency here in Australia that (I believe) still insists on Auditioning people at a local venue on a Monday ("industry night").

I don't want to get high and mighty here (because I'm really not!) but at this stage, having played as much as we have, and professionally, in as many venues and situations as we have, I feel vaguely insulted that a Video of us, or one (or all) of our Agent's recommendations won't do to work for this particular Agency.

If it's for a specialised job (a Stage Musical or something similar) I would have no problem with it - but just for a "gig", unless it's truly out of the ordinary - yes I would have a problem with a full blown "audition".

This brings up a point/problem I have with some (only some) Agents - that don't keep up with the current crop of talent or potential performers, and some don't visit new venues or get out to "keep tabs" on existing acts. I really think there is a complacent attitude when it comes to knowing the "up and comers" or new(er) acts AND keeping the quality and standards high for existing, longtime acts at popular venues.

Deane, it would seem that the person already heard you. That should be enough, unless a higher power must agree.
Years ago, if I had an off night, I would approach a club and offer to play for my regular price and tell them that if they didn't like my performance they didn't have to pay. Nobody ever failed to pay. Don't know if that would still work, but if you are going to audition anyway, it might be worth a try.
Hope to see you soon!
DonM

I work as a Magician in the UK and have been working also as a keyboard vocalist recently. I telephoned some of the retirement homes in my area to enquire about work as a musician and was astinished at the low pay rates they were talking about. As a magician I would normally start negotiations at around £100 per hour (depending on how long they want me for etc) but some homes were talking about paying £25 or less per hour and wanted me to audition too For a larger fee with possibility of repeat booking I may have agreed, but for the money they were talking about I feel they can take a chance. How bad can you be. I might add that I am rebooked at the gigs I have done so far (night work paying much more money).

I don't want to say I'd never audition for free-period, but I'd sure never make a habit of it.

I've done things like offer a one time cut rate, 1 set gig at a few places I really wanted in...and they worked out more often than not.

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Bill in Dayton

I have the same attitude about this that is being expressed in the posts. I only play senior gigs and as has been mentioned they don't pay as well as clubs, dances, or private parties. It seems to me that for the money they could book once and see how it works out. I can remember when I was playing all the hot spots and sought after gigs and that was a lot different - money was super and the sidemen were amoung the best and a whole lot of fun to play with. There were dozens of guys trying to get those gigs - sometimes we were invited to sitin on a "jam" session with the band leader or booker. No one seemed to gripe about that because it usually led to booking gigs with someone if not the main gig.

Hammer

Hammer

Deane,

I agree with DonM. I essentially did the same thing as he did a number of times, and there were no instances where I was not paid, and I was usually asked when I could set up a performance schedule for them.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

What I do when I get a call about an audition is invite the person to one of my house gigs. I pick up the tab for them (usually, it's part of a trade with the establishment). I figure, if they don't want to take the time to come to me at a regular gig, I don't really want to work for them. Usually, the caller is representing an entertainment committee of some kind and I really don't have the time for that silliness.

The last audition I went to was in 1973. It was for Steak and Ale, and I worked for them for 5 years, so the trip to Louisville (80 miles) was well worth it.


Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-26-2008).]

We auditioned the Mikey Maestro Show at the resort we're at. It was well worth it in the long run. We finish our 2nd contract next week.



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God Bless,
Mikey

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