i have several important EPAs and appointments coming up, both for musical theater and for regular on camera work. but im very sick.

i HATE excuses, but honestly, while i can still sing, my range is a bit limited and i don't sound the same (yay congestion). do you all ever say upfront, "hey, i'm sick with a cold, but i still wanted to audition for you."

sounds like making an excuse, or something, but i don't want them to think thats how i really sound or anything...

not sure what to do here. would appreciate the advice.

Never apologize at an audition. If you're sick and your voice is off they'll see that, but don't apologize for what you're about to show them. It's like saying "I'm just preparing you that I'm going to suck and I don't want you to think I'm usually that bad."

And just because your voice isn't at 100% doesn't mean you are going to be bad.

After singing professionally for 28 years, I would only audition if you feel well and can show your talent in a positive light.

Everyone has a bad audition. CD's do understand that. But why take the chance you will leave the CD's with a bad impression of your vocal/acting skills?

Rest, do not talk at all. Sleep as much as you can. Relax.

But, my opinion, and it's only my opinion, is that if I am not at my best, or at the very least, if I feel I am not showing my skills in a positive light, I will not audition.

If it makes you feel any better, and as you probably already know, unless it is a non-required call, most EPAS are required by the union and people are rarely hired from them.

I say rest and go to the chorus call instead, provided you feel better, as a member from the actual production team must be at a chorus call. A casting assistant could run the EPA which won't help you anyway.

Just my 2 cents.

Just want to concur with the other posters. This is an unwritten rule. You never apologize at an audition (unless you've done something terribly offensive). If your voice isn't at it's best, either don't go, or go, and sing your heart out without excuse. Don't get focused on your voice, or keep listening to see how you're doing. Instead, focus on the intent of the song. That will be more likely to carry you through.

I think right now, with Swine Flu fears in the air especially, most auditors will understand if you call and tell them you can't come because you are sick. I know it is a bummer to miss an opportunity, but it won't be an opportunity if you can't perform to your standards...

actually guys, despite week 5 of bronchitis, i got callbacks for both! i was called back for two roles in the play at one theatre, and was asked about callbacks for a musical at the other theatre. and if you happened to be paying attention, i was the one hacking up a storm at the backstage panel last week, which was the day after the two auditions. i wasn't my best at all, but callbacks on both productions? not bad

but now, thankfully, i'm on drugs and hopefully am on the mend. lots of big auditions coming up this month! big CDs involved, don't want to be sick for them (or for more than the 6th week...which i am in now...).

The way I see it is if you are capable of good acting when you're well, you're capable of good acting when you have the sniffels.

quote:

Originally posted by americangirl:
actually guys, despite week 5 of bronchitis, i got callbacks for both! i was called back for two roles in the play at one theatre, and was asked about callbacks for a musical at the other theatre. and if you happened to be paying attention, i was the one hacking up a storm at the backstage panel last week, which was the day after the two auditions. i wasn't my best at all, but callbacks on both productions? not bad

but now, thankfully, i'm on drugs and hopefully am on the mend. lots of big auditions coming up this month! big CDs involved, don't want to be sick for them (or for more than the 6th week...which i am in now...).

Grats on the callbacks and all the auditions! Keep breakin' legs and hope you feel better soon!

Aren't you glad you didn't apologize?

I'm sorry you've been sick, but I'm so glad to hear how busy you've been with auditions. So many non-stage actors think there is no stage work in the LA area, when they really don't have a clue how much there really is! Congrats on all the auditions and callbacks for both film and stage! Hope you're well soon and I look forward to coming to one of your shows in the future!

thanks all! my singing wasn't anywhere near up to par, but i certainly didn't say anything hehe and i did some coughing before and after, which i know didn't sound great, but... i did what i could, and it seemed to be ok.

AND i just learned that due to a past stage callback experience here in LA, i am being allowed to bypass a whole audition process for their next contract, and will be considered with the finalists once auditions are completed.

kinda fun! MIB, there IS a lot going on. the problem is that people want to stay here in LA and only want to do certain types of stagework. but if you are willing to drive now and then, there's PLENTY of work. and some of it is AEA (thank goodness!)