[NEohioPAL] Audition etiquette

[Mary L Davis]

As assistant to Ellie Ellsworth, the director of the Cabaret 
Symposium of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, 
Connecticut, I facilitated Manhattan auditions by answering telephone 
and email inquiries. After she selected the artists to audition, I 
would call them to schedule their auditions.  I would later confirm 
the audition within 48 hours prior to their appointment.  When 
auditioning artists arrived I would sign them in, cordially offer 
them hot tea or room temperature water. I would encourage them to 
relax. I would tell them who would be evaluating them, answer any 
questions they had about the Symposium program and then escort them 
into the audition room. Every effort was made to help them feel 
comfortable despite the highly competitive auditions. The Cabaret 
Symposium was all about taking talented and experienced artists up to 
a higher level. I'm proud to say that we created one of the most 
positive audition experiences in NYC and only increased the prestige 
of this very special program.

Mary L Davis