One thing I’m not against is doing a show for free, but there needs to be a reason. I’m not talking about shows for charity, but shows that are ticketed, but there’s no pay. I look at these as a chance for me to break in new material and I don’t do my A material, I do things that I’m working on. The only exception to this is if it’s a favor to a friend.
A little while ago a show producer posted a “casting call” in a performer’s group. Here’s the form you had to fill out to audition to perform for free:





First of all, if there’s an audition for a free show, I personally stay away from it. There’s zero reason to audition to not get paid, unless there’s some other form of compensation from the gig, like them providing high quality video/pics of the act.
Next they are asking for experienced performers to do this gig for no pay. The schedule of the shows taking place on Saturdays kills any opportunity to take paid gigs on that prime night for actual paid work.
The super crazy thing to me is that they want 7 rehearsal days…for a FREE show! Then another six days for the shows, for a total commitment of 13 days with zero compensation. The gig is selling tickets, but they aren’t even kicking in for gas or meals for the performers.
Say NO to predatory gigs like this.
This is worse than the charity gig that asks for show in trade for exposure. You can easily leverage those shows into something that’s a win-win. This show is taking advantage of people who need stage time.
Is getting to do an act that’s not even YOUR act worth it?
You’re filling someone else’s pocket with your art.
-Louie
As someone who auditioned, got cast, and had zero issues with the lack of payment, I’d like to personally invite you to one of our shows and would be happy to comp your ticket if you decide to attend. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic show and we can’t wait to perform it in a few weeks.
You can totally be OK with the lack of payment for a 13 day commitment, but these gigs aren’t for experienced performers (which the casting call asked for).
My huge issue is that it’s asking for “experienced” performers to work for free. The casting call isn’t asking for inexperienced performers looking for stage time, they want experienced performers to give them 13 days for free, with no mention of any sort of profit sharing, expense reimbursement or alternative compensation (ie copyright free video/pics).
Have fun in the show, I can’t take you up on the tickets because I’ll be on the road performing paid gigs.
-Louie