AUDITION FEE: anyone heard of one?

An organisation such as the WAYo (or WAYMA as they are now called) or the AYO simply don't have the dough to absorb the audition costs for their programs. Paying a fee in some way culls all those not actually serious about preparing, and assists in meeting the expenses of an enormous audition process (again- we are talking about many hundreds, not 30 or 40 people). They exist exclusively for training young musicians, and the figures show up for themselves with a large percentage of members of every professional Australian orchestra coming from AYO... neither org makes money, and even the staff involved are not renumerated well enough for the effort involved. paying to audition for a small show seems wrong to me on the other hand. If you don't budget to cover the costs of a day or two of auditions, then you are in trouble in more ways than one... on the subject of the WA Opera. YOu are not auditioning for training- it IS a job, paid, with the applicable professional expectations and requirements. They do provide (limited) training for those who push for it, but it is a pro company and you are a pro performer. I won't get onto a discussion of pay rates, as that has been as issue in dispute earlier this year (and I am a member of this chorus, and not the person who has been in the negotiation process with management). This situation evolved mostly due to inaction and apathy amongst chorus for many years, and almost zero equity membership. Needless to say, a lack of union membership does not necessarily create an environment of generosity. ;-) Beware the new IR legislation people. It won't avoid the arts industry. Especially when the costs mount... I believe artists and production crew will be amongst the first to have their pay and conditions slashed. I can't see the hire companies, venues, printers etc. cutting prices to 'help out'! and it will start at the 'small' end of town first. I should note that the WAO does pay accepted AWARD conditions (now) though. Don't want to get into trouble :-) nev It's the simple things stupid...