Auditions

Hmmm... I certainly did not mean to cause upset to you Amanda... but I need to respond to a couple of things you have mentioned...

> > All the cast went into their rehearsal/performance season
> with full knowledge of the
> > conditions regarding payment or non payment as the case may
> be
>
> No, Sonja, they didn't. Nor did any of us have any idea that
> the show would be double cast, not only principals, but
> chorus; that some people would be given parts, only to never
> given the opportunity to perform them...I could go on, but
> I've said it all before. Please refer to the posts from
> August last year about that exceptionally difficult production.

Amanda... I was one of those people who auditioned for Les Mis and Pat told me right at the onset that this was not a paid job... it's a shame you were not...

> Does that not therefore mean he has changed companies since
> he is no longer with Music Spectrum? (Which went belly up
> due to money disputes...) Or with Omnibus? (Which went belly
> up due to money disputes....hang on there's a trend happening
> here...)
>
> > The registering of this company was never done by Pat but
> by his partner...
>
> But you can be guaranteed that Pat will have a share of the
> profits.

Is there a reason Pat wouldn't or shouldn't have a share of a business he is a part of? I don't know the inner workings of Pat's business, but I do know that it affords an opportunity for those who want to have experience in the industry... albeit unpaid... what Pat does is not abnormal or legally wrong...

Does it need to change? Perhaps... but there will be a whole lot less opportunity to perform in Perth if that occurs...

Just a thought but if the show was a flop Amanda, who would take the financial brunt? I would think it would have to be Pat... surely that means that WIN or LOSE, Pat Barton is the sole person responsible?

You, Pat or anyone else are allowed to be a part of many company's... being in one doesn't negate the validity of another... I am not placing a moral value on your opinion or on the way Pat runs his business, nor can I validate all that you have said in your letter... but everything being correct, I understand your reaction completely...

There is just one thing I cannot understand. Why would you remain in your role and the production when you felt so strongly about these points?

I understand the creative reason... and after seeing you in the role of Mrs Thenadier, I also believe you were a huge asset to the show... it just appears odd that you didn't move on to something which may have in fact given you both payment AND experience... and better feelings about what you were a part of...

I appreciate that it's important for all of us to be paid, so that we don't have to take odd jobs away from our craft... that is a problem here in Perth... we do struggle financially to stay in our craft... but that's when I think we need to make the decision one way or the other... and be happy with our choices...

For those of you out there who want to audition for MY FAIR LADY... take your questions with you to the audition... ask about payment or benefits etc... know what you are agreeing to and then be happy with your decision whatever it may be...