My favorite audition story comes from opera. The call was early, and I decided on a whim (I was young and full of whimsy) not to do any vocal warm-up. I sang a full-throated aria and my voice cracked repeatedly (it was years before my high notes were secure). I was embarrassed, but still young—the humiliation lasted no more than a few minutes before I was on to the next adventure.
I got a call later that day for a costume fitting for the role. The costume fit. The gentleman they had chosen based on the audition did not fit the costume.
I got the part. It was not a major role, but it was most certainly a major respected opera company.
I love this story. I believe it captures the essence of the audition process, the sheer fate of it. You get a role because you’re lucky, regardless how talented you are, and regardless to the degree your talent is appreciated.
Most of the artists with whom I’ve shared this story, particularly my take on it, hate it.
I don’t mean to imply talent and study mean nothing—quite the opposite. I mean only that talent and study ensure nothing with respect to winning recognition.
Talent and study, art itself, is its own reward.
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