Auditions anybody?

Last week presented an interesting situation that I had't experienced before. Two local studios wanted me to do an audition for them for the same spot. Personally, I have no problem with providing auditions for whoever wants one. I believe that the engineers idea of what the client might want is a great place to start. If the engineer gets involved enough to give an opinion. If he doesn't, you're on your own to offer what you think the client wants.
I don't know about you but my loyalty is primarily to myself. The more places I audition with for the same job, the greater my chances of being the talent doing that job for pay. It did get a little interesting last week when I was asked whether I'd already auditioned for the spot. I guess I'll know in a couple days how things turned out. I'll keep you apprised..

Work, class, and study..

  I'm so behind on this blog! No matter, I hadn't done much exciting to tell you about until about a week ago. But now I have!

  On Wednesday of last week I did two jobs on the same day! That's a rare occurrence for sure. I didn't have either of them scheduled and suddenly I had two local studios calling for me. My first job was a promotion for the Gap Band at the Hard Rock Live in Mississippi. The client called in via phone patch to direct. Everything went smoothly and the client and engineer were happy after only my first few takes. It always feels great when a job can be done quickly. It suggests that you as a voice talent is good at what you do and performances which require less time to perfect is the best validation I can think of. Frequent practice can be given credit for that.

  The second job was a PSA piece pertaining to changing the lives of children to keep them from eventually ending up in prison. It went just about as smoothly even though the client was there in person. The number of takes were roughly the same but selection of the most appropriate background music to run with the vocals took more time than producing the vocals. 

  I was professional and helpful as usual. My class I just recently finished reminded us to ask questions before a job if there is anything we're uncertain about so I was able to implement some of what I'd just been reminded to do.

  Over the years I've done this, I've learned to ask questions. How do you want this word pronounced? What tone should the first paragraph take? Should I say this number like this or like that? There is always a little something I'm uncertain about as I take the mic so there is always a good reason to get some more clarity before I get going with the read. Doing so makes me look more professional and capable rather than less so.

  My study in Spanish is coming along well. I've created for myself a nemonic (an obvious misspelling but you know what I mean) to help me with verb endings. This help tool is only for singular verbs in the present, past and  future tenses. I'll be learning the plural endings soon. I know that this will assist me mightily when I start attempting to read materials in Spanish. I'm proud of my progress thus far and I still manage to do some studying virtually everyday.

   You know I'll keep you apprised so keep in touch.