[Jenem]

I need some advice. I have a callback for a show that's located farther from home and work than I thought (I know, duh! )

So I'm wondering, how far would you travel to do a show (keeping in mind that it's a community production)?. It's about an hour's drive each way, and could be longer with traffic. And it's a pretty good show with what could be a good role.

I don't want to jinx it by worrying about something that hasn't happend yet, but I would like to have a decision made when/if the time comes.

Any advice is welcome!

[Missnewbooty]

If its a good part I say keep it! But be sure to inform the directors incase they want to put you as a smaller role your not willing to accept.

I hate when actors audition for the lead and say they will accept any role and quit when they dont get the one they want.

[opheliarose]

Is this a professional theatre? The one I am working with at the moment is boarding us out-of-towners as part of our compensation. You might see if they have anyone willing to host a guest artist.

[jazzygirlsings]

I wonder if there's any way that they could at least help you with your transportation costs...

But I've done a regional touring theatre that has gone everywhere from 3-4 HOURS out of my way for performances, to not far at all...but then again, I was reimbursed for travel and I got a salary on top of that...

It depends on how much you want to do the show/role and if you get any compensation for travel/performances. If the money/time is not an issue and you BADLY want to do the show, then do it!

[sunrae]

^ Agreed.

I've been in shows where if you keep track of your mileage throughout rehearsal period and through the shows, at the end of the run they reimbursed me for my travel.

I've known actors who traveled 3 hours (roundtrip) just to be in the chorus of a show!! And that's without any reimbursement!

[Jenem]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

While it is a very professionally run performance group, they unfortunately do not pay, and I doubt I could ask for reimbursment. I would really like to do the show, but I'd like to keep my sanity, which could be difficult after 3-4 hours of driving each day in the winter months. And the money/time are pretty big issues for me.

To add to my stress, I've just been offered another role in a show that's already been cast. I didn't audition for the show, but I know the directorate, so they're pretty much just offering the part. There's barely any singing, a lot of dancing (yikes) and some acting. The show is less than half the travelling distance, but the role is far from a dream part, and I'm not too keen on the script either, but it would be good to expand on my lacking dance skills.

I wish I knew what to do. I'd really like to make my mind up and communicate my decision to the directorate before going to the Callback, becuase I don't want to waste any more of their time.

[dramababy500]

I drive about 45 min. every night to rehearsal (longer if there's traffic of course)... it's definatly worth it for me because the community theatre company in town isn't so great (just because Dave Matthews got his start there doesn't mean they're the best there is... humph). I think it all depends on what the show (or the company) means to you. If you're not going to be happy with the production or the drive there, I don't think it's worth it. Like wise with the role that was simply just handed to you. If it's "far from a dream part", are you going to be happy performing and rehearsing for the role? Are you going to leave the theater every night saying "I hate this show!"? I would let the director of the 2nd show know that you have a callback for another show and that you'll get back to them as soon as possible. It's kinda like interviewing for a job. Who will you get more money (or in this case, experiance) out of?

Sorry, I'm a rambler. Did that make sense?

[sunrae]

[quote="dramababy500"] I would let the director of the 2nd show know that you have a callback for another show and that you'll get back to them as soon as possible. It's kinda like interviewing for a job. Who will you get more money (or in this case, experiance) out of?[quote]

I would suggest not saying that to the director. You don't want them to think that they are your second choice, it might offend them and hurt your chances of getting cast in any future productions. Maybe just tell them that you are not sure of your schedule yet and ask when they absolutely need to know by. If it before the other show is cast, then you just need to make a decision and stick to it. [/i]

[Jenem]

[jazzygirlsings]

[Jenem]