HOW DO I EFFECTIVELY FOLLOW UP ON AUDITIONS?

 

Follow up is psychologically very hard to do, and no one enjoys it, but it's necessary, especially when you don't have an agent. Consider it part of your education, learning how to self-manage.

 

The first thing you need to do is get over the concept of how things are "supposed" to be and deal with the reality of how things are. Start developing your networking and negotiating skills. When you are following up on a packet of materials you've sent, you are not chasing the presenters --- you are offering them a service that will benefit them. Namely, your marvelous singing. That's the attitude you have to have. You also have to be charming and know when to back off and give people their space.

 

It's perfectly acceptable to contact the presenter a week or two after you're sure the materials have been received. Just ask if they've received your materials and when they expect to have auditions, and will they please schedule you for a time? They will either say yes, or no. If they say yes but don't have a time for you currently, ask if you can call again in a few weeks to get your time. If they say yes, do it (give them 2 weeks). If they say no, we'll call you, thank them nicely and get off the phone. Be brief and very professional. If you don't hear from them after a month, send a VERY brief note thanking them for taking the time to speak with you and reminding them that you look forward to auditioning for them; and include any good news you have regarding your career.

 

If they tell you no, they are not interested in hearing you at this time, you can thank them for reviewing your materials and ask what you need to remedy in order to be considered. Then ask if you can keep in touch with them for future consideration. Do NOT send a new packet of materials every time you have one more credit on your resume; wait until you have three or four new things. Postcards are a great way to send updates without having to resend materials and to keep your name popping up on the presenter's desk.