Has anyone ever paid to audition?

[Mike Weakley]

Saw this article and couldn't believe that there is a "$20 registration fee" just to register for an audition? Has anyone ever done this before? I contacted this Hope lady and asked her about it. She said that it is standard procedure and they have been doing it for years. They do it to cover the cost of their people to run auditions and to handle all the paperwork. I told her she was crazy and that I've never paid to audition for any type of gig. She said that I shouldn't audition then; they have no shortage of people more than willing to pay this fee. Has anyone out there done this before?
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The Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm are searching for energetic young men and women to entertain fans at all home games. If you think you have what it takes, we would love to meet you!

Auditions will take place at the St. Pete Times Forum on Wednesday,
July 19th with registration starting at 6pm.

Auditions will consist of group skits, game scenarios, special talent (juggling, stilt walking, singing, dancing, or other), and an interview.

In order to audition you must be:
*18 or older
*athletic
*comfortable performing in front of crowds
*outgoing and team oriented
*able to commit to a busy schedule for one full year

To preregister fill out the TECO Energy Team registration form (below). Mail it (along with a non-returnable photo of yourself, resume, and $20 registration fee) to The Tampa Bay Lightning Attn: Hope C Reep, 401 Channelside Drive Tampa FL, 33602 by July 7th.

If you are unable to preregister, please bring the above items to the audition. A mandatory meeting will be held for the new team on July 25th from 7-9pm and rehearsals will be held every Thursday evening leading up to the first Lightning game.

Questions? Contact Hope C. Reep at 813-301-6877 or hreep@sptimesforum.com

[Stephon]

Rip off

As a rule, you're absolutely right--you should never pay for an audition. Any expenses they incur during the audition process will be more than covered by their fee from booking gigs, using the people they found at the audition.

She's also right, in that there is no shortage of ignorant people out there who will pay for the opportunity to make money for organizations like this one.

[unklesteve]

Wow. This is the first time I've ever heard of being charged to audition.

Ridiculous.

[Rachel Peters]

i concur.
In acting/agent stuff, that's repeated over and over again. If they ask for money, it automatically makes them sketchy.

[eurobuskers]

I heard too that there are people who pay to audition, that these people exist !!!
Ive never paid anything other than my own beer afterwards.
I suppose these poor idiots must also pay their own wage if they get hired ???