The Pocket Opera offices are just on the other side of the Bay Bridge, thankfully, but still, I would be nearly an hour late. I called the office hoping for either someone to answer the phone, or trusting that someone would check messages prior to the audition's start time. Being late drives me crazy! I am such a stickler for being on time, because it shows respect one has for other people's time. Extenuating circumstances occur, and this was clearly out of my control. So, taking the time to practice relaxing in an uncomfortable moment, was a very good thing for me.

The folks running the auditions, thankfully, got my message and were gracious enough to slip me in between a couple of singers. I got into the audition space and realized that after 3+ hours on the road, there was no where to warm up.  Again, good time to practice the skill of "What aria should I sing first?" "Which will keep me grounded in my body and get my breath going?" "I need to sing something that isn't too difficult, something I can sing when you get out of bed in the morning..." 

I realized yesterday, in ALL my auditions I NEED to have a piece like that because things happen. I won't always have perfect circumstances in which I can fully mentally and physically prepare to sing the most showy aria on my list right away. I need to make sure that out of the box I am at ease and relaxed with whatever circumstances are thrown my way, and be calm enough and engaging enough for the panel to want to ask for a second aria. The audition panel doesn't necessarily care about your circumstances leading up to the audition, just about what they hear and see.

I sang one of the Countess' arias from LE NOZZE DI FIGARO, "Porgi Amor". It went well, I was relaxed and in my space. Then they asked for "Come Scoglio" from COSI FAN TUTTE....eek. After a long time sitting, I hoped the quick coloratura was awake.It was the aria went quite well. Other than a few sleepy voice gurgles that I had to be conscious to sing over, it was good!

Whew! One more audition next week, then hopefully I can simply get working on my upcoming projects for the season without worrying about more "job interviews" for a while!