By Clint Clark

Have you been looking for a way to use your talent to earn a living and see the world? Consider becoming a singer for a cruise line. Working as a cruise ship singer offers a wonderful opportunity to develop your stage presence and singing ability, earn a steady wage, and travel to far off exotic places. While some in the entertainment business look down on cruise ship work, it is a consistent gig that pays far more than most land gigs. It is a great way to save money, pay off student loans, and see the world, all while performing nightly in front of audiences of up to 3000 people.

Finding the Auditions:

Websites like www.craigslist.org , www.Backstage.com , and www.Playbill.com will often have postings for auditions in your area. Cruise lines which produce their own entertainment, and outside production companies will usually have their own websites with audition notices as well.

www.garymusick.com

www.stillettoentertainment.com

www.royalcaribbeanproductions.com

mattdavenportproductions.com

Auditioning:

Song selection: Most cruise lines feature Las Vegas style revue shows on board. Pop music is prevalent but versatility is also important. Very few lines go for classically trained singers, so don’t sing your best aria. The audition notice will usually specify what they are looking for, usually an up-tempo pop or R&B song and a ballad of a contrasting style. Some lines have Broadway style shows, so a musical theater piece might be appropriate. Most lines will post range requirements in the audition notice. Women will usually be asked to belt. Tenors are usually preferred, but high baritones are often used as well. Have sheet music, in your key for the accompanist, some lines will accept CD accompaniment.

Dancing: Most lines will have singers sing first. Then, if they like what they hear, they may ask you to dance. While some lines hire singers only, many prefer that you be able to dance, or at least move well on stage. Be prepared to dance at your audition. Bring dance shoes and a change of clothes you can move in. The difficulty level of the dance combination will vary from line to line. Most will have a movement combination, just to see if you can present yourself well onstage. Others may be more advanced with turns or kicks.

Appearance: As with any audition, it is important to look your best! Higher end luxury lines will expect you to dress more upscale (no jeans) than the more mainstream lines. Some companies like Stiletto Entertainment, are specific about what they want you to wear, such as a leotard with fish nets and character heels for women, no baggy clothes. Most will be less specific, but will want to be able to see your body shape. Many cruise ship shows feature revealing or form fitting costumes. Men may be asked to perform shirtless. Being in good physical condition is extremely important. Casting directors often like what they hear, but may ask a performer to lose some weight before they can consider them for a contract. This isn’t only for aesthetic reasons, but practical reasons. There is usually one set of costumes that remain on the ship and must be altered to fit each new coming performer. It is easier and cheaper to find a performer to fit the costume than to build and send a new costume to the ship.

Video Submissions:

Some lines accept video auditions. In the past these were done by video tape or CD, but it is becoming more common to post a clip to You Tube or send a file via email. The company website will specify which method is preferred as well as what to include in the video. While it isn’t necessary that your video audition be professionally produced, it doesn’t hurt. You can usually include several audition songs in a video that you might not get to perform in a live audition. It is important, however, that the video not be over 5 minutes long.

Put your best clip first. If the casting director doesn’t like what he or she hears in the first 30 seconds, you won’t likely make it much further. For a DVD, put each different song on a different chapter and include a menu with chapter titles. This makes it easier for the casting director to get to the clips he or she wants to see.

If you have clips of you performing in a show in front of an audience, use them. If not, just you in front of a camera with a piano is fine. On a DVD, you can also include a slide show of pictures, including your headshot, and still shots from shows you have done. If you have a demo, or high quality audio recording of your singing, you can use these as a backing track for the slide show.   When mailing a DVD, you will also need to include a cover letter, resume, and headshot. While some lines will hire you directly from a video submission, others will invite you to their offices for an in person audition.

Things you need to know about life at sea:

Passport: You will need a passport before you can take a contract with any cruise line. Since it takes up to 6 weeks to obtain a new passport, if you are thinking about auditioning for a cruise line, apply for one now!

travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Accommodations: Before accepting an offer from a cruise line, ask what type of cabin you will be in: single or double occupancy. It can make a huge difference in your experience. Do you like having a roommate or do you enjoy having time to yourself? If you are the latter, sharing a cabin with a roommate for 6 months can be a miserable experience. Be sure to ask before you sign a contract. Some cruise lines offer single occupancy cabins for lead singers.

Passenger Status/Crew Duties: What will your status be once on board the ship? Some lines require entertainers to serve as part of the cruise director’s staff. This may include checking passengers in on embarkation day, hosting bingo, or conducting lifeboat drills. This may also affect what areas of the ship you have access to. Will you be required to wear a uniform? If not what type or dress code will be enforced? You will probably need a tuxedo or formal dress(es). Few lines give lead singers full passenger status, which includes full access to passenger areas, dining rooms, bars, pools, spas, etc.

Compensation: Pay ranges from 700-1200/week starting with most lines. It is important to know if you will be an independent contractor or an employee for tax purposes. Some lines pay cash on board, others do direct deposit.

So if you’re ready to earn your sea legs while singing for your supper, check out the links above, show them what you’ve got, and Bon Voyage!