I haven't missed very much while I've been off sick.
I wasn't able to attend the August Cabaret Live! because I was in hospital awaiting my heart-valve operation. But that night it was announced that the event would be "taking a break". Amongst my cabaret friends on Facebook, I have sensed a great deal of of angst and anguish - we've been used to seeing each other every month and building our performance skills on a regular basis. Now there is no Cabaret Live! - what will we do? Where will we perform? How will we improve? Will we see each other again? Has the dream ended?
I haven't missed any other opportunities to perform.
Since my heart surgery, I've been to a conference in Boston and one in Sydney, where I also attended my sister's 50th birthday party. And while I'm in Sydney, I see a Facebook message about the new incarnation of Cabaret Live! - a new format, with different challenges.
The event has remained in its original format for four years - an "open-mic" night where anyone can turn up and sing on stage. It's impromptu; no rehearsal. I have sometimes actually felt like a cheat for arranging a practice session with the pianist in the lead-up to the event.
Now, the rules have changed. It's no longer open-mic; it's by application and invitation. There will be "headline acts" - for those with a 10-minute piece ready for a commercial audience, and "spotlight acts" - for those with a song that has been prepared to a "high performance standard". It's not for newbies; instead, for them, there will be educational workshops.
We are no longer guaranteed a place in the program - instead, there will be a competitive process.
I completely understand why the organizers have moved in this direction - it will make the event more professional and lift its profile.
But my first reaction is "Am I good enough?"
And I quickly slap my own hand and tell myself to get over it. You can't worry about this. If you want to sing, you must put yourself forward and submit yourself to critical appraisal. All you can do is your best.
At the same time, I'm really glad that I took the opportunity to perform there almost every month, for three and a half years. It's been an "in the deep end", adrenaline-pumping, steep learning curve that has pushed me to a point I never imagined I'd reach - presenting my own full-length solo show.
I click on "Apply" and fill out the online form.
I'm determined to be good enough.
Cabaret Live: A New Direction
I wasn't able to attend the August Cabaret Live! because I was in hospital awaiting my heart-valve operation. But that night it was announced that the event would be "taking a break". Amongst my cabaret friends on Facebook, I have sensed a great deal of of angst and anguish - we've been used to seeing each other every month and building our performance skills on a regular basis. Now there is no Cabaret Live! - what will we do? Where will we perform? How will we improve? Will we see each other again? Has the dream ended?
I haven't missed any other opportunities to perform.
Since my heart surgery, I've been to a conference in Boston and one in Sydney, where I also attended my sister's 50th birthday party. And while I'm in Sydney, I see a Facebook message about the new incarnation of Cabaret Live! - a new format, with different challenges.
The event has remained in its original format for four years - an "open-mic" night where anyone can turn up and sing on stage. It's impromptu; no rehearsal. I have sometimes actually felt like a cheat for arranging a practice session with the pianist in the lead-up to the event.
Now, the rules have changed. It's no longer open-mic; it's by application and invitation. There will be "headline acts" - for those with a 10-minute piece ready for a commercial audience, and "spotlight acts" - for those with a song that has been prepared to a "high performance standard". It's not for newbies; instead, for them, there will be educational workshops.
We are no longer guaranteed a place in the program - instead, there will be a competitive process.
I completely understand why the organizers have moved in this direction - it will make the event more professional and lift its profile.
But my first reaction is "Am I good enough?"
And I quickly slap my own hand and tell myself to get over it. You can't worry about this. If you want to sing, you must put yourself forward and submit yourself to critical appraisal. All you can do is your best.
At the same time, I'm really glad that I took the opportunity to perform there almost every month, for three and a half years. It's been an "in the deep end", adrenaline-pumping, steep learning curve that has pushed me to a point I never imagined I'd reach - presenting my own full-length solo show.
I click on "Apply" and fill out the online form.
I'm determined to be good enough.
Cabaret Live: A New Direction
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