Observations of a geezer who has been around the block a few times:--

In reputable, professional auditions, (actors, dancers, opera singers, tuba players, folk singers, etc., etc.) the producers do not charge. Reputable producers realize that performers willing to audition for them are giving them the opportunity to chose from a talent pool, and they could reduce the size of that pool (and thereby miss a potential star-performer that would make their fortune for them) if they were to discourage people by asking them to pay to audition. In fact, I don't think it would even occur to a reputable producer to charge. Open, free auditions are a matter of rational self-interest on the part of producers. You could actually make a perfectly good argument that the producers should pay you for the opportunity to decide whether or not they want your services.

I would not audition for producers who charge to "let" performers audition, and I would spread the word to others to boycott them. The only times I sing without getting paid for it are:-- 1) at parties, hoots, song circles, some folk festivals (where everybody else is performing for free), or other events where I am having fun and I consider that to be my pay; 2) charitable events of my choice. I will not pay to perform, ever! And if someone else (other than a charitable organization) is making money because I'm performing, I must have some of it. [Nor do I submit any of my writing to publishers who charge a "reading fee." The vast majority of reputable publishers don't.]

I have confidence in my own abilities, and I refuse to grovel. This is not ego talking, it's a matter of self-respect -- and self-preservation. Believe me, there are plenty of opportunities to perform without pay, and I'm quite sure there would be many, many more if you were willing to pay to perform (or to audition). I learned that the hard way, way back when.

Charging you to audition is a rip-off.

Don Firth