BTW there's a showcase in the area that invites performers to send an MP3 of their work to the showcase organizers for review before the performers are actually invited to participate in the showcase. Perhaps the same could be done for an "open-mike audition"... but at what point does it no longer become an "open" mike, if those who fail the audition are allowed less performance time or are barred from the stage altogether? Doesn't it then become a showcase format, for most or all of the evening?