Don't pay to play, apply direct!

Musicians

...Applying for a gig in the cruise industry has never been easier, consider this simple and free method - apply direct.

Benefit #1 - Freedom

Applying direct gives you the freedom to work with your employer in the way you see fit, and gives you the option to apply to other employers that might also meet your needs. Could I do that with an agent?

Often times agents ask their clients to sign non-compete agreements, agreements that prohibit their client from seeking direct employment with a cruise line or possibly several cruise lines usually for a period of two years. This two year period starts from your first day of employment and will continue for two years following your last date of employment. A musician would have to be willing to take a two year break in action, lose whatever benefits they accrued, and re-apply before being able to work commission free and exclusivity free. This exclusivity does not only start when you begin working, it begins with the application process.

When you apply with an agent, they'll review your material, perhaps do an audition, and then will share your talents with a host of cruise lines. Should they be the first ones to introduce you, it is expected the cruise line will honor their introduction. Even if you apply to the cruise line directly after the agent has shared your talents, the cruise line would be obligated to accept the introduction by way of the agent. Put yourself in the driver's seat of your career in a wonderful industry, apply direct.

Benefit #2 - Saves You Money

Agents expend time, monies, and energy finding you a gig, as a result they charge a fee for their service. Sometimes the fees are paid by the cruise line and sometimes the fee is paid by the musician. These fees usually come as a percentage of your gross salary, are paid on a monthly basis, and will be paid for each month you work for your entire career with the company. For you, and for the cruise line, these fees can stack up and the thought of breaking your agreement with the agent might seem attractive.

Breaking out of these agreements seems as easy as sending an email, they're not. Most cruise lines require a message from the agent saying the agreement is broken, most agents won't send this message. In fact they'll refer back to their exclusivity arrangement and ask the cruise line not to book you for a period of 2 years, when the agreement expires. Cruise lines rightfully don't get in between you and your agent, it was your decision to work together in the first place. My advice, avoid the conflict all together, don't pay to play - apply direct.

So How Do I Apply Direct?

Easy! Most cruise lines have career pages on their websites, active social media accounts on major channels, or even host on-site auditions in most major areas around the world. Invest the time, dig around a bit, put together an awesome application with an outstanding demo reel, audition your socks off and enjoy the fruits of a commission and exclusivity free career. Don't pay to play, apply direct.

This post does not reflect the views of my current employer; any thoughts or opinions shared are that of my own and stem from my experience working in the industry.