Gig From Hell

That time it got a little bit hot in the pit.

That Gig From Hell.

That commission from Hell.

That ____ from Hell.

What is/were yours?

The gig where you didn't get paid?

Having to work with a bully-tyrant, someone supremely entitled, or someone who’s just plain difficult?

That terrible venue…?

When I hear about a difficulty, or a troubling career event that a performing artist experiences, I often respond by saying, "You're right…that IS terrible. That should NEVER have happened."

Then, I ask: "Now what. What are you going to do? What’s your plan?”

Here's how actor and two time Oscar winner Michael Caine answered that question.

Caine was waiting behind the door of a set on stage as two actors playing husband and wife improvised a scene. Getting carried away, the couple started throwing things at each other. Caine went to open the door, but he found it jammed with a chair.

"I'm sorry, sir," said Caine. "I can't get in."

"What do you mean?" the other actor asked.

"There's a chair there," Caine explained.

"Use the difficulty!" The actor exclaimed.

"What do you mean?" Caine asked, confused.

"Well, if it's a comedy, fall over it," the actor explained. "If it's a drama, pick it up and smash it. Use the difficulty."

Michael Caine added, "Use the difficulty to make the most of what you've got."

So…got drama? The conductor, or someone in the ensemble, who yells at you during rehearsals or back stage.

Frustration? You were turned down for funding for your passion project.

Got ridiculous?

Trying to play over loud crowd noise, fire truck or police sirens, loud nearby construction sounds, or that orchestral trombone player whose sound threatens the future state of your hearing?

While ridiculously frustrating, loud background noise can also become ridiculously humorous. (Since no one can hear you, you play or sing softly, saving your chops or voice.)

How could you use the difficulty "to make the best of what you got?"

You have options -- anything from using clear practically invisible ear plugs to cover up the trombones, having a private conversation to try and work things out with the conductor tyrant, never working with that tyrant again (if possible), getting better at recognizing red flag warnings, or leaving the rehearsal.

If those efforts don’t work, you still have options.

Or maybe there just isn't a real world option response.

Suck it in and get it over with as soon as possible?

I invite you to confidentially share the details of your gig from Hell. As I said, you have options.