Storytime! Let me tell you a tale.
I had an audition with @ScottishOpera. A real live audition, which is amazing. But what was even more amazing is that I came home absolutely raving about this audition, not because I got the job but because they were inclusive!

I am hearing impaired & so covid has been a struggle. Even before covid, auditions were hard and it was rare I'd get what I needed in order to do my best. I stress & always panic about whether it's okay to ask the director to repeat themselves because it isn't always ...

I have had workshops and classes where people tell me I need more focus, pay better attention, need to "match the volume" of the other actor, need to listen better etc I'm sure this isn't a problem unique to me and most disabled actors have this problem (feel free to tell me!)

But everyone out there needs to take a leaf out @ScottishOpera's book. They did everything in their power to help me be comfortable in that audition. They made sure I could hear & see the choreographer, used distance & lowered masks to talk to me & were always happy to help.

There was a moment with a woman who said to me "let me know if you need any help". Which I brushed off as I don't want to be a bother. And she said "No, really. It is absolutely okay to ask." And it really was, I was met with smiles and enthusiasm whenever I asked anything.

I enjoyed that audition more than I enjoyed any other audition I have ever been to because I had no extra stress to worry about and I knew I wasn't being judged for not hearing things. I can't tell you all how much that meant to me. Thank you Scottish Opera. I hope I'll be back!