Homestays

Many companies, some small and some large, use homestays to house the principal artists, an arrangement between the generous supporters of the company (often board members) and for the singer staying there. Sometimes, a home is empty and the artist is in essence, house-sitting. I once saved a family from basement flooding when I noticed their hot water heater had broken and I was able to call them and help a technician get to the house to replace it!

In most situations however, singers will stay in a room or apartment inside the home or on the property of one of these kind supporters while they are living there. 

Hosts and homestays are also common at summer festivals and apprentice programs like Merola.  

I have met wonderful people in these homestays and have made some life-long friends. One of the most difficult things to deal with though, is making sure that when you are there you don’t tire your voice interacting with your host by talking for hours and hours or heading out on fun but not vocally friendly excursions.

Many times, hosts will invite you to activities or to eat with them and welcome you to the family with open arms. If you don’t tire easily, (and you’re an extrovert) it’s a perfect situation. Other times, you’re singing a taxing role, and you need to be smart before and after rehearsals and on days off in between shows.

You often have to share a kitchen with your hosts as well,  which can pose some unique challenges. 

When possible, having a car (either you own or a rental) for a home stay is essential. It allows you to stay a little farther out and gives the company more options, and you’re also not dependent on others or the local transportation system to get around. It also afford you some opportunities for alone time outside of the house if you need it.

Be upfront with your host. I’ve never offended a host because I needed to eat specific things and couldn’t share dinner with them when offered, or had to pass on an invitation to a show or baseball game because of a rehearsal or performance the next day. Often, you’ll find a good balance between interacting with the hosts and working.

At the end of the day, even though you’ve done your best to be a good guest, you may offend your host anyway with something you need to do as a professional to be in top shape. That’s OK! Remember, you’re there to do a job, and if you don’t do that job, you don’t get paid, so, GET PAID!

You will inevitably be asked to accompany your host to various lunches, dinners, other similar events. It’s sort of a “show and tell” where they like to share their famous, exotic house guest with neighbors and friends. Think of these events as good PR. It helps the company keep strong ties with their supporters, helps get people to your shows, and you meet some wonderful opera-loving fans. Again, don’t feel obligated to accept every invitation, often the more you say yes, the more you’ll be invited to do, so be bold when you need to be. These events are also part of your “gig report card.” Your host will definitely be reporting back to the company on their relationship and experience with you. Make sure to show some empathy and realize that it’s also a challenge for a coplete stranger to open up his or her home to you and invite you to do what you need to feel comfortable while on your gig.

If you find that you’re paired with somebody with whom you “click” immediately and it’s very easy to live there, they will often offer to house you whenever you’re in the area.  This can be wonderful for auditions, vacations, or future gigs with that company when you want to stay at a place that you know has worked already. 

For homestay questions, get in touch with the company contact. Be specific about your concerns. Yes, there’s only so much that’s possible with these stays, but if you’re not upfront about concerns, allergies, and what you need to successfully do your job, you can’t expect to have a comfortable situation. If you prefer to be completely alone, let them know. If it’s possible, my personal experience is that the company is happy to arrange it.

Advice on Home Stays, singers? Love them, hate them? Tips for having a successful experience? How do you show your host gratitude without spending every free moment you may have with them?