Let them eat the cost. That they think begging for performers is any way to do business sets a worse precedent.

[ In his blunt opinion, which he is bold enough to say within earshot of the agent. They're not even paying participants for the gigs! Yuri unhooks the outfit from the rack for Mayoi and looks the timid man over. Hard to picture this one on stage... ]

So, what sort of act do you have in mind?