You prepare and film a self-tape for The Great British Bake-off: The Musical. They love you, and specifically love the way you embody a lemon-tarte
You go that evening to be seen in-person.
The next day they send you an offer for a staged reading.
Its not compensated, but its what you love, right?
You do the reading.
Your un-official contract ends.
Youre back to SQUARE ONE.