• Do some very specific ideas emerge about your networking and sources? Does your engagement to date seem appropriate? Limited? Focused? Planned? Unplanned?
Over the course of this module, I feel I have learnt so much about my networking and how I can improve my skills in the future. Although I am quite a focused person, I feel I am quite limited because of my location. I am based up North, so struggle to make those London connections as often as I like. I have planned several trips down to London in the near future, to attend classes and see some shows, so I feel more connected to my industry again, and will try to make this a regular thing, (work depending). Previous BAPP student Georgie Bird mentions how she was making an attempt to network and 'mingle' more, which I think is an important step in making those connections within the performing arts world. If we keep ourselves hidden away, behind a computer, although certain connections will be made, no real established relationships can be solidified, therefore you will get left behind.
• Are your ideas, position or concerns shared by others within and/or beyond your professional area of work?
It is both interesting and reassuring to see many others share similar opinions to myself, seemingly expressing the same thoughts and opinions about issues and topics raised within this module. Cassie Vercoe and I were discussing the importance of networking and that each person is like a cog in a machine, and although some people naturally take higher rankings, every single person is an important component, that simply wouldn't work without them. Looking through Cassie's blog, it is clear we share many of the same thoughts and concerns about the industry particularly in terms of networking and having trust and respect for other professionals around you in order to gain this back yourself.
• Does sharing ideas and communicating with others shift your thinking, planning or practice?
I enjoy discussing different ideas with others as I feel you further your understanding, whilst questioning and expanding your own thoughts and opinions. As mentioned in previous blogs, Bethany Huckle and I were discussing the importance of 'word of mouth' in this industry to gain information rather than Web 2.0. This was a great discussion for me as I was focusing before on networking more online, yet this discussion really shifted my thinking and now think 'word of mouth' is still as effective, even though technology have taken over certain aspects. The more you communicate with others, the more information you learn , which sparks my thought process into expanding to more ideas. For example Francois was discussing communities of practice and talks about everyone involved in putting in a performance. From costume and lighting, to directors, to stage management each person plays a vital role in a successful production. This post provoked my thinking and enabled me to understand more clearly the importance of networking, not only with people directly In your field, but a whole community of professions, that all join together to create a show,concert, film etc.
• Does critical reflection help you decide what really matters and the actions to take?
Before BAPP, of course I would reflect upon my actions in order to improve, but not in the way critical reflection throughout this module has made me look in depth to my actions. The journal writing experience was particularly effective in my reflective process, as I have never wrote down my actions of the days events before. By doing this I have to thoroughly go through each part of my practice, commenting on good and bad points, making the process much more in depth and thoughtful. I know use journal writing regularly to help me with my own critical reflection, looking upon my work and seeing how I can improve and grow as a professional. I really enjoyed Sophie Donald's blog 'Journal Writing experience' as she demonstrated ways of formatting journal entries, which I found helpful in my own journals. It's great to draw inspiration from fellow students, finding new and interesting ways of communicating your ideas.
• To what extent do concepts and theories assist you in thinking about your professional networking in different ways? And do these different ways of thinking have some purpose for you?
As discussed in previous blogs, concepts and theories so assist me in my professional thinking, but on many different levels. I feel it is most important to read up on many theories, whilst always thinking how they are directly relevant to your practice. Then take the aspects of that and use them in your networking, but do not solely latch onto one theory.
• Are you left thinking differently prior to this part of the module? And if so, how
I would not say I am thinking completely differently, but simply more in depth. Whilst a lot of the knowledge I have learnt over this module, has been an extension of what I already know, I know aim to not take things simply on face value but to be more aware of myself and my working environment. I aim to reflect much more, in order to grow and develop, whilst a challenging my thoughts and ideas reading up on more practitioners as the course continues.
Monday 21 December 2015
Thursday 10 December 2015
Task 3C Sources of information
Task 3c
Sources of information
Throughout my training and professional life, I have used a variety of sources to find out about upcoming auditions, new shows, latest crazes as well as general info about the industry. I strive to remain proactive at all times, which means me constantly searching for new ideas and fresh information to keep up with an ever changing business.
Over the years these sources have changed slightly, as technology has become more and more advanced and we can now access everything on our phone. Since being a young girl I used to get 'The Stage' newspaper; a regular update on what shows we're coming up, reviews and interviews with producers and directors as well as auditions and castings. It has been a go to item for many performers over the years as it provides a current snapshot of the industry with information on every aspect for you to easily access. Now it is even easier as they publish an e copy for you to access on your tablet and phone, so you can get to this information much quicker. I have 'The Stage' app so I can constantly look for updates without having to wait to go to the newsagents to buy a copy. There is also Spotlight, which is updated daily, giving information and breakdowns of auditions and castings you may be suitable for. Because they always update and change, it is so important to remain proactive to ensure you do not miss anything.
This module has covered the importance of Web 2.0, and again I am stressing just how heavily the industry depends on portals such as Facebook and Twitter for sharing news and information quickly and effectively. I use Facebook groups such as 'the Hustle' and 'British Actors Network' to find out about auditions, as well as information about other topics. For example, some people expose bad companies warning performers to stay away, so you stay safe from scams and unfair treatment . I also find out about new classes and workshops through these sites, as choreographers often post on these groups to advertise. As these groups are strictly for performers, you are kept in the loop of all things happening whilst feeling like part of a community. Twitter is a fantastic source of information too, as it is so fast paced, you here about things immediately, almost whilst it's happening. Most of my news I hear about first on Twitter as many people will quickly tweet an occurrence, during or shortly after a an event. One example of this was a West End show actually announced it's unexpected closure over Twitter, with the employers of the show finding out on this medium first before even being told in person. In this digital age, news travels so fast and we must utilise these social networking sites in order to keep ahead of the game.
This leads me on to my next source of information; my smart phone. What was once a humble device for calling is now an entire lifestyle with emails, texts, Skype and viber being just a few tools used on our phones. I remember in a group Skype session this module, one person mentioned how they were in a place of bad phone signal for a few days; during this time their agent tried to contact them for an audition, but couldn't reach their phone. It shows how we are expected to always be 'available' or 'online' as people are always trying to make contact, and if you are not on the end of a call, text or email you could miss out on many opportunities. As I am a freelance performer as well as a teacher, I am almost attached to my phone at all times, searching for new opportunities for gigs, or contacting schools to arrange classes, having to remain on the ball so I grasp every given opportunity.
Of course there is still the good old word of mouth for sourcing information, and often is an informal, yet successful way of finding out about things. Fellow BAPP student and blogger Bethany Huckle and I were discussing whether 'word of 'mouth' was in fact more Important than online in terms of networking. (See comments from Task 3a Current Networks). Although we do use the Web to connect with people a lot, this is far more impersonal and face to face contact is often much more effective. Meeting people and having conversations is a great way of sourcing information, whilst also building up networking skills. Lily Grundy seems to share this opinion with me, and it's great to know people do still prefer face to face contact, as we grasp a persons emotions and intentions much easier when we can physically see and hear them. We must however be careful of the accuracy of information when gained through conversation, as this may not be completely correct, so it is important to always follow it up and check all the details are correct.
The last source of information is Television. Each morning the first thing I do is switch on the news to find out about occurrences around the globe. This also includes the arts and showbiz, which of course is directly relevant to my profession. You may also see snippets from new works, films and shows, giving you an insight into what's around at the time. I also use the music channels as a source of inspiration for choreography, taking ideas to use within my classes, and to also see what is relevant and 'in' at the moment. Television is also a great source of information of pop culture, fashion and music and style. I often take tips from fashion and lifestyle programs and apply them within my work. I sometimes work as a promotional model so it is important to keep up to date with trends and looks that are appealing to potential clients, sourcing this all from the television.
These are the sources I use most frequently, but of course we gather information all the time from a number of other sources. The key is to stay focused and always look out for things that may be of use, you never know when you may need it.
Sources of information
Throughout my training and professional life, I have used a variety of sources to find out about upcoming auditions, new shows, latest crazes as well as general info about the industry. I strive to remain proactive at all times, which means me constantly searching for new ideas and fresh information to keep up with an ever changing business.
Over the years these sources have changed slightly, as technology has become more and more advanced and we can now access everything on our phone. Since being a young girl I used to get 'The Stage' newspaper; a regular update on what shows we're coming up, reviews and interviews with producers and directors as well as auditions and castings. It has been a go to item for many performers over the years as it provides a current snapshot of the industry with information on every aspect for you to easily access. Now it is even easier as they publish an e copy for you to access on your tablet and phone, so you can get to this information much quicker. I have 'The Stage' app so I can constantly look for updates without having to wait to go to the newsagents to buy a copy. There is also Spotlight, which is updated daily, giving information and breakdowns of auditions and castings you may be suitable for. Because they always update and change, it is so important to remain proactive to ensure you do not miss anything.
This module has covered the importance of Web 2.0, and again I am stressing just how heavily the industry depends on portals such as Facebook and Twitter for sharing news and information quickly and effectively. I use Facebook groups such as 'the Hustle' and 'British Actors Network' to find out about auditions, as well as information about other topics. For example, some people expose bad companies warning performers to stay away, so you stay safe from scams and unfair treatment . I also find out about new classes and workshops through these sites, as choreographers often post on these groups to advertise. As these groups are strictly for performers, you are kept in the loop of all things happening whilst feeling like part of a community. Twitter is a fantastic source of information too, as it is so fast paced, you here about things immediately, almost whilst it's happening. Most of my news I hear about first on Twitter as many people will quickly tweet an occurrence, during or shortly after a an event. One example of this was a West End show actually announced it's unexpected closure over Twitter, with the employers of the show finding out on this medium first before even being told in person. In this digital age, news travels so fast and we must utilise these social networking sites in order to keep ahead of the game.
This leads me on to my next source of information; my smart phone. What was once a humble device for calling is now an entire lifestyle with emails, texts, Skype and viber being just a few tools used on our phones. I remember in a group Skype session this module, one person mentioned how they were in a place of bad phone signal for a few days; during this time their agent tried to contact them for an audition, but couldn't reach their phone. It shows how we are expected to always be 'available' or 'online' as people are always trying to make contact, and if you are not on the end of a call, text or email you could miss out on many opportunities. As I am a freelance performer as well as a teacher, I am almost attached to my phone at all times, searching for new opportunities for gigs, or contacting schools to arrange classes, having to remain on the ball so I grasp every given opportunity.
Of course there is still the good old word of mouth for sourcing information, and often is an informal, yet successful way of finding out about things. Fellow BAPP student and blogger Bethany Huckle and I were discussing whether 'word of 'mouth' was in fact more Important than online in terms of networking. (See comments from Task 3a Current Networks). Although we do use the Web to connect with people a lot, this is far more impersonal and face to face contact is often much more effective. Meeting people and having conversations is a great way of sourcing information, whilst also building up networking skills. Lily Grundy seems to share this opinion with me, and it's great to know people do still prefer face to face contact, as we grasp a persons emotions and intentions much easier when we can physically see and hear them. We must however be careful of the accuracy of information when gained through conversation, as this may not be completely correct, so it is important to always follow it up and check all the details are correct.
The last source of information is Television. Each morning the first thing I do is switch on the news to find out about occurrences around the globe. This also includes the arts and showbiz, which of course is directly relevant to my profession. You may also see snippets from new works, films and shows, giving you an insight into what's around at the time. I also use the music channels as a source of inspiration for choreography, taking ideas to use within my classes, and to also see what is relevant and 'in' at the moment. Television is also a great source of information of pop culture, fashion and music and style. I often take tips from fashion and lifestyle programs and apply them within my work. I sometimes work as a promotional model so it is important to keep up to date with trends and looks that are appealing to potential clients, sourcing this all from the television.
These are the sources I use most frequently, but of course we gather information all the time from a number of other sources. The key is to stay focused and always look out for things that may be of use, you never know when you may need it.
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