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.