Task 3D

• 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.