I've also done an example of how the above networks and sources of information could be linked together in order to benefit and further practise. Please see below:
What does my ideal network look like & how do I achieve?
friends - co workers - choreographers - directors - casting directors - agents -teachers - producers - companies
Going to class
Attending workshops
Inviting people to performances
Socialising
Following social media accounts
How can I extend and capitalise on my current networks?
I could keep a better log of the people i come into contact with. In relation to my own practise, i think little things like remembering somebody's name or an event at which you met previously makes a big impact. It may sound silly but at college i kept a little book. In this i printed out and stuck pictures of influential people. For example i may select a choreographer's name and photograph, underneath i'd write any productions they had involvement in and any contact details i may have for them. During a Skype conversation, it was Lizzie i believe who mentioned the awkward moment in an audition room when you don't recognise an important person and they remember you. i agree with this to an extent but 'being in the know' can help or hinder you in a situation, depending on the type of person you are. For me personally, i work better not knowing in order to reduce any added pressure. I'm much more personable and myself when i don't feel as judged or as dependant on an outcome to a situation. Sometimes i've gotten so worked up that I've come out of the room wondering who the hell was even in the room. I'm definitely one for making awkward jokes, one time i even ran out of an audition room. Ran?
I can sometimes rely on social media as a source of information. Extending my reading via The stage, Broadway times, West end world etc would benefit me by knowing of what productions are coming up and which particular artists, creatives and such like are trending right now.
External factors can made it difficult to maintain and stay current with previous relationships formed. Many of us are so keen to build new connections and participate in 'the game theory' that old networks disappear. I strongly believe that it is important to remember where you came from and stay connected. I could absolutely make more effort to continue regular interaction with former networks.
I could also make more effort to be sociable in the workplace as I struggle sometimes in social situations with people who aren't necessarily closely affiliated with me. It isn't always inevitable that you are going to become best friends with your co workers but with the human need for interaction you must way up which is better, socially cooperating or spending time alone. Its quite common in a theatrical contract to form very close bonds and spend lots of time with one group of people, then repeat this with a different set of professionals on the next job - potentially never hearing from the previous again. In a different industry, socialising at work wouldn't acquire such thought. I definitely wouldn't go for a drink with the principle of a school for example but if you take my current situation in a touring environment - my co workers (including dance captain, musical director, head of departments etc) are also my friends and also my family.
Copyright/confidentiality issues with sources?
Since commencing this course I have made my Instagram account private as well as my Twitter. I was shocked to see how many accessible images of me there were online. There are certain elements of my personal life which I avoid posting due to my desired and reachable audiences. You see many a negative status, bitching about work and current affairs. I certainly refrain from doing this. Relating again back to my current practice, it is important to consider any information you post about a show you're involved with. It is common to be forbidden from posting about ticket deals and cast announcements. It is always mentioned in contracts about the use of social media but it's through experience that you become better at judging whats frowned upon and whats not. As the saying goes, we learn from our own and others mistakes. There are fine lines between promoting the show and giving away too much.
You have to be very aware in regards to posting videos of choreography, photographs in costumes or of set. If you do have permission to display these then you should apply appropriate credentials as you would with head shots on your spotlight profile, music on a showreel - it is their work. Videography is a common reflective tool in teaching but permission must be given by all and it is for the involved only to possess and view the footage.
I have huge considerations towards children, not only as a teacher but also in a performing environment. Kids often look up to the adults, they want to be friends and are often very affectionate. It is important for us as professionals to sustain a barrier. If i'm teaching at a comprehensive, i will allow connection on a more personal level, this in regards to social media, but only once they have left the establishment.
Why are they important to me?
My networks and sources of information are important because they keep me in the loop with what's going on as well as helping to develop my career. They help me to stay current in the industry and enable the creation and maintenance of links. Thus allowing me to be part of a community as well as feeling engaged, present and self assured within my practice.
*When contemplating sources of information, i think it is essential to consider what is reliable and what's not. Social media sites can often advertise false information or not display all essential information. Word of mouth can also get adapted as it moves from person to person like a game of Chinese whispers. It could be worth looking at whether these adaptations in information are intentional or unintentional as well and to look into individuals' motives and moral compass. What are the reasonings for unreliable information? Preventing competition, making a job sound better than it is in regard to hours or money etc?
After reading Lois's blog and the mentioning of her staff notice board at school, i couldn't believe id forgotten our company notice board as a source of information at work. In my response to her post, i mentioned how this could be down to the fact we also get the same information in our email account but i know from older members of the company that a company notice board was a vital source if not the most important source of information in the workplace. It is a place to pin up performance schedule, rehearsal schedule, social events, sign in sheets, reviews, post received, recommended restaurants - all sorts!
Another source of information and wide network i unbelievably missed off was my previous, professional training at Laine Theatre Arts. Not only did it provide materials and skills through teaching and sharing; but it also educated and 'informed' us of various other qualities required in the industry such as discipline, expected behaviour, work ethic, presentation, audition etiquette and the rehearsal process. Therefore it was one of the most important, valued and influential sources of information in my development as a practitioner of dance.
No comments:
Post a Comment