SIG: Skype chat with Victoria-May Vickers, 4th November 2016

Through blogging, it was revealed that both myself and Victoria were interested in the concept of SUCCESS - her in regards to acting and myself in regards to dance. Therefore it seemed only natural to get together for a chat. We both admitted to struggling with the broadness of module 2 and trying to find answers rather than information - something I find really difficult considering myself as a logical person. It was then that we reminded ourselves about the Skype with Adesola where she said "think of sculpting the inquiry".  (http://meganlouch.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/my-middlesex-university-network.html) Victoria then added "it's all about the process." If we knew what we wanted to find out or had answers to questions there'd be no point in the inquiry, and it's important to remember that the inquiry can change - even moving forward into module 3!

I firstly asked about Victoria's take on success and she mentioned key words that had already arisen from previous conversations I've had with others: CONTENTMENT and PASSION. In other words, being happy and getting enjoyment from what you do. I asked Victoria about her background and she revealed that injury had initiated a natural transition from more dance based performance to acting throughout her training. I then asked if that means she'd consider a successful dancer to be 'injury free'? Her response was "success has just taken a different route, the goal posts have changed." Again linking back to a previous idea of GOALS. (http://meganlouch.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/mood-boards.html)

Another area of interest for Victoria was the CONTINUATION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. My response was: could this be a branch off 'success'? In module one we mention the concept of CURRENCY in regards to staying up to date via social media and networking (http://meganlouch.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/reader-3.html).Well the same could be said in regards to performing. By going to class, studying etc (I.e. Continuing professional development) we are keeping up to date with new techniques, productions, knowledge and experts in our industry who could prove to be great NETWORKS on the road to success. Does it also matter WHERE we continue development? Or is it how we, the individual, take on board the information?

Victoria works in a school so i spoke to her about the conversation I'd had with my mum (early years teacher) about CHARACTERISTICS OF LEARNING and how they are deemed key to success in a child's development and education. (https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=104249&p=0). Victoria expressed the importance of PLAY THERAPY woth children to aid social integration, growth and development. The above made me think how our CHARACTER and RELATIONSHIPS feed success and how they are introduced from birth, right through school and follow through into our adult life. It links back to my blog on literature where I mention how humans are social animals and learn from others around them, their SOCIAL INFLUENCES as well as EXPERIENCES (http://meganlouch.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/trip-to-library_27.html): family, friends, teachers, peers, colleagues. It would be interesting to look at professional development from child to adult and what we learn as a child that then helps us in the adult, professional world?

We went on to talk more about a persons character (in regards to WORK ETHIC and VALUES) vs TALENT. I believe "people that get it easy don't value it as much and often don't become as successful or have shorter-lived success." Victoria then shared a story of someone she knew from training who had been so naturally gifted and hadn't had to work as hard for success. "She was so unbelievably talented and worked professionally straight away. However, shortly after she gave up because her heart just wasn't in it." It just shows that MOTIVATION and ENJOYMENT for the industry are key to success - no matter how talented you are or how good you are at something,

I asked Victoria her opinion on a couple of topics that had cropped up during research and conversations with SIGS.

Do you conduct yourself differently according to different situations for success?

We spoke about PRESENTATION and COMMUNICATION in different environments such as auditions and schools. Victoria said how a teacher had told her: "They know if they want you for a job, 5 seconds after walking into the audition room." This would imply that the way you LOOK and the way your express your PERSONALITY is essential for success. We came to the conclusion that being APPROACHABLE and ADAPTABLE are vital qualities, and in regards to communication, Victoria said she has to be gentle and open minded within her primary school.


Do you think the concept of success has changed over time?

I related this to a Musical Theatre production in the sense that there are ever decreasing budgets, time frames, space, staffing; but also increasing knowledge, competition and expectation. Therefore, we are effectively trying to DO MORE WITH LESS which is why I feel it is even more important to COLLABORATE effectively and work as a team. We also spoke about new musicals vs classic musicals. How there seemed to be a time where several new musicals opened and closed after short periods, and how it now seems to be the classics making a come back. Victoria then made a valid point about new musicals such as 'Hamilton' coming to town and  'Aladdin' but then do these do well because they've had previous success? They are ESTABLISHED. Hamilton in regard to its Broadway success and Aladdin in regards to the Disney movie.

My areas of interest originally were:

What makes a dancer successful?
What makes a successful musical theatre production?
What skills and knowledge should I possess in a Musical theatre environment?

The above Skype chat has made me want to focus more on the importance of RELATIONSHIPS when it comes to the success of a production. What SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE are required in order to COLLABORATE and COMMUNICATE effectively with my fellow company members in the musical theatre environment.

Check out Victoria's blog: http://victoriamayvickers.blogspot.co.uk