Following on from the previous task about the different theories relating to networking, this task is mainly related to the theory of Connectivism. Looking at the way in which technology now teaches you.
I started to look at the sources of information I currently use. I realised how much I have limited myself to just the internet. Although the internet is one of the biggest sources of information now it is definitely not the only source that is beneficial. Therefore I started to think of the different ways I could gain information for my professional practice:
Books/publications: I rarely use books, publications or newspapers for my professional practice, as the internet is easier to access. When I would see articles about the industry or dance I would never had normally read them or books about dance as I used to see reading as a leisurely activity and therefore didn't want to bring what I do for a living into that, which seems ridiculous now. However since starting this module and looking into how I could develop my knowledge for my professional practice, I started to read articles about the industry, much like the one I have previously posted on my blog about auditioning. I now constantly try and find books or articles that I can read that will develop my knowledge further.
Radio: Using the radio is great for keeping up-to-date with music and current affairs. With regards to teaching it is beneficial to be up-to-date as younger students enjoy dancing to the latest music that has been released.
TV: With regards to TV I think it has made dancing more popular and has advertised the profession in a positive light, with the chance of instant fame. Shows such as Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor, and Got To Dance has made it easier for people to get into the profession and make a name for themselves. Although this can be great for people that haven't had the opportunity to have professional training, it is also frustrating to see people that have been seen on TV get a job over someone that has trained all their life not get a job over them. Usually the performer that has trained is the stronger candidate, however because the other person is now seen like a celebrity they are more likely to get the job, as the public would prefer to see someone they know perform. This isn’t always the case however I think the profession is now seen to be quite easy to get into when in fact it is an industry with a lot of competition.
People: This area I decided to make the most of whilst I was touring with more established practitioners and ask them their experience and thoughts on networking. I interviewed three of the singers in my cast. Although two of them have predominately been singers and actors, one had been a professional dancer and has now made the transition into a singer/actor. I found the talk very beneficial and informative. For privacy reasons I will not use their names on the blog. I asked four main questions about networking in the industry:
1). What have you found is the best way to network in the industry?
2). Has it changed since you started your career?
3). Do you think the increase in technology/social media has made it better?
4). How do you think networking could be improved in the industry?
Here is an summary of the answers to the questions:
1). All three singers said that the best way to network in the industry was to meet face-to-face and socialise with people. As they have continued to stay successful in the industry they now find it slightly easier to find jobs as they have built a wider network. People gradually work their way up in the industry so the people they once trained with or worked with are now casting directors, choreographers or assist in shows. Therefore they have built an employment history and rapport with people. They all said to make a lasting impression you should put yourself out more and not rely solely on social media. This could either be done by sending a well thought out email that is relevant to the job you want, or attend classes or workshops with companies or choreographers you want to work with.
2). Yes! Each of them had their own opinions of how it has changed. One singer said he had originally hated the idea of networking and had hoped that it wasn’t essential to be successful in the industry and that it was solely on talent, however over the years he has realised it is not such a bad thing and that it is essential in order to be successful and have a ongoing career. The other two singers stated it has become easier to contact people and network, with the increase of technology and social media. Before the internet wasn’t really used to find out information. You had to network through meeting people, finding auditions in the newspaper, subscribe to ‘The Stage’ magazine or look on the noticeboards at the local dance studios, or rely solely on your agent.
3). There were mixed thoughts about this question. They all felt it has made the industry more accessible, easier to stay in contact with people and it is easier to find out information with sites such as, Facebook, Twitter, Casting Call Pro, Talent Cast etc. However they feel it has weakened the industry by making it more accessible. With the increase in popularity largely due to shows such as ‘X Factor’, ‘Got to Dance’, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘The Voice’, it has made people want and think they can get fame or success instantly. People that have trained since they were a young toddler and spent their lives dedicated to the craft are now working along side people who have ultimately just started. In the past if you had not trained at an established performing arts school then it was a lot harder for you to get anywhere. Although there are plus sides to this as people that haven't had the opportunity to have that sort of training are now able to make it, it also means the standard has dropped. If it is more accessible to anyone it becomes less of a craft, wages have decreased and a lot of jobs now are not paying. As the popularity has increased the value of jobs had decreased.
4). They all felt if fellow performers, choreographers and casting directors could have more face-face time the industry would be better. Rather than just using the internet and social media websites, it would be better to spend time socialising and getting to know people more rather just another face in the crowd. The way the economy is at the moment in most areas of business want to save money where they can and spend as little time as possible on projects. As a result you lose the quality of talent, now a lot of the companies use performers that will dance for less. Making it less of a career but more of a hobby. Recently there have been petitions against not paying dancers for jobs. If more and more people continue to work for less it will no longer to possible to make a career out of it. Therefore they believe if there was a stronger union and performers stood by one another this would happen less.
Conclusion
This task has made me realise how important it is to talk to people more and after discussing these issues with more established practitioners you can learn a lot about other peoples experiences.
References
WBS 3730 Module 1 Reader 3 BAPP Arts, Middlesex University, Page 8
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