Update

I was lucky enough to get a new job this summer and work with a tv and film graduate who has offered to help me with my showreel. However I am not sure how I can combine all my talents in a 3 minute reel.  I shall keep you informed on the process.

I have managed to find 3 different books which I am going to use as literature for this module.
1) Postive Psychology in a nutshell
2) Secrets of stage success
3) A dancer's guide to getting work
I am now looking into more business/management literature as well as searching for online sources to gather more information.

At the moment I am going to stick with my original title 'How can performers secure professional work in the performing arts industry?' 

My Website

I have decided to create my own website to help promote myself as a performer.


www.hollydaniels.co.uk

If you think I should add/change something please let me know as I want to improve on it before I send the link to industry professionals.

Thanks.

Critical Reflection on Professional Practitioner Inquiry

I decided to pursue this course as I was working as a teaching assistant and wanted to become a primary school teacher.  Since then I was lucky enough to get an audition for west end show Miss Saigon and soon found my passion for performing again. I have since researched the industry in all aspects to get back into the musical theatre industry. I decided to focus on three main sectors of the industry: Auditions, Agents and Self-promotion as I feel by gaining more knowledge in these areas will help me secure professional work. I now know my strengths as a performer and am aware of what I would like to achieve in the future. Appendix A

Module 1 has introduced to various tools that have been very beneficial to me as a performer. I now have more knowledge in professional communication technologies such as web 2.0 Appendix B and have looked into expanding my professional network Appendix C. I have also found that journal writing and reflecting has also been useful tool and I will continue to use these in the future. Appendix D

In Module 2 I have developed tools for a professional inquiry. I have based my inquiry on what I want to achieve in my career and for me that is getting a professional job.  I am looking into different ways of doing this as well as talking to various performers and their opinions on my inquiry. This information has been valuable to me as I have managed to find different ways to find out about auditions. I have also been introduced the importance of professional ethics and how they apply to the industry.Appendix E

Developing Lines of Inquiry

Deciding my award title was fairy easy for me as I know that I would like a career in Musical Theatre and that is where I have considerable knowledge of this industry Appendix F. From researching and questioning various people in the industry I have found myself exploring unexpected ideas that I as a performer were unaware of, these ideas have been useful and has widen my knowledge of the industry.Appendix G

I created a SIG group where members can discuss their knowledge of the industry to help each other out. Appendix H As well as my own I have joined other groups so that I can share my knowledge and also help out other people on the course Sian Turner's SIG. This is a efficient way of sharing ideas with other members who share the same interests and asking for advice on specific topics.  I will continue to keep discussing my relevant topic with my SIG group.

Professional Ethics

I have learnt about the importance of ethics in the performing industry and how it can affect a performers career.  My knowledge of how be ethical in my workplace and how to deal with ethical situations that occur.  By reading and discussing ethical issues on my blog and SIG group I have developed a clear understanding of ethic issues and how it will enhance my understanding to becoming a professional in the industry. Appendix I

Tools of Professional Inquiry

Although searching for literature regarding my inquiry was difficult I did manage to find some useful books and articles that have been beneficial to me. Appendix J The books I found were both written by performers themselves so I therefore had first hand experience from performers working in the industry.  These books not only gave advice but also gave relevant information about the industry. Reading these books have really inspired and motivated me to become part of the industry.

By creating surveys I have managed to gather a great range of data that I have analysed which will hopefully benefit me in the future. My Survey I have become pro active with my focus group so that I can discuss relevant topics that have helped toward my inquiry.   

Bibliography

Hart, C,1998, Doing a Literature Review, London: Sage Publications Ltd. 

Bell, J, 2005 Doing Your Research Project (4th ed), Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M., 2001, How to Research(2nd ed), Milton Keynes: Open University Press. 

Devlin, P, 1959, The Enforcement of Morals, Oxford:Oxford Paperbacks.

Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University, 2009 Literature Review Handbook- Module WBS 3435 Undergraduate Studies, London: Middlesex University.

Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University, 2013, Principles Of Professional Inquiry Reader 4 Module 3630 Undergraduate Studies, London: Middlesex University.

Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University, 2013, Principles Of Professional Inquiry Reader 5 Module 3630 Undergraduate Studies, London: Middlesex University.

Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University, 2013, Principles Of Professional Inquiry Reader 6 Module 3630 Undergraduate Studies, London: Middlesex University.

Update

Yesterday I had a meeting with a industry professional who gave me some advice of my current situation.

Before the meeting I found all my west end programmes, wrote down everyones name and researched all their agents. I then researched all the agents to see where I would see myself.  What I didn't know was that the ones that really caught my eye were "big" agents. She told me that I should apply for smaller agencies and then work my way towards the bigger ones as I wouldn't be seen at all and would be in her words "a small fish in a big pond"

She mentioned that the problem with applying for agents is that most agencies would like to see you in a show before they represent you.  The problem is because I am not currently in show, I can't get an agent to see me.

She later mentioned a musical theatre post graduate course, to brush up on technique but it also gives the opportunity to be involved in a showcase and could quite possibly get me an agent.

I also got advice on my headshot and CV in regards to presentation and I was advised to change my headshot every 18 months-2 years so that it is up to date.

Overall it was a helpful advice and I am now starting to write to agents and hopefully hear back from a few, although it doesn't look too promising.  Whilst I am writing to them I will continue to audition and attend class.

Task 4D: Literature

Literature that is related to my inquiry

Contacts  - industry listings book

I had a look at this book before I bought it and it really is the most useful book I own.  It contains everything you need to know about the industry including agents, photographers, casting directors, colleges, theatres - I could go on on. It evens included all their contact details including address and phone number. 
I have mainly used this book to research agents. As all the agents featured in it are checked by Spotlight, I feel that I can trust the information provided is correct and reliable.
It also included frequently asked questions about certain topics for example CV presentation and headshots which have proven useful as it gives me an idea of what I shouldn't do and what I should.

So you want to be in musicals? By Ruthie Henshall

I have found this book very useful as it contains everything you need to know about the industry including training, auditioning, rehearsing, performing and working. I thought that Henshall is very honest in her account and has reflected on her own personal experiences which I as a performer can relate to.  Henshall's advice is very straight forward which has made this book a pleasure to read.  I will use this book as a reference in the future if I ever need any advice.



The Everyday Dancer by Deborah Bull

I found this book in the library and although it is an account of a principal ballet dancer, I have found that the rules and etiquette are the same. Bull uncovers the reality of a career in Ballet from her first ever ballet class, training, being a principal to retirement. Bull writes about her first-hand experience of the profession and is also very honest in her account.  This book as so far been an interesting read as  it has given me an insight of what it is like to be a ballet dancer as apposed to a musical theatre performer. 




Although 'so you want to be in musicals' and 'the everyday dancer' are very similar they have also given me different views of the industry. 'so you want to be in musicals' gives more advice while 'the everyday dancer' is more like a story of Bull's life as a dancer.  I would definitely recommend both these books if you are considering a career as a performer as it has helped me immensely in all aspects of the industry.

Spotlight Podcasts
As I am a member of Spotlight, I received an email that contained information about sessions with industry professionals. Here are some links that I have found useful when researching.

How to find an agent:
http://www.spotlight.com/news/archive/2012/11/07/the-spotlight-podcast-how-to-find-an-agent.aspx#.VTFAac4-D6Y

How to sell yourself with a covering letter:
http://www.spotlight.com/news/archive/2012/07/03/the-spotlight-podcast-how-to-sell-yourself-with-a-covering.aspx#.VTFEMs4-D6Y


Delicious Account
Delicious is great for storing articles and links which I have been using for my literature. I have found podcasts as well as articles and information which may be useful for my inquiry. Feel free to follow me: Delicious Account

Task 6C: My Award Title

BA (Hons) Professional Practice (Musical Theatre)

Rationale:
I have decided to have the above title as my proposed inquiry as I have a National Diploma in Musical Theatre and would like to have a career in Musical Theatre in the future.  I feel that I have considerable knowledge about this field and would like to get a more in-depth knowledge of this industry as I progress on this course.

I have decided to focus on my current situation which is trying to find work in the industry and looking into different ways of doing so. I hope that from researching this topic I will hopefully find work and that it will also benefit people who are also in my situation.

From doing research about my topic I have come across various aspects of the industry which I am currently looking into more thoroughly.  These include ways of finding out about auditions, getting an agent and self promotion.  I hope that focusing on these aspects will give me more knowledge about the audition procedure and hopefully gain work.

Task 6B: Tools For Inquiry

Survey and Questionnaires
I have decided to use Survey and Questionnaires as I could gather a greater range of data. I could therefore ask a variety of different people about who they are and what they think. I did however find it difficult in asking questions as I feel I could have got a lot more information from people by how I was asking them.  I felt that my design of questions did not provide the information I need and this affected my analysis. I have also set my survey so that if any participant finds a question uncomfortable they are not obliged to answer. 

Focus Group
“focus groups are more likely to include members who either have similar characteristics or experience... or are known to have a professional concern about and knowledge of the issues involved.” (2005, p. 162).
Focus Groups are less time consuming for me as I can gather information in one go and the members may also be less pressured as there is more than one of them.  This maybe hard to manage as the conversation can go off topic so I will need to make sure that I channel topic related questions so that I do not waste any time. I must also be aware that strong personalities may influence the group and make it harder to some participants to speak.

Insider- Researcher 
The benefits of insider - researcher is that I know the context and I am familiar with the workplace, however I maybe biased about some issues I already have.  I also need to clarify that I am the researcher and that the information I am trying to find out from my participants is for my degree and nothing else.  I have recorded relevant information in my journal which I will now use for this research process. 

Interview
I have used interviews to find out information about a particular type of individual. My questions would therefore be very specific depending on what I want to find out.  A good thing about interviews is that they can be conducted in a variety of ways e.g. phone, Skype, face to face, with an individual or group of people, using a structured list of questions or a more informal method of interaction. I could then give this option to the participant and see which way they would prefer to be interviewed.  Although interviews can be time consuming it may help me to uncover unexpected data.

Observation
I didn't use Observation as it wouldn't be possible to gather a lot of information in a short period of time.  I did consider observing an audition but I felt that this was not very accurate and would be very difficult to analyse.  With observing there are many ethical issues to consider as I would need to get permission from all involved and must make all the participants aware that it is confidential.

Task 6A: Informal Trial - Survey

I decided to do a survey as my informal trail as I felt this was the easiest and efficient way to collect information.  From doing a survey I was able to remain fair as I collected information anonymously.
The information that I collected from the survey has proven very interesting. Most of the answers were very similar but from doing this survey I have found out more about auditions, agents and showreels. 

Auditions
From producing this survey I have found new casting sites which I have never encountered before but have seem to be great for finding out about auditions.  Casting Call Pro, Singers Pro and Talent Cast were mentioned to find auditions. I am now looking into joining these sites as they offer a free sign up so that I can decide if it is useful to me or not.

Agents
One of my questions is about agents and although most of the participants of my survey did not have an agent, a high percentage said that it is worth getting one.  As I am currently in the process of getting more information about agents and which agents to apply to.  I am finding it quite challenging as I am currently not in a show and haven't got a showreel to send them. 

Showreel
Everyone who I asked that had a showreel said that it was beneficial to them.  I have always wanted to make a showreel for myself but I unfortunately do not have a variety of content to put in it and I wouldn't know where to start.  I therefore made a youtube channel but I fear that because they are self tape videos they aren't very professional and I have no yet come across and alternative.


Things that I want to look into further 

• It is better to send hard copies or email my CV and headshot to agents?
• Would I need to write a cover letter? What to include in it?
• How will I find content for a showreel? How to make it look professional?

Q & A with Casting Directors

I have found this very useful as it covers a lot of content about showreels and what casting directors are looking for.

http://spotlightuk.podomatic.com/entry/2014-11-18T08_11_13-08_00

Task 5D: Ethical Dimensions of My Inquiry

My Inquiry Title: 

How can performers secure professional work in the industry?

Briefly state why your inquiry is important and who will benefit

I have decided to base my inquiry on myself as I am currently at a stage where I am finding hard to find professional work. From researching and gathering information I hope to broaden my knowledge of the industry and hopefully gain more professional connections. I feel that it will beneficial to me and may also help other people who are in my situation.

How you will ensure participant wellbeing?

• I will inform my participants about the subject I will be talking about and why I have asked them to be involved
• I will be clear what I want them to do and inform them of the benefits it will have on being involved in the group
• Make sure they are aware that anyone can withdraw from the group at any time and that no risk of harm or prejudice will happen to them
• Have a form of agreement which outlines that any information obtained by them will not be displayed publicly if they have not given permission (they have the option to remain anonymous) 
• To ensure safety of my participants I will keep their contact details safe so that only I have access to them.

Task 5C: Professional Ethics

From reading reader 5 I had a lot to think about my approach to professional ethics.  Reader 5 explains that 

"Ethics is frequently not a case of black and white – where an action is either right or wrong. Often, it is rather a grey area where there is uncertainty and where other issues and considerations can affect outcomes."  

I found this interesting as everyone has different views of situations and that there can be many outcomes to a particular topic.

I recently read an article on how artists make a living. This explained that bills need to be paid so performers have to find a way to make ends meat even though the job has nothing to do with performing. 

I have got a job in retail on a zero hour contract.  Its good for auditions as I can book days off without any fuss but some weeks I don't get any work.  This is annoying for me as a performer as I need to earn to pay bills and pay for travel which costs me between £20-£30 just to get into London.  The only other option I can think of is to move to London, but with the cost of housing and food I think I will struggle to live.  I am finding it hard to find work that has the hours that I want and will allow me to have the flexible to attend auditions with such short notice.

I think that teachers/tutors should give advice to their students about ethics in the industry. I have never done any unpaid or low paid work, mainly as I don't really trust them and was afraid that it would damage my career.  I found that in my time at college although I learnt a lot about my craft, I wasn't aware of these opportunities and wether they would be beneficial to me or not.  I would really like to gain experience where ever I can but is unpaid work going to get me where I want to be?

Check list for auditions:

• What time is the audition?
• Where is the audition taking place and what sort of venue is it? 
• What is the casting agent's name and telephone number/s? 
• What am I going to eat/drink before I go?
• What am I going to wear? 
• How much time do I need to hair and make-up?
• How much time do I need to warm-up?
• How long do I need to travel to my destination?
• What will I do if I have travel delays?
• What do I need to take with me and in what bag?
• Do I have my up-to-date CVs and Headshots ready?
• What music do I need?
• Is my music marked properly and clearly for the audition pianist?
• How will I quickly and efficiently the audition pianist in tempo and cuts?
• Am I bringing dance shoes or extra clothing?
• If the audition lasts all day, what am I going to eat?
• What am I going to do to warm-up and stay loose right before I go in?
• How am I going to handle speaking to those registering me for the audition?
• How am I going to juggle running into fellow competitors, friends and adversaries?

Task 5B: Codes of Practice and Ethics Linking to my Practice and Inquiry

It is very important to take ethics seriously as this could damage your career in the future. Here are some ethics to consider.

• When finding out information about an audition, check all the details and make sure that it is from a reliable source.
• Make sure you know who you are auditioning for e.g. casting director, producer before attending the audition.  It will be embarrassing if you have met before and can't remember the panels names.
• When you arrive at the casting ask any questions you might have about the contract.
• Make sure you read your contract thoroughly before you sign just in case you don't agree with something. You are not obliged to sign.
• If someone is filming you, they need to get permission from you first.
• You only need to do what is written in your contract. If they ask you to do extra work make sure you have written evidence that you have agreed to.
• Always keep a spare copy of your contract, it is a good resource and should have everything you need on them.

Task 5A: Ethics in My Work Place

Auditions

• What I have noticed about auditions is that everyone has different opinions of how the audition went and how it was for them.  I have therefore come to the conclusion that just because someone didn't like the audition wether it be about the panel judging or the structure you have to make your mind up yourself.  I might really enjoy an audition and someone else may hate it.

• Be considerate to other dancers - have your own space and make sure that you are aware of other dancers.

• Sometimes auditions do not go as well as you would like, you therefore have to be positive and sincere until you leave the room, you don't want to embarrass yourself

• Be well prepared - if your not sure what the audition is about, bring everything sheet music, dance wear shoes therefore nothing can go wrong.

• Take note of the audition criteria - don't go to an audition that asks for 5ft 7in blonde when you are 5ft 3in - theres a reason for this and it is a wast of yours and their time.

Promotion

• Showreels - This can be quite tricky depending on your content of your showreel and if it was filmed by a company.  If it is you then have to ask permission to use the content as you don't want to be sued for copyright.

Agents

• Always be polite - your agent is probably doing the best for you, if they are putting you up for jobs you don't want, ask them in a polite manner, they want you to get a job as much as you want.

How Artists Make a living

Don't give up the day job!

I have found this article about artists making a living and how essential a part time job is in this industry.

http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2010/jan/24/artists-day-jobs

Task 4C: Survey, how to find work in the industry

If anyone has an agent and/or auditioning could you help me out by answering some questions for me, thanks.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YFXBD5V

Task 4B: Special Interest Group

This is the group I have created if anyone else is interested in Professional Work.
Feel free to add yourself or anyone who is interested.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/774545982622403/

Task 4A: Questions on my Professional Inquiry

How to secure professional work

Agents

I am very interested if anyone has an agent as there are a few questions I would like to ask.

1. What is your relationship like with your agent?
2. Does your agent get you the auditions/work that you want to do?
3. How often do you communicate with your agent? is it in person? email? phone? or a bit of everything?
4. How many auditions do you get on average in a week?

Auditions

I have been really picky with auditions but I have recently noticed that there are periods where there are loads of auditions and then a month later theres nothing.  I do have spotlight but although I have applied to various jobs only a handful have got back to me to ask me to audition for them.

1. Are there other people looking for professional work having the same problem?
2. If you don't have an agent, where is your main source for getting auditions?
3. Have you managed to find work flexible enough for you to attend auditions?

Self Promotion

As mentioned in my previous post I have started to post videos on my youtube channel www.youtube.com/hollydanielsuk but I have a few questions about promoting myself.

1. Do casting directors watch the whole video or just maybe 30 seconds?
2. Is is worth having a showreel?
3. Are there other ways that I can promote myself other than with photos and videos?

I find myself stuck with this as I can't seem to find other ways to get myself more known.  If anyone has any ideas feel free to post in the comment box below as I really am stuck on ideas.

Inquiry: Auditions, Agents and Self-Promotion

I have decided to change my inquiry as I feel that I want to focus more on performing.  I want to focus on different ways of getting a professional job and making myself more known.

Auditions

Auditions are the only way of getting work in this industry.  They can showcase your talent and hopefully secure you a job.
I have decided to do a mind map with questions of what I want to find out about auditions.

How do I hear about auditions?
I am trying to find out more ways to find out about auditions.  I will be looking at agents later on as I think that is a big way to find out information. 

What the company are looking for?
Most companies know the kind of people they want to hire, whether it be tall/short, blonde/brunette etc. Unfortunately these characteristics the performer cannot change and I feel that castings should include these characteristics in there briefing as it would then eliminate performers who don't fit into that category.
Talent is also very important in this industry but if you do not look the part they wont hire you.  This is also linked to Feedback.

Feedback
In auditions it may well be that you do not look the part but it maybe something your doing that the casting directors do not like.  It could be technical like a triple pirouette was messy.  If castings could tell us what they didn't like the performers could then improve on a particular move or style of dance.  I do understand however that casting directors must see thousands of applicants for one job and they are far to busy to give everyone individual feedback.

Pre-audition 
Some auditions are very last minute and sometimes only give you a day or less to prepare. This makes everything rushed as I have to make sure that I have packed all my dance shoes and made sure that the songs I am taking are well rehearsed. I have learnt now to leave all my relevant shoes in the same bag and have all my songs that I know very well in a folder so that if this does occur then it wont be such an issue.

Agents

How do I get an agent?
I have found that people with agents have invited to them to a showcase and have got an agent from there.  I however am currently not in a show and I have no idea how to proceed to get one.  I unfortunately do not have enough content to make a showreel as I know that some agents view them and then offer representation.

Which agents are good?
I have recently bought a copy of contacts, which has listed agents/photographers etc.  It is useful as I have researched a few agencies and seen what sort of people are on their books.  I didn't realise however that there were so many and am a bit lost of who to apply to.

How much do you give your agent?
I know that this varies a lot but I am trying to figure out if it is worth getting an agent.  I know that I would get more auditions but if I then got a job and had to pay a lot to my agent Im not sure if its worth it.

On average how many auditions should they give you?
I know that this can very a lot as it depends on what jobs are available.  I didn't get along with my previous agent as they didn't give me auditions that I wanted to do so I therefore dropped them.  I don't really want this to happen again as I feel there need to be more communication with client and agent to ensure that everyone is happy.

Is it worth getting an agent?
My aim is to perform in musicals but I have found that most west end auditions are run through an agent and are not open.  I am therefore considering getting an agent again as this is the field of work that I want to get myself into.

Self-Promotion

As I am trying to get into the business I thought that self-promotion would be a great way to make myself more know.

YouTube

I have recently created a youtube account: www.youtube.com/hollydanielsuk to help promote myself. I am hoping to post more stuff up but am currently not used to editing videos so it may take a while.

Soundcloud

I have found this the easiest to use as I can just record myself on my laptop and then post it online there and then. Unfortunately it is not as well know as youtube but I seem to have a lot of views so hopefully it will be beneficial time. www.soundcloud.com/holly_daniels

Advertising

I do think this is a great way of informing people where you are informing and along with Youtube could be a way of promoting myself.  Although I do think it is hard as I am not performing in the same venue for a long time and it also costs to get posters/cards printed.

I have recently created a linkedin account: uk.linkedin.com/in/hollydanielsuk as I have heard various people get work from it.

Reality TV

TV is a great way to get yourself noticed. This way is a bit of a short cut as you only have to sing one song and millions of people are watching you.  I wish that shows like 'I'd do anything' and 'over the rainbow' were coming back as that is the sort of thing I want to get into.

Inquiry: Performing Arts in Education

How is the performing arts featured in the national curriculum in primary schools?

What is it you want to find out?

1) Within the curriculum how much time is spent on the performing arts?
2) Is it beneficial for the children?

I am interested in how children learn and that every child is different. From working in a primary school I have noticed that children either love performing or don't. I believe that some children don't have any confidence and therefore find it difficult to interact and join in. I am interested in looking into different ways of teaching children so that shy children can become more outgoing and will hopefully gain more confidence in doing so.

I have been told as a child I was very shy but I am very glad to have had the opportunity to participate in music and drama at an early age for me to overcome this. From working with children I have found that every child is different and will therefore find different ways to learn. I would like to research this more so that every child can benefit from doing the performing arts.

Links to my Flickr and YouTube account

www.flickr.com/hollydanielsuk 

www.youtube.com/hollydanielsuk

A Photo A Day

Inspired by Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, I have decided to do "A Photo A Day"  The aim is to take one photo every day for the rest of the year.  I am looking to use this as part of my journal so that I can relate to a photograph and a caption rather than just writing.

I will be posting these photos on my new flickr account. My username is hollydanielsuk.  I have never used this site before so I'm looking forward to see how useful it can be.

I hope this will give me a more positive attitude and that it will be a helpful reflective tool in the future.