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