Receiving our Final Grades

I hope that everyone got the grades they hoped for.

I am very gutted that I didn't get the grade I hoped for but the reason why I am so annoyed is that I'm not sure what I did wrong. I was all over the place while doing this course, starting by wanting to become a primary school teacher to then going back to being a professional performer. I was offered a job in America for the summer and worked continuously doing various jobs.

I admit I did struggle with the course as I wasn't sure which direction my path was taking me.

I now will not be able to do my PGCE as I did not get the grades I needed for the course. I believe I did the best I could but now I don't really have a need for a degree, of course I will still have to pay for the course in instalments which is gutting as this qualification is useless now.

I will leave all my work on here in hope that this will help some people with the course.

I have started a new blog at hollylavender.com if you would like to check that out, I never thought I would be a blogger and this course has inspired me to do so.

Over and out

Holly x

My American Experience

I was lucky enough to work in America this summer and I would like to share with you what I did and what I learned there.
I was an assistant director for 4 productions for children aged 7-14. These productions were Oliver, Freckleface Strawberry, Hercules and Once on this Island.
I was able to assist with casting the shows as well as assist with directing. The audition process was long. Some sessions I had to sit through 1,000 children singing and write notes about each one. I now fully understand how casting directors feel at the end of a whole day of auditions. There was then the recall process and initial casting. Some days we were up until 2am in order to cast every child who auditioned. If a child auditioned for a musical they were automatically in a show wether it be an ensemble part or principle.
By working behind the scenes of a show I was able to look at how a show was produced from scratch and performed in just under 3 weeks. Some children I looked after were 7 year olds, how they managed to pick up choreography and learn their songs/lines for the show all ready for a full scale production in under a month is beyond me. These kids are extremely talented and they want to be there.
The experience was very long but it was worth it getting to know these children and learning the American culture. The key to being successful in getting a part is preparation. All the children who were main leads were confident with their audition repertoire.

Reviewing everything in Module 3

I decided that I need to review everything that I had for this module in order to see what I need to do and work on. 

Conclusion

1) I need to find an agent and/or another performer to interview to find out more information. I have managed to find a performer and a casting director and would now like to get an agent's perspective.

2) I would like to change my inquiry based around auditions, here is my current new title: 

How can emerging performers secure an audition in the musical theatre industry. As I returned from America I wanted to direct my inquiry on auditions as I have gained a lot more knowledge in this area and would like to expand further.

Ideas on my Professional Arterfact

Paula gave me a great idea to base my artefact on something that I know a lot about e.g. theatre. I therefore would like to use my findings and create a 2 act play/musical. The idea came when discussing where I am if I based my work for BAPP into a musical. I feel that I am at the stage where I have both acts written but there is still gaps in the plot that need to be filled. 

Here are my ideas written down as I find it easier for myself to visualise.

If there is any agents or performers with an agent on this course I would love to hear from you, Thanks

Returning from America

Hello Everyone!

I have returned from working in America for 4 months and what a journey I have had.

I was working as an assistant director in New York, working on various musical productions. I have learnt a lot and am excited to put all my knowledge into practice. 

My journey through BAPP has been a rollercoaster ride with my change of course and ideas throughout my journey. I have now decided that I would like to carry on studying and do an MA in musical theatre for next year. I am currently researching and looking into different colleges and what course they can offer. I am also looking at audition content for my audition so that I can show off myself to the full potential.

Should I get an Agent?

Should I get an Agent?

The answer to this question is undoubtedly 'yes'! Some people can get work without an agent, but in this day and age, if you want a successful career we believe you will need to have a good agent, who will offer you all of the following (and more)

• They help find and then secure auditions for you.
• They gather constructive feedback for you during auditions.
• They negotiate a contractual deal on your behalf when you get offered work.
• They do a lot of behind-the-scenes work making sure the right people know who you are, and what you are up to.
• They encourage industry professionals to be interested in you and your work, and invite them to see you perform.
• They fight your corner if a company is in breach of contract.
• They offer support and guidance at all times and help you make difficult decisions about the development of your career,
• They are there to be the 'bad guy' who liaises with producers when necessary, so you only have to focus on performing.

Overall, a good agent will provide you with consistent and valuable support in an industry which is forever changing.

(extract from secrets of stage success)

Self Promotion with Social Media

I have found Social Media beneficial in two ways:

1) It allows you to connect with various artists as well as friends/family

2) It allows you to promote yourself as a performer

When I started this course I have only used number 1, to connect with people I already know. Since then I have discovered different methods and tools that have allowed me to discover how I can use social media and make it beneficial for myself.  I already had a Facebook, instagram and twitter but I now have been introduced to delicious, youtube and google +. 

I am also new to blogging. I have found it very useful to keep in contact with various people including members on BAPP so that I can see what they are up and to help them out as much as I can.  It has been very reassuring to know that everyone is in the same boat and by getting feedback from tutors and other students has been very useful.

I did create a SIG on Facebook: getting into professional work. I haven't found this as useful as I originally planned. I found that because I was a member of other peoples SIGs as so many other students are, it was very difficult to keep in contact with all of them and contributing as much as I could. 

Auditions

What I am struggling to do at the moment is finding auditions that I want to attend. Most open auditions through the stage are mainly jobs such as cruises which I don't have an interest in doing. I do have spotlight www.spotlight.com which I have found fairly useful with finding auditions but not many want to audition me. This is where I think an agent would come in useful as they look for auditions for their clients daily.

Here are some links I found when searching for auditions in musical theatre:

Acting the song: tips for a more successful musical theatre audition

http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.mdx.ac.uk/docview/1357482569?pq-origsite=summon

Hitting the right note: how to get a callback at a musical theatre audition

"If 100 of you audition for a commercial — and that's quite typical — 99 of you are not going to book it," Capra says. "But those other 99 actors did have an opportunity to create a relationship and create a memory in the brain of the director." 

The more auditions you attend the more you get to know people and create a relationship with them.


http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.mdx.ac.uk/ehost/detail/detail?sid=1c36f4de-f72a-408d-98b3-1c263a1b948d%40sessionmgr4005&vid=0&hid=4001&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d&preview=false#AN=27254495&db=bth

Spotlight: Musical Theater: Broadway Audition Breakdown

Preparing for auditions should always take much consideration as it makes a big impact on your audition. Know the show and the directer/casting directer and sing/dress appropriate for what the show entails.

http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.mdx.ac.uk/docview/862816267?pq-origsite=summon

Vlogging

Documenting my life

As you all know I will be heading to New York in just under two months - yes I am very excited. I have decided that I am going to document my journey on youtube as videos - or as some people say it Vlogging. The BAPP course has inspired me to blog more and I would like to include different ways of doing this and whats better than doing videos.

I have entitled my channel no one lives forever, to motivate and inspire me to live my life and have a journey. I also want to give viewers advice on performing, such as choosing a performing arts college and what to do after you have graduated. I also have a background in fitness and want to inspire people to exercise and eat healthy. 

Youtube is a tool I have used for my "self promotion" heading in my inquiry, I therefore thought my first video should be me doing some sort of performing, so heres myself singing a cover of Alive (originally by Sia)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMjSKgo7gS-KHxKrNZSB8iw

SIGS

I am looking for people who are currently working in the dance/musical theatre industry. I would like to hear your journey after professional training including non-professional work. If you could include:

1. Whether you have an agent or are freelance
2. Have you always managed to find professional work after graduating
3. Are there any ways that you have had to promote yourself in order to find professional work?

My inquiry is based on finding professional work in musical theatre, I have decided to have specific topics that I would like to focus more on. There are Agents, Auditions and Self Promotion. 

If you would like to contribute or have any ideas for me I would love to hear from you.

Please leave comments below or if you prefer my email address is hollynkm@hotmail.com

Thanks

Why do we need Musical Theatre?

When I typed in "why do we need musical theatre" into google various links came up regarding training and if studying musical theatre is for you as apposed to why we have it. Musical Theatre is growing every year with more and more applicants applying to all the colleges, who have had to expand to accommodate these circumstances.


I also want to look at American Musical Theatre as I'll be heading to work in New York over the summer. I want to compare and evaluate the differences between West End and Broadway.
Here is a link on why British and American theatre audiences are so different.
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2011/mar/30/british-american-theatre-audiences

We have the Oliviers, American have Tony's, but are Americans better at Musical Theatre than the British?
Why Americans beat the british in Musicals:
http://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2011/feb/23/americans-british-musicals-west-end-broadway

Employment in the Musical Theatre Industry

What do agents look for in a Musical Theatre grad?

Stuart Piper, and agent at Cole Kitchenn explains that he does not look for a particular casting but chooses clients on who he thinks are special and who he thinks will become "tomorrow's stars." Piper describes that colleges are now trying to make their students triple threats having equal training in all disciplines. This therefore makes clients more employable as they are able to do different things including maybe playing an instrument.
https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2015/stuart-piper-agents-look-musical-theatre-graduate/

I have started to look at employment in American Musical Theatre as I know nothing about employment there. In the UK there are various ways of getting your foot in the door. I've heard that its a lot harder to get into broadway than it is the west end so I'm going to find out more information.
This was the first link that I found about the subject. Most of the advice given relates to work in the west end too. The first two tips have been useful to me.
1) Get tickets to see shows- (especially if its the show your auditioning for) this will help on so many levels and gives you something more to talk about at your interview.
2) Get in the right room - face to face is better than electronic. Attend opening nights, conferences- get your face seen.
https://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2013/01/5-tips-to-getting-a-job-on-broadway.html

How to become a broadway actor/actress:

train train train - whats difficult is after college I now have to fund for myself and nowadays everything costs. It is a struggle to keep fit and also attend as many auditions as I can.
network - this has come up a lot in my research. Many people have said its about being in the right place at the right time- but you have to be in a place to start with.
always say yes - I agree with this to a certain extent but I will always remain professional.
see as much theatre as you can - I try and see shows as much as I can, usually I go spontaneously after an audition as I am already there.
take care of yourself - This has proven tricky as I work full time and its difficult to find time to attend classes.
show up and move on - go to auditions and accept that there is a high chance of rejection.
http://broadwaymusicalblog.com/2013/06/18/how-to-become-a-broadway-actor-or-actress/

How to make it in musical theatre

http://castings.thestage.co.uk/audition-advice/blog/posts/what-it-takes-to-make-it-in-musical-theatre

What it takes to train a broadway star

I found this an interesting article. Even broadway stars are continually growing and never stop learning. It is not enough to just sing and dance, performers need to be strong triple threats and be able to sustain their stamina for eight shows a week.
http://www.newyork.com/articles/broadway/what-it-takes-to-train-a-broadway-star-24415/

Genre of Musical Theatre

Musical (noun): a stage, television, or film production utilising popular style songs to either tell a story or to showcase the talent of writers and/or performers, with dialogue optional.

Elements of a Musical
Music and Lyrics - the songs
Book/Libretto - the connected story expressed in script or dialogue
Choreography - the dance
Staging - all stage movements
Physical Production - the sets, costumes, and technical aspects

Showtunes have been around for 2,500 years starting in Greece.  Greek dramas use dialogue, song dance integrated in their storytelling. A lot of greek playwrights were also composers and lyricists too. Athenian musical theatre died due to the Peloponnesian War which led Athens defeated in 404 B.C.E.

Musical Theatre Timeline

1700's-1800's
In the 1700's- 1800's Opera became very fashionable to the upper classes in Europe.

Late 1800's 
The first known musical was The Black Crook by Charles M. Barrs which ran for 474 performances.

1920-1930
Musicals were starting to become more known in this era. Some famous musicals include Oklahoma! and No, No, Nanette.

Mid 1900s
Composer Stephan Sondheim was influenced by the change to rock and roll music. Arthur Laurents and Sondheim wrote West Side Story in 1957.

1987
Les Miserable the world's most well known musical opened not long after The Phantom of the Opera opened in 1988. They both still remain the longest running musicals in the West End.

2000s
A lot of musicals are now adapted from films. Musical such as Legally Blonde, Shrek and more successfully The Lion King.

Reviewing Module 2/Starting Module 3

I have been extremely busy these past few months, working full time and now trying to organise myself before I jet off to America in June as well as finding time to do this course.

Reviewing Module 2 

I am currently looking at more literature on Agents, Auditions and Self Promotion. I am looking at online sources as well as books to help me with this.

I also have to consider who to interview and what questions I would like to ask. I am hoping to find an agent to help me with this but I have currently not had much luck in finding one.

Before I being Module 3 I want to talk about my journey so far in terms of my professional career.

I have personally struggled financially keeping fit and attending dance classes in order to find work. I therefore had to take up a full time anti-social job so that I can still attend classes and auditions during the day and work in the evenings/weekends. I have therefore become a very busy individual and have to organise my day accordingly to get this course completed.

I would like to focus this module on personal branding and how an artist can develop and become more known in the industry. Although I do not know many people I am hoping to speak to casting directors and agents in an interview to see what they see in clients and what sort of things they look for when auditioning.

Meanwhile I have recently been offered a job in New York for the summer where I will be working at a summer camp teaching children dance and musical theatre. I am very excited about this opportunity as it will allow be to get back into the industry as well as network with individuals from around the world.

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.