After much consideration, I eventually decided on my top 5 most important sources of information. In order to choose these, I decided to look back and reflect on my most recent activities and trace them back to the very beginning. When I really thought about it, I was surprised how much I used each source of information, and in which context I tended to use it in the most.
My first source of information is the Internet
The internet is vital for me to have in the profession I work in. I rely on it so much, without it id be lost. I use the internet to connect with people, through Facebook and other social networking sites. It allows me to keep in touch in an easy and hassle free way, and lets me connect with old friends to see what they’re doing in the industry at the moment.
I also use the internet to download music for my lessons. Before I knew how to download music I used to rely fully on CD’s. Although CD’s are useful to have,. Some music is sometimes harder to get hold of, especially in Musical Theatre. I am always able to find the tracks I need through downloading, and I am, also able to find sheet music for my singing lessons that I can easily print off.
I’m not always able to go to the shops constantly to get the equipment/ sources that I need for my lessons. For example, if I am in need of new jazz shoes, and I know exactly what size I need, I simply order a new pair off Dance Direct, and a new pair will be delivered to my door within the next few days.
As a dance teacher there are many different styles which I have to cover for my students. The next one we are studying is "African Dance". I have done projects on this style before, but I really want to get to grips with the way the dancers move. I decided to go straight to you tube so I could watch experienced dancers and study their movements.
After reading Natalie Less’s blog on this source of information, it occurred to me how much I use the internet to find directions/ journey details to locations for work or auditions.
The second source of information is through my Blackberry.
I use my blackberry to connect with others who I’m in close contact with, such as work colleagues, friends I was in training with, connections from any previous employment, etc.
I also use my Blackberry to send any video clips, photos or voice notes to any contacts. I usually do this through BBM (Blackberry Messenger), as it is quick, efficient, reliable, and allows me to see if the other contacts has received and read my message.
I have also managed to add my email addresses to my Blackberry so I can receive and send emails directly from it. This is ideal as it is impossible for me to check my laptop every day, and because it’s a fairly old model, it takes a while to set up, and loads information fairly slowly.
I also have Blackberry App World on my phone, which allows me to download Apps that might appear useful to me. For example, I currently have the following Apps which relate to my line of work:
Ask anything (for when I wish to seek any information)
Gym Technik NextGen (which allows me to keep my workout routines under control)
Tube Map (for when I go to London)
Calorie Counter (to keep track of my diet)
I also use my Blackberry to record any video footage or take photos. Sometimes I do not always have my camera handy, so I then rely on my Blackberry. Once I have recorded what I need, I simply hook it up to my computer to download footage, or I can upload photos directly to my Facebook page.
The third source of information I use is through Teachers/ Previous Employers.
I’ve learnt from experience that if you make a good lasting impression on your previous teachers/ employers, then it will be beneficial to you later on in life. This could lead to a previous teacher recommending you to someone for a job, or putting you up for a closed audition, etc. I have also discovered recently, that for one job I am auditioning for, they required a reference, they contacted me previous Employer, and he promised to write me a brilliant recommendation.
If you have worked for someone in the past and they are choreographing a show/ performance, they will want reliable dancers, who can pick up thw choreography. A friend of mine recently was just offered a job because the choreographer needed an extra dancer, and because that girl made a lasting impression on her, she phoned her up.
I also find it interesting to go to previous teachers to seek their advice on which companies are good, and which agencies are best to apply for, etc. I recently asked my old teacher how I could find out about jobs working abroad. She then gave me a website which was displaying exactly what I was looking for.
The next source of information is through Friends in the Network.
I have come to discover that I am able to find out about upcoming auditions through word of mouth from friends. The majority of my friends in this business are usually happy to share information about auditions and jobs, etc, because we’re all going through the same thing, so in a way, we all want to help each other out. It is good to ask a friends a advice on any job situations. They understand what it feels like and usually are able to help you find the answer you’re looking for when it comes to accepting a job or not.
If I find out I am going to the same audition as a friend, I always try and organise that we go together. Travelling with others means you have the support of your friends and tends to make me less nervous. Once I am in an audition, I do not communicate, as we are from then on, competing against each other. However after, its helpful to reflect on the audition process together to find out other peoples opinions and thoughts on it.
If I am travelling a long way to an audition, which requires staying overnight, it is helpful to travel with another. This way, it saves money on accommodation. Or even better, if you know people living in that area, you can ask to stay with them, that way you don’t have to pay a thing.
This reminds me of task 3b, theories, relating to networks, the concept cooperation. If we cooperate with each other, in sharing information about auditions, offering accommodation, etc, in turn we can each gain beneficially from the situation.
The final source of information is through Dancers Pro.
This website I only discovered in the past few months. It is ideal for me as it allows me to search directly for the kind of job I am looking for. All I have to do is choose what type of job description I’m looking for, e.g. backing singer, teacher, theatre, music video, etc. I can even state how much money I am looking for in my pay, and what location I am looking to work in.
At the moment I am looking to work overseas next year, this is why this website is suited for my needs as instead of looking through thousands of auditions, I can narrow the search down to exactly what I’m looking for.
This website also allows you to look at auditions in more detail. It displays the main facts about the job, then if you click onto "more details", you can find out even more information and it provides contact details so you can apply for the position.
After reading through other blogs, I noticed that Hayley Bence also uses this source of information. She commented on how they send her new information directly to her email address. I agree with Hayely that this site is a great source of information for performers today.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Task 3b, Theories Relating to Networking
Cooperation
I found I was able to relate to this concept, as I do feel that when two people choose to cooperate so that they gain some kind of benefits from the situation, you are working together (cooperating) to increase your own knowledge of the topic in hand.
I rely on this concept in my blogging as I feel if I am to comment on another persons work, I hope to receive some kind of comment back regarding my own comment, or they may choose to comment on an extract of my own work.
However, the concept of cooperating with another does not always follow through the way it is meant to. I have highlighted a small section from the extract by Axlerod, R. (1984 pp xi- xiv):
"The game allows the players to achieve mutual gains from cooperation, but it also allows for the possibility that one player will exploit the other, or the possibility that neither will cooperate."
The reason why I have referred to this particular comment is because if someone seeks out my help/ advice/ knowledge, etc, it has always been in my nature to participate and to offer as much guidance as I can. However, I have discovered through experience that this guidance is not always reciprocated. Although some maintain the idea that cooperation is not effective unless all those involved choose to participate. I still choose to maintain the idea that one should cooperate with others even if there isn’t a definite outcome of receiving the same input back.
Affiliation
I feel that in the profession I am in, is essential that we affiliate with others. I know that if I encounter people who are in the same profession as me or who share the same interests, I automatically choose to approach them. I have always had a desire in me to want to know more, either by increasing my technical knowledge of my dance, etc, or by listening to peoples stories of their past experiences. I have always been fascinated by other peoples experiences, previous employment and their inspirational stories.
In the Networked Professional Reader, the extract from Crisp, J & Turner, R(2007 pp266- 268) states:
"Teenagers were happier, more alert, and more excited when in the company of others than when alone. In contrast, a lack of affiliation may have a lasting negative impact."
I know from experience that to isolate myself from others, and closing myself off from any interaction with others, only leads to being in a miserable, self- conscious and depressive state of mind. By surrounding myself with positive, uplifting people makes me feel more confident, vibrant and all in all a more positive person to be around. I work harder in this state of mind, I achieve more and I remain more energetic and alert.
It also states that:
"If we have too little contact, we feel isolated, but if we have too much contact, we feel crowded."This sentence I can relate to. I enjoy to affiliate with others as I like the company, I feel I can learn things from social interaction and I function better in a social environment. However, I am fully aware I also need my own private time. For example, when I am working on an assignment, I work better on my own. This way I cant be distracted or influenced by others in deciding what pace I wish to work at. Although I may go to others to seek help or advice, when it comes to written work, I always work better alone.
Social Constructionism
One of Social Constructionism’s key principles is that through social interaction, humans "construct" meanings of the world and their experiences.
I feel this concept I can relate to but I feel it is one I use but I’m not aware of when I’m using it.
I relate to this as something that can continue to be constructed over a long period of time, and its is only when you feel you have wider knowledge of understanding of something that you will know it was through the concept of "social constructionism".
For example, I have been studying dance from the age of 4, but it has taken from that point to now (17 years later) for me to be able to understand the knowledge and understanding of just how hard it really is. From the age of 4, different people have told me that dance is hard work, and you have to put your own extra effort into it. I did not grasp that concept straight away as a child. Over the years I met different people, those who took on dance as a career, those who attempted and failed and those who teach it. Each person had their own stories and advice that they chose to pass onto me. Although I wasn’t aware of it, at the time, all those pieces of information were settling in my head, and I was slowly constructing my view on the hard work involved in this profession. Without those sources of information from others, today I would be oblivious to it, and unprepared for the tasks ahead of me, and for that I am grateful.
Connectivism
This is a learning concept which I heavily rely on. From previous tasks in this course, I have discovered I reply heavily on visualisation, and that I learn better visually. This is why I enjoy to watch documentaries on television, dance related TV programs, etc, as I find myself taking in all the information. I also enjoy to watch dance pieces, extracts of musical theatre and interviews with actresses on "you tube". This is because there is a wide variety of different clips to watch, and they are presented in different ways, which means I can search through them until I find one that is most compatible to me.
I use such networking tools as Facebook, blogging, etc, to interact with people directly in order to seek out information such as auditions, upcoming shows, top workshops, etc, as their views of their experiences help me to devise my own opinion of the topics in hand.
An example of how another has reflected the same views as me is from Karen Stephenson, she states:
"Experience has long been considered the best teacher of knowledge. Since we cannot experience everything, other peoples experiences, and hence other people, become the surrogate for knowledge. ‘I store my knowledge in my friends’ is an axiom for collecting knowledge through collecting people"
This applies to me, such experiences that I have not experienced yet for whatever reason, does not mean I cannot learn about them, and through what better way but by interacting with those who have. This is why networks such as Facebook are ideal for this, as people are easy to get hold of and it where you should be able to get the quickest response.
Communities of Practise
I found this one harder to decipher and relate to. After reading it through several times, I discovered a way in which I believe it relates to me. Whether this is right or wrong does not matter, its how it relates to me only.
An idea I found which relates to this is something that I am working on at the moment. At present, I am part of the production team to put together a school production of "Beauty and the Beast". The production team consists of a Director, a Musical Director, Vocal Coach, 2 acting coaches and 2 choreographers (including myself). Together we have to create something that looks professional, well organised and well rehearsed.
An example of how this concept comes into place is through a situation the Director had in a rehearsal for one of the scenes one week. The Director was working on the character of the "Feather Duster". He was trying to work out how she could move across the stage without looking too human like yet convincing as a feather duster at the same time. He then decided to ask for my assistance, because with my background training in dance, I was naturally more physical with my body, and was able to find a way for her to travel around the stage, which represented her as a feather duster but in a comical, feminine way. The Director was not able to do this without my knowledge of dance, and he himself learnt something from it.
This is an example that if the productive team were to work as a community, we would be bale to pass on our knowledge and experiences throughout the process of the construction of the musical. Through mutual engagement, the musical can function by binding the members into a social entity.
I found I was able to relate to this concept, as I do feel that when two people choose to cooperate so that they gain some kind of benefits from the situation, you are working together (cooperating) to increase your own knowledge of the topic in hand.
I rely on this concept in my blogging as I feel if I am to comment on another persons work, I hope to receive some kind of comment back regarding my own comment, or they may choose to comment on an extract of my own work.
However, the concept of cooperating with another does not always follow through the way it is meant to. I have highlighted a small section from the extract by Axlerod, R. (1984 pp xi- xiv):
"The game allows the players to achieve mutual gains from cooperation, but it also allows for the possibility that one player will exploit the other, or the possibility that neither will cooperate."
The reason why I have referred to this particular comment is because if someone seeks out my help/ advice/ knowledge, etc, it has always been in my nature to participate and to offer as much guidance as I can. However, I have discovered through experience that this guidance is not always reciprocated. Although some maintain the idea that cooperation is not effective unless all those involved choose to participate. I still choose to maintain the idea that one should cooperate with others even if there isn’t a definite outcome of receiving the same input back.
Affiliation
I feel that in the profession I am in, is essential that we affiliate with others. I know that if I encounter people who are in the same profession as me or who share the same interests, I automatically choose to approach them. I have always had a desire in me to want to know more, either by increasing my technical knowledge of my dance, etc, or by listening to peoples stories of their past experiences. I have always been fascinated by other peoples experiences, previous employment and their inspirational stories.
In the Networked Professional Reader, the extract from Crisp, J & Turner, R(2007 pp266- 268) states:
"Teenagers were happier, more alert, and more excited when in the company of others than when alone. In contrast, a lack of affiliation may have a lasting negative impact."
I know from experience that to isolate myself from others, and closing myself off from any interaction with others, only leads to being in a miserable, self- conscious and depressive state of mind. By surrounding myself with positive, uplifting people makes me feel more confident, vibrant and all in all a more positive person to be around. I work harder in this state of mind, I achieve more and I remain more energetic and alert.
It also states that:
"If we have too little contact, we feel isolated, but if we have too much contact, we feel crowded."This sentence I can relate to. I enjoy to affiliate with others as I like the company, I feel I can learn things from social interaction and I function better in a social environment. However, I am fully aware I also need my own private time. For example, when I am working on an assignment, I work better on my own. This way I cant be distracted or influenced by others in deciding what pace I wish to work at. Although I may go to others to seek help or advice, when it comes to written work, I always work better alone.
Social Constructionism
One of Social Constructionism’s key principles is that through social interaction, humans "construct" meanings of the world and their experiences.
I feel this concept I can relate to but I feel it is one I use but I’m not aware of when I’m using it.
I relate to this as something that can continue to be constructed over a long period of time, and its is only when you feel you have wider knowledge of understanding of something that you will know it was through the concept of "social constructionism".
For example, I have been studying dance from the age of 4, but it has taken from that point to now (17 years later) for me to be able to understand the knowledge and understanding of just how hard it really is. From the age of 4, different people have told me that dance is hard work, and you have to put your own extra effort into it. I did not grasp that concept straight away as a child. Over the years I met different people, those who took on dance as a career, those who attempted and failed and those who teach it. Each person had their own stories and advice that they chose to pass onto me. Although I wasn’t aware of it, at the time, all those pieces of information were settling in my head, and I was slowly constructing my view on the hard work involved in this profession. Without those sources of information from others, today I would be oblivious to it, and unprepared for the tasks ahead of me, and for that I am grateful.
Connectivism
This is a learning concept which I heavily rely on. From previous tasks in this course, I have discovered I reply heavily on visualisation, and that I learn better visually. This is why I enjoy to watch documentaries on television, dance related TV programs, etc, as I find myself taking in all the information. I also enjoy to watch dance pieces, extracts of musical theatre and interviews with actresses on "you tube". This is because there is a wide variety of different clips to watch, and they are presented in different ways, which means I can search through them until I find one that is most compatible to me.
I use such networking tools as Facebook, blogging, etc, to interact with people directly in order to seek out information such as auditions, upcoming shows, top workshops, etc, as their views of their experiences help me to devise my own opinion of the topics in hand.
An example of how another has reflected the same views as me is from Karen Stephenson, she states:
"Experience has long been considered the best teacher of knowledge. Since we cannot experience everything, other peoples experiences, and hence other people, become the surrogate for knowledge. ‘I store my knowledge in my friends’ is an axiom for collecting knowledge through collecting people"
This applies to me, such experiences that I have not experienced yet for whatever reason, does not mean I cannot learn about them, and through what better way but by interacting with those who have. This is why networks such as Facebook are ideal for this, as people are easy to get hold of and it where you should be able to get the quickest response.
Communities of Practise
I found this one harder to decipher and relate to. After reading it through several times, I discovered a way in which I believe it relates to me. Whether this is right or wrong does not matter, its how it relates to me only.
An idea I found which relates to this is something that I am working on at the moment. At present, I am part of the production team to put together a school production of "Beauty and the Beast". The production team consists of a Director, a Musical Director, Vocal Coach, 2 acting coaches and 2 choreographers (including myself). Together we have to create something that looks professional, well organised and well rehearsed.
An example of how this concept comes into place is through a situation the Director had in a rehearsal for one of the scenes one week. The Director was working on the character of the "Feather Duster". He was trying to work out how she could move across the stage without looking too human like yet convincing as a feather duster at the same time. He then decided to ask for my assistance, because with my background training in dance, I was naturally more physical with my body, and was able to find a way for her to travel around the stage, which represented her as a feather duster but in a comical, feminine way. The Director was not able to do this without my knowledge of dance, and he himself learnt something from it.
This is an example that if the productive team were to work as a community, we would be bale to pass on our knowledge and experiences throughout the process of the construction of the musical. Through mutual engagement, the musical can function by binding the members into a social entity.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Task 3a Current networks
Task 3a Current Networks
At this current time that we live in, I find that I use Facebook the most as a networking tool.
It helps me keep in touch with distant friends and allows me to exchange information with them privately if I wish. It allows me to advertise myself as a teacher and a performer. I include information about my jobs and skills in my information, and I can upload headshots or dance photos
It allows me to join groups where I can access or upload information about auditions and anything else that interests me. Also, because it is such a widely recognised networking site, it means I can search people I know. I can also add people who I meet through my line of work, so that I can keep in contact after our time working together has ended.
I also use my Blog now purely to post extracts up of my work I am doing for this course, and also to meet and connect with others o the same course. By doing this I can share my ideas and thoughts, read about other peoples views and ideas and comment on other peoples work. I treat my Blog as a purely Professional networking tool. Although I promote myself as a performer and teacher, I also wish to expand on my knowledge of this course and show to others how dedicated I am to what I do.
Although I use my Facebook mainly to promote myself and to gain information for myself, this year, I also decided to use it to help others. I started up a private Facebook group for the students I teach for a National BTEC course in Jazz and contemporary. This way, the information I post is only viewed by those on the course, and allows them to keep up to date with any news. For example, I sometimes post up photos and videos of them working so they can use them for their Log Books or look back on their own work. I also use the group page to send out messages to the students for anything they may need to prepare for any upcoming lessons. Therefore, I am using a networking tool in a positive way for others to help with their own work and knowledge of the course they are carrying out.
I also found that a friend of mine at the present moment is using Facebook as a networking tool to informs others of a trip she is hoping to make to Uganda. She is going there for 3 months for an HIV/Aids care project:, which involves Caring for and counselling people living with HIV and Aids
in the slum communities. She has created a networking page to encourage people to help sponsor her trip so she can go there and try and make a difference to the situation. So, therefore, if people were to sponsor her, not only would they be helping her to reach her potential, but that will lead to helping even more people in Uganda. This is a positive plan, as one sponsor will be helping a wide range of people in different ways, not just one.
My ideal networking site would preferably be if everything was added or processed in a purely positive way. So that there would be no way I could receive any inappropriate or negative feedback. In the world we live in at the moment, this sadly cannot be achieved, even though networks such as Facebook are constantly trying to stop this from happening, for example. By reporting any negative posts or messages, Facebook administrators can put a stop to this and even remove the perpetrators Facebook page.
If my network could reach out only to those who expressed the same interest by categorising everyone’s interests into certain groups, the more people I would have wanting to get involved and share their thoughts on my topics and discussions. The more people I have, the more I (the creator) can work to develop my knowledge further by following the ideas of others in discussions and debates. The way in which I can try and work towards the idea, is I gave up more of my own time to search through people on Facebook and find as many people as possible who share the same interests as me, or who seems like they would be a valuable source to my network. However, this would be extremely time consuming and not everyone wishes to share their information publicly for everyone to see.
At this current time that we live in, I find that I use Facebook the most as a networking tool.
It helps me keep in touch with distant friends and allows me to exchange information with them privately if I wish. It allows me to advertise myself as a teacher and a performer. I include information about my jobs and skills in my information, and I can upload headshots or dance photos
It allows me to join groups where I can access or upload information about auditions and anything else that interests me. Also, because it is such a widely recognised networking site, it means I can search people I know. I can also add people who I meet through my line of work, so that I can keep in contact after our time working together has ended.
I also use my Blog now purely to post extracts up of my work I am doing for this course, and also to meet and connect with others o the same course. By doing this I can share my ideas and thoughts, read about other peoples views and ideas and comment on other peoples work. I treat my Blog as a purely Professional networking tool. Although I promote myself as a performer and teacher, I also wish to expand on my knowledge of this course and show to others how dedicated I am to what I do.
Although I use my Facebook mainly to promote myself and to gain information for myself, this year, I also decided to use it to help others. I started up a private Facebook group for the students I teach for a National BTEC course in Jazz and contemporary. This way, the information I post is only viewed by those on the course, and allows them to keep up to date with any news. For example, I sometimes post up photos and videos of them working so they can use them for their Log Books or look back on their own work. I also use the group page to send out messages to the students for anything they may need to prepare for any upcoming lessons. Therefore, I am using a networking tool in a positive way for others to help with their own work and knowledge of the course they are carrying out.
I also found that a friend of mine at the present moment is using Facebook as a networking tool to informs others of a trip she is hoping to make to Uganda. She is going there for 3 months for an HIV/Aids care project:, which involves Caring for and counselling people living with HIV and Aids
in the slum communities. She has created a networking page to encourage people to help sponsor her trip so she can go there and try and make a difference to the situation. So, therefore, if people were to sponsor her, not only would they be helping her to reach her potential, but that will lead to helping even more people in Uganda. This is a positive plan, as one sponsor will be helping a wide range of people in different ways, not just one.
My ideal networking site would preferably be if everything was added or processed in a purely positive way. So that there would be no way I could receive any inappropriate or negative feedback. In the world we live in at the moment, this sadly cannot be achieved, even though networks such as Facebook are constantly trying to stop this from happening, for example. By reporting any negative posts or messages, Facebook administrators can put a stop to this and even remove the perpetrators Facebook page.
If my network could reach out only to those who expressed the same interest by categorising everyone’s interests into certain groups, the more people I would have wanting to get involved and share their thoughts on my topics and discussions. The more people I have, the more I (the creator) can work to develop my knowledge further by following the ideas of others in discussions and debates. The way in which I can try and work towards the idea, is I gave up more of my own time to search through people on Facebook and find as many people as possible who share the same interests as me, or who seems like they would be a valuable source to my network. However, this would be extremely time consuming and not everyone wishes to share their information publicly for everyone to see.
Task 2d: Inquiry
I have discovered recently that when I am teaching or choreographing, I find myself visualising a setting which seems to structure itself around the theme of my lesson/ piece.
I find that when I visualise a costume, location setting and theme, it seems to bring my ideas to life. I have always had an interest in how the use of costume and camera angles in filming helps to enhance the movement and show off choreography to its full ability. I take this interest and incorporate it into my work. If I am performing, by visualising this setting improves my performance and gives me a feeling like no other when I perform. When I am teaching, I like to share my vision with the class, not so they can visualise the same, but so they grasp the idea of it and put their own visions to the piece for what works best for them.
I have always admired the actress "Audrey Hepburn", the way in which filming was recorded in those days is so much different and less high tech to how it is now, but the way in which she captures the camera just draws me in. I have many books about her which include quotes and her view on films and what it is like about being behind the camera. I have always had a passion for films and the way they can affect you, and I take those feelings and motions and bring them into my own work. Film has changed over time, however I like to bring all aspects of their affects into my work, old and new.
What I love most about what I do in teaching is seeing my students improve and watching their confidence grow. When I perform, I love the feeling of being someone else on stage, and I love seeing an audiences reaction to it. When I perform, I always find it easier when I can’t see the audience, as just the sound of their reaction to what’s happening on stage allows me to visualise what’s happening.
A person who I admire and who seems to have the same teaching methods and outlook on performing as I do is a dancer I learnt from called "Jenny Gainey". She works as a performer/ teacher, and used to teach me for certain classes when I was 15. As a student I looked up to her so much, she was the best teacher I could of ever asked for. We respected her, therefore she respected us. Her way of teaching used to draw me in, therefore I took in everything that she said and my dance seemed to improve dramatically throughout her time from when she taught me. I always knew I wanted to be like her, she was so inspiring, her personality was infectious and she was very animated with her dress sense and costume choice. A lot of her personality reflected in her work and choreography, which is what I intend to do with my own work. Jenny always had a vision for every piece she choreographed for us and often spoke in detail about stories in our lessons that we could use in relation to our work. For me personally I have always found it difficult to understand how those who take performance seriously enough to want to do it as their full time career, don’t use their faces when they perform. I think I feel so strongly about this because I was taught from a very young age to always use my face. It does not mean you need to have a cheesy grin on your face when performing, but being able to connect to the music and what the piece/ show is about, should reflect in your body and face. A girl who I trained in college with who was on a different course to me, always used her face, no matter what the theme of the piece was, and because of this she always stood out and was placed at the front. Like myself, she never understood how others didn’t use their faces when performing either. Some who don’t use their faces say its because they find it difficult, or they feel embarrassed to do it, but surely, it’d be more humiliating if everyone around them performed with their faces and they didn’t. In the end it gets you noticed for the right reasons, but still I continue to see performers who just haven’t seemed to of grasped that concept. I’ll always remember telling that girl how much she stood out on stage and how she really got across to the audience how much she loved to dance. In response to that, she’d say
My imagination always seems to run away with me once I visualise something, and it helps me with my choreography and performance. Although I learn by doing, by adding that element of a visualisation gets me into character and the right frame of mind for the piece/ lesson in hand."Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another."I always seem to incorporate the feeling of a music video into my work. In most music videos, the artists enter their own world where they can break out into dance whenever in different settings, sometimes in public places.
What I love most about what I do in teaching is seeing my students improve and watching their confidence grow. When I perform, I love the feeling of being someone else on stage, and I love seeing an audiences reaction to it. When I perform, I always find it easier when I can’t see the audience, as just the sound of their reaction to what’s happening on stage allows me to visualise what’s happening.
A person who I admire and who seems to have the same teaching methods and outlook on performing as I do is a dancer I learnt from called "Jenny Gainey". She works as a performer/ teacher, and used to teach me for certain classes when I was 15. As a student I looked up to her so much, she was the best teacher I could of ever asked for. We respected her, therefore she respected us. Her way of teaching used to draw me in, therefore I took in everything that she said and my dance seemed to improve dramatically throughout her time from when she taught me. I always knew I wanted to be like her, she was so inspiring, her personality was infectious and she was very animated with her dress sense and costume choice. A lot of her personality reflected in her work and choreography, which is what I intend to do with my own work. Jenny always had a vision for every piece she choreographed for us and often spoke in detail about stories in our lessons that we could use in relation to our work.
My imagination always seems to run away with me once I visualise something, and it helps me with my choreography and performance. Although I learn by doing, by adding that element of a visualisation gets me into character and the right frame of mind for the piece/ lesson in hand."Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another."I always seem to incorporate the feeling of a music video into my work. In most music videos, the artists enter their own world where they can break out into dance whenever in different settings, sometimes in public places.
Task 2c: Reflective Theory
Section 1
How do you reflect on events? This is done through the idea of reflecting on experience, and how you process that information and turn it into knowledge. Reflection means you can look at your experiences in more ways than one, by comparing your own experiences to others, and their own understanding of it, will therefore extend your own understanding and help you to learn something new.
Have you ever said "I learnt that by experience"? Yes, I believe that you learn by doing. I believe it is our own life experiences that help us grow into the people we are. As we can learn from them, and the effects shape our personalities based on how we respond to experiences in life.
Have you ever known something before you realise what it means to you? Yes, the way in which humans process information is different for everyone. Sometimes a person can be told a fact or something that is "known" by others, and it can take time before this information takes effect on that person and triggers a reaction. For me personally, if something is told to me that is "known" by others, and I am unaware of what it means to me or how to respond to the matter, I go away and reflect on that information. Whether that means, reflecting on it on my own and being alone with my thoughts. Or, I may go to others and discuss it with them to seek out their thoughts to see if it has an impact on my own thoughts/ knowledge of the situation.
Section 2
Because we all do all of these it can be hard to tell, think about learning to make your blog. Did you need to get on with doing it using the same ideas you might know from using Facebook (concrete experience), did you visit other peoples to see what they did to get some ideas (Reflective observation), did you read-up on it or watch a video about your options and how to make it with the idea you wanted to use (Abstract Conceptualisation) or , did you just start and use trial and error going back to change it a few times as your ideas grew (active experimentation) ? When I was in the process of making my blog, because I had never used/ made one before or ever seen one. Therefore I used the "Reflection Observation" process. I visited other peoples sites before I made mine as I needed to know what the layout of a blog needed to look like, and what kind of information I should have been including. Once I knew what I needed to put in, I then used "Abstract Conceptualisation" to put my own ideas that were in my head into what I wanted as a blog.
Think of someone else you know. Do they learn in the same way as you? Where do they enter Kolb’s cycle as a learner? Does their way of learning compliment yours? I decided to use someone who not only do I know, but who I am related to, as I became interested to see if it is the same learning cycle that I use. After observing the learning ways and behaviour of this family member, I discovered that they learnt with "Active Experimentation". Their way of learning is slightly different as they tend to dive straight into something and learn that way, where as I like to plan in my head before actively extending my own knowledge. The reason why I do this is because if I learn staright away with Active Experimentation, if I discover problems/ boundaries along the way, sometimes I’m stopped in my tracks as I don’t know which way to continue from there. However, when this other person encounters any problems they continue to carry on through them and incorporate them into their knowledge as a natural response.
Section 3Using Gardeners Multiple Intelligences theory think about yourself and how you use many ways to understand and idea or experience. Can you think of an example of yourself using your Interpersonal intelligence - being able to understand what is going on around you by understanding how and why the people around you are responding? I use this intelligence a lot when I need to move through a crowd quickly, for instance in the tube at rush hour! It has kept me out of a lot of trouble. An example of when I use interpersonal intelligence is when I am trying to hit a ball in tennis. I have to be aware of where the ball is moving, where I need to be, and where the other player is so I know where to aim. There are many things to take into account in this situation
Think about VAK. When do you do best learning Kinaesthetically? Visually? By listening? Which of these do you feel most comfortable with most of the time? The way of learning which seems to suit me best is through the "Visual" sense. I have always been a very visual person, I have always responded best to this way of learning and it is something I tend to use more in my own work.
Try using the other two more for one day. What effect does it have on your comfort zone? Can you see how you can support your learning by developing your preferred VAK? Maybe you could make diagrams and pictures of the books you are reading to remind you what they say (visual)? Maybe you could leave yourself voice-mail messages or ask to record campus sessions (audio)? Maybe you could give yourself movements to help remember ideas, like the way people remember the pattern their fingers make when dialling rather than the phone number itself? Explore what helps you and what make you feel uncomfortable. After experimenting with the other two VAK’s, I was pleasantly surprised about how much/ little I tend to use them in my everyday life. I discovered I automatically use Auditory learning in my singing lessons. When I am teaching/ learning in singing, I always use my Dictaphone. This is so I can listen to myself later, and learn how to improve my vocals and to decide if anything needs changing.. It also helps me to learn harmonies for any ensemble pieces.
I also discovered that I use Kinaesthetic learning when I am choreographing. When I choreograph, I always work by putting on the chosen music, and just moving to whatever comes into my head or whatever I feel. Any ideas that I come up with I always have to write down so that I don’t forget them later on.
Section 4In this last section we read an excerpt from Kottcamp, then we looked at why he might have thought this. We were looking at the meaning behind the excerpt (the discourse). This is using critical reflection. It is unpicking the layers of understanding and meaning behind an idea. Think about an idea you really like. Try thinking about why that idea would appeal to you. For instance, I like the idea that dancers are practical people and learn kinaesthetically, and like to ‘do’ rather than read about it, they move rather than sit and read! But why do I like that idea? And why am I so quick to think of it as true? Part of the reason is because I consider myself a dancer, BUT I also consider myself very bad at reading and writing. I like thinking that dancers are good at ‘doing’ because it makes me feel better about the idea that I am not very good at sitting and reading. This makes me realise that the idea I like is not some much about the idea itself, "dancers learn Kinaesthetically", is more about my feelings about myself. When I realised on this I also realised I was NOT a Kinaesthetic learner after all, I had just assumed I was to justify what I felt I was not good at! The idea I like and which only came to me whilst reading this Reader, is that singers learn through Auditory. Before I read this reader, to me this was the only way possible to me to learn how to sing. You have to listen to the piano to know what notes you are singing, listen to yourself so you know you are in tune, and listen back on yourself using a Dictaphone to know how to correct or to learn harmonies. However, when you think about it in a more complex way, this isn’t necessarily true. You can also learn to sing through the Visual sense. This is because some people learn purely by reading notes, those who have the talent of "sight reading", which is where you can sing any note, means the learn in a visual sense. I also realised that I sometimes learn kinaesthetically in singing by recognising if my body is in the right position. I know when my body has the correct posture, as my body recognises when I’m wrong, and I know if I am using my diaphragm because I can feel it working and I know when I am singing technically correct, e.g. when I can feel my head moving up on high notes, which strains my voice.
Also, there are many deaf musicians who had to learn Visually or Kinaesthetically, as they had no option in learning in an Auditory sense. Such musicians include Beethoven, Gabriel Faure and Mandy Harvey.
What ideas do you like? Think about why? (This is a hard think to do (!), you may not be able to think of anything at first, keep coming back to asking yourself what the layers are behind the ideas you encounter.) The idea I like the most is the idea that in singing, the form of learning that most people rely on so much to use is the Auditory sense. However, I find it incredible that there are people out there who cannot use this learning idea whatsoever, and have had to find other ways to build upon their knowledge. At this point in my life now, if someone took away my ability to hear, I can’t be 100% sure that I would be able to completely change my learning format, and in a way, learn how to start all over again. Which is why I find it so incredible that there are people out there with the ability to do that.At which point in Kolb’s cycle do you feel you enter learning?
Section 2
Section 3
I also discovered that I use Kinaesthetic learning when I am choreographing. When I choreograph, I always work by putting on the chosen music, and just moving to whatever comes into my head or whatever I feel. Any ideas that I come up with I always have to write down so that I don’t forget them later on.
Section 4
Also, there are many deaf musicians who had to learn Visually or Kinaesthetically, as they had no option in learning in an Auditory sense. Such musicians include Beethoven, Gabriel Faure and Mandy Harvey.
Task 2b: Reflective Writing, Journal Writing Experience
I have decided to think further back to an audition I had for a production of Hairspray in Liverpool. My audition was further back in September 18th, but it was a day I’ll remember perfectly and that I know I will be able to elaborate on.
Before the audition, each person who applied for the auditions received an email giving a brief outline of the day in hand.
"Please arrive no later than 10 am late comers will not be admitted. The earlier you get there the better as there is a lot of admin to take care of and there will only be a small team on the day. Please wear suitable clothing and bring plenty of food and water as if successful you could be there for the full day.
The morning will consist of a group vocal warm up and workshop and a dance warm up and workshop.
Then we will break for lunch, after then we will hear your individual songs and after this some of you may be sent home (this does not mean we do not want you this means we may think you are suitable for an ensemble role).
Then we will begin auditioning and casting the principal characters, the finish time is 5 however if selected to stay till the end you may have to stay later."
On the day of the audition I arrived early as I was worried I would have problems finding the place that was holding the auditions.
I felt the day was going to consist of a lot of waiting which made me feel anxious. There was a lot of people all in one room for the dance round, so I knew I’d have to up my game in order to get noticed, e.g. move to the front whenever I could. I naturally enter an audition feeling nervous but these are controlled nerves, so the only effect they have on me is by pumping my adrenaline up. After hearing people perform their solo numbers from inside the audition room, it dawned on me just how much competition there was that day. I knew that if I wanted to get noticed, I needed my personality to come across to the panel. I needed them to see how much of an enthusiastic and enjoyable person I am to be around, as I wanted them to think "she’s the kind of girl I could really enjoy working with".
On the day, what caught my eye was the amount technical effort the team had brought into the venue. There were flat screen TV’s attached to the walls in the audition room, advertising the Hairspray auditions, showing slideshows of photos from the stage production. I felt this was a good idea as not only did it really set off a professional atmosphere, but by seeing the photos of the stage production, it had an effect on those who auditioned. Those photos were there to inspire people in the room, give them a sense of the vibrant and colourful atmosphere the panel were looking for and to help them visualise the character they wanted to be.
I remember feeling uneasy when I met someone in particular at the audition, as I didn’t know how to behave around them. The way they spoke about themselves was with great admiration and pride, although I feel its good to know within yourself that you’re good at what you do, its always important to be aware of how you speak at auditions. At an audition, first impressions count, she made a bad impression on me which made me wonder how the panel would perceive her. I felt more aware of what I was saying and how I was behaving after that encounter.
When I went into the room for my singing audition, it was the first time I had ever done an audition where there was a mike set up on a mike stand. At first this threw me a little, as I like to use the space when I perform. Also, for the song that I was performing, it required a lot of belting, so I was always aware of how close I was to the microphone and had to pull back on the bigger notes.
I believe it was a very successful day as I did later receive a call-back for an acting audition, and then later came to find out I had received the part of "Penny Pingleton", a main role. I learnt never to panic as you can end up loosing your nerve and in doing so, loose yourself and the personality you’re trying to get across. The way in which to do this, is by slowing your thoughts down, stop and take time to think in order to analyse the situation/ problem, as there is always a way around things.
It is always important to enter any situation like this with a positive attitude. Enter auditions with an open mind to what is to come, believe in yourself and never compare yourself to others. I learnt it is helpful to watch others, as you can learn from them in a positive way, whether its something they did which impressed everyone in the room, or something they did which had the opposite effect, as you’ll learn never to do the same. However, comparing yourself to others is a bad idea, whether you think they are stronger or weaker than you. In the end , you don’t know what the panel is looking for or what road they wish to travel down with their production, and until you’re on that panel with them, who are you to judge.
When preparing for an audition at home in my own time, my imagination always wonders, usually to something really exciting that could happen on the day. I try not to let any negative thoughts enter my head, but sometimes it can’t be helped.
What most peoples ideal situation would have been is to perform and then get offered the part on the spot. Although that would be an amazing feeling, I prefer to be challenged, if I get a good response, that is an amazing feeling for me. For example, I would of loved it if at the audition, the panel suddenly invite everyone else in the room, and ask me to sing in front of them, as that would apply more pressure, therefore I’d give a better performance. I would of also loved it if they’d got us up in a line, and one at a time, asked us to belt anything on the spot. I love improvising and I always feel that moments like that are chances we should take to show ourselves off to the maximum, not to shy away and panic. Belting is one of my strongest skills in vocal work, which is why I would of loved it, as it would have been right down my street, and because I enjoy it, I would have had the confidence to go for it. If my imagination runs wild, I would of loved to of followed that up by receiving a round of applause and then being offered the part on the spot. However, I usually feel prouder of something I have achieved if I have had to work hard at it.
What I would of hated to of happened at that audition is if anything happened that brought attention onto me in a negative way. For example, if during the dance workshop, due to the amount of people in one room, I would of felt awful if I had hit somebody accidentally whilst dancing. It’d be fine if it was a little tap, but if it had been enough to cause them to stop dancing or even knock them off balance, so that they couldn’t complete the routine, I’d feel terrible knowing I could of wrecked someone else’s chances, and it would of also looked bad on me. Any kind of negative attention being put on me at an audition is a terrible feeling, as in the end , you are there to impress. You want people to remember you for good reasons, not bad. The worst thing would be if any negative attention had caused you to be "black listed", meaning those on the panel would make it known to other directors/ producers/ companies, etc, that you should not be offered any job whatsoever.
Another view: "The Musical Director"I imagine the Director would have been a little bit stressed, as although people would of emailed him in advance saying they wanted to attend the auditions, it was technically an open audition so he had no idea how many would be attending. I also think he must have been excited, this was a new project for him, he must have been excited to see the amount of fresh talent he was about to encounter.
I think he would of described it as a successful day, as he was able to cast every part and create a good ensemble as well. I believe he would of found certain people frustrating to be around, those who had a bit of attitude or questioned his methods. But he maintained a professional attitude throughout, and its aspects like that which he will of taken into account after the audition, in the casting process, as he stated from the start, he wanted a fun, easy to work with cast. Although he had worked with people who were auditioning in the past, he didn’t pretend that he didn’t know them, but he didn’t want to come across as biased, which is why he was so enthusiastic about finding fresh, new talent.
I feel that as the day progressed, he must of become more excited about the project in the making, and he must of begun to visualise everything. During the day he must of started to put faces to certain roles, visualising costumes on certain people, pairing people together who may be playing couples, etc. He was also looking for connections between people, for example, the characters Penny and Tracey are best friends in the show. It was clear that the Director needed there to be chemistry that came naturally, which is why he selected certain pairs and asked them to improvise. He did this so that people wouldn’t rely on a script. If people connect and listen to each other, then improvisation works, which shows those people are naturally able to work together. This was exactly what he was looking for, natural chemistry and people who are easy to work with, meaning nobody who would need an attitude adjustment.
ThemesWhat I valued the most about the day were the people I met. When you’re with people who are considerate, supportive, encouraging towards others and pass round their positive vibes, it reflects on everyone else. If someone had come in with a negative attitude, their vibes would of reflected on those around them, luckily, this was not the case that day.
What made me enthusiastic was seeing the TV screens saying "Hairspray Auditions", and the photos that were up, because it made me realise I was really there, auditioning, and I could have a chance to be in the show. Just the thought of that sent this burst of energy through me and gave me shivers down my spine. It’s a show I am extremely passionate about, and being at the audition triggered that passion inside me, and from then on, I knew how much I wanted it.
If I had the opportunity to do it again, I wouldn’t say I regret anything enough to change it. I may of possibly chosen to do my up-beat song first before the ballad. Even though my ballad showed off my belt, an up-beat song would have been more in tune with the theme of Hairspray. The majority of people who auditioned were prepared and behaved in a professional manner. I found it difficult to understand how the odd person didn’t come prepared. We were all instructed to bring backing tracks, yet 1 or 2 people, claimed "they didn’t have any". If it were me, I would make sure I had a backing track of some kind for the audition, whether it meant searching the shops, scowering the net, or enquiring after friends. In my opinion, if you want something enough, you need to show it, because to me, by not coming prepared gives off the impression that you’re not taking it seriously, and havn’t gone to any effort.
The day in all was difficult to fit into my week as I had recently started my new line of work as a teacher, and I had to move about my weekend shifts. However, I like it that way, I always like to be kept busy, too much free time can bring my mood down and make me loose motivation to complete other tasks.
I think this day will be a great aspect to the course, as now that I have received the part, I can bring what methods I practise in my rehearsals into my work. The majority of my work at the moment relates to my teaching and choreographing methods, it will be interesting to look at tasks from the performers perspective, as I’ll have stories to relate to.
The people I am going to be working with are a vibrant, diverse intriguing group of people, all with different ideas and working methods. It will be interesting to see what I can gain from them as a fellow cast member, and to observe how they react under direction. I don’t have any questions at the moment, I am just intrigued for what is yet to come, and I’m sure I’ll have questions and theories in the further months yet to come.
After writing up my thoughts on this day, it is clear to me that I always seem to have a lot to say when it comes to something I’m passionate about. This can be seen as a good thing but also means I have to go back and re-assess my work quite often. It seems to me that assess my thoughts in an audition process in a more professional manner now, and that I am able to calm myself down and tackle any challenges in a more successful way. Successful meaning that during this day, I was able to make a good impression, show the panel the best of my vocal and acting abilities, and assure them that I would be great assist to the cast.
Before the audition, each person who applied for the auditions received an email giving a brief outline of the day in hand.
"Please arrive no later than 10 am late comers will not be admitted. The earlier you get there the better as there is a lot of admin to take care of and there will only be a small team on the day. Please wear suitable clothing and bring plenty of food and water as if successful you could be there for the full day.
The morning will consist of a group vocal warm up and workshop and a dance warm up and workshop.
Then we will break for lunch, after then we will hear your individual songs and after this some of you may be sent home (this does not mean we do not want you this means we may think you are suitable for an ensemble role).
Then we will begin auditioning and casting the principal characters, the finish time is 5 however if selected to stay till the end you may have to stay later."
On the day of the audition I arrived early as I was worried I would have problems finding the place that was holding the auditions.
I felt the day was going to consist of a lot of waiting which made me feel anxious. There was a lot of people all in one room for the dance round, so I knew I’d have to up my game in order to get noticed, e.g. move to the front whenever I could. I naturally enter an audition feeling nervous but these are controlled nerves, so the only effect they have on me is by pumping my adrenaline up. After hearing people perform their solo numbers from inside the audition room, it dawned on me just how much competition there was that day. I knew that if I wanted to get noticed, I needed my personality to come across to the panel. I needed them to see how much of an enthusiastic and enjoyable person I am to be around, as I wanted them to think "she’s the kind of girl I could really enjoy working with".
On the day, what caught my eye was the amount technical effort the team had brought into the venue. There were flat screen TV’s attached to the walls in the audition room, advertising the Hairspray auditions, showing slideshows of photos from the stage production. I felt this was a good idea as not only did it really set off a professional atmosphere, but by seeing the photos of the stage production, it had an effect on those who auditioned. Those photos were there to inspire people in the room, give them a sense of the vibrant and colourful atmosphere the panel were looking for and to help them visualise the character they wanted to be.
I remember feeling uneasy when I met someone in particular at the audition, as I didn’t know how to behave around them. The way they spoke about themselves was with great admiration and pride, although I feel its good to know within yourself that you’re good at what you do, its always important to be aware of how you speak at auditions. At an audition, first impressions count, she made a bad impression on me which made me wonder how the panel would perceive her. I felt more aware of what I was saying and how I was behaving after that encounter.
When I went into the room for my singing audition, it was the first time I had ever done an audition where there was a mike set up on a mike stand. At first this threw me a little, as I like to use the space when I perform. Also, for the song that I was performing, it required a lot of belting, so I was always aware of how close I was to the microphone and had to pull back on the bigger notes.
I believe it was a very successful day as I did later receive a call-back for an acting audition, and then later came to find out I had received the part of "Penny Pingleton", a main role. I learnt never to panic as you can end up loosing your nerve and in doing so, loose yourself and the personality you’re trying to get across. The way in which to do this, is by slowing your thoughts down, stop and take time to think in order to analyse the situation/ problem, as there is always a way around things.
It is always important to enter any situation like this with a positive attitude. Enter auditions with an open mind to what is to come, believe in yourself and never compare yourself to others. I learnt it is helpful to watch others, as you can learn from them in a positive way, whether its something they did which impressed everyone in the room, or something they did which had the opposite effect, as you’ll learn never to do the same. However, comparing yourself to others is a bad idea, whether you think they are stronger or weaker than you. In the end , you don’t know what the panel is looking for or what road they wish to travel down with their production, and until you’re on that panel with them, who are you to judge.
When preparing for an audition at home in my own time, my imagination always wonders, usually to something really exciting that could happen on the day. I try not to let any negative thoughts enter my head, but sometimes it can’t be helped.
What most peoples ideal situation would have been is to perform and then get offered the part on the spot. Although that would be an amazing feeling, I prefer to be challenged, if I get a good response, that is an amazing feeling for me. For example, I would of loved it if at the audition, the panel suddenly invite everyone else in the room, and ask me to sing in front of them, as that would apply more pressure, therefore I’d give a better performance. I would of also loved it if they’d got us up in a line, and one at a time, asked us to belt anything on the spot. I love improvising and I always feel that moments like that are chances we should take to show ourselves off to the maximum, not to shy away and panic. Belting is one of my strongest skills in vocal work, which is why I would of loved it, as it would have been right down my street, and because I enjoy it, I would have had the confidence to go for it. If my imagination runs wild, I would of loved to of followed that up by receiving a round of applause and then being offered the part on the spot. However, I usually feel prouder of something I have achieved if I have had to work hard at it.
What I would of hated to of happened at that audition is if anything happened that brought attention onto me in a negative way. For example, if during the dance workshop, due to the amount of people in one room, I would of felt awful if I had hit somebody accidentally whilst dancing. It’d be fine if it was a little tap, but if it had been enough to cause them to stop dancing or even knock them off balance, so that they couldn’t complete the routine, I’d feel terrible knowing I could of wrecked someone else’s chances, and it would of also looked bad on me. Any kind of negative attention being put on me at an audition is a terrible feeling, as in the end , you are there to impress. You want people to remember you for good reasons, not bad. The worst thing would be if any negative attention had caused you to be "black listed", meaning those on the panel would make it known to other directors/ producers/ companies, etc, that you should not be offered any job whatsoever.
Another view: "The Musical Director"I imagine the Director would have been a little bit stressed, as although people would of emailed him in advance saying they wanted to attend the auditions, it was technically an open audition so he had no idea how many would be attending. I also think he must have been excited, this was a new project for him, he must have been excited to see the amount of fresh talent he was about to encounter.
I think he would of described it as a successful day, as he was able to cast every part and create a good ensemble as well. I believe he would of found certain people frustrating to be around, those who had a bit of attitude or questioned his methods. But he maintained a professional attitude throughout, and its aspects like that which he will of taken into account after the audition, in the casting process, as he stated from the start, he wanted a fun, easy to work with cast. Although he had worked with people who were auditioning in the past, he didn’t pretend that he didn’t know them, but he didn’t want to come across as biased, which is why he was so enthusiastic about finding fresh, new talent.
I feel that as the day progressed, he must of become more excited about the project in the making, and he must of begun to visualise everything. During the day he must of started to put faces to certain roles, visualising costumes on certain people, pairing people together who may be playing couples, etc. He was also looking for connections between people, for example, the characters Penny and Tracey are best friends in the show. It was clear that the Director needed there to be chemistry that came naturally, which is why he selected certain pairs and asked them to improvise. He did this so that people wouldn’t rely on a script. If people connect and listen to each other, then improvisation works, which shows those people are naturally able to work together. This was exactly what he was looking for, natural chemistry and people who are easy to work with, meaning nobody who would need an attitude adjustment.
ThemesWhat I valued the most about the day were the people I met. When you’re with people who are considerate, supportive, encouraging towards others and pass round their positive vibes, it reflects on everyone else. If someone had come in with a negative attitude, their vibes would of reflected on those around them, luckily, this was not the case that day.
What made me enthusiastic was seeing the TV screens saying "Hairspray Auditions", and the photos that were up, because it made me realise I was really there, auditioning, and I could have a chance to be in the show. Just the thought of that sent this burst of energy through me and gave me shivers down my spine. It’s a show I am extremely passionate about, and being at the audition triggered that passion inside me, and from then on, I knew how much I wanted it.
If I had the opportunity to do it again, I wouldn’t say I regret anything enough to change it. I may of possibly chosen to do my up-beat song first before the ballad. Even though my ballad showed off my belt, an up-beat song would have been more in tune with the theme of Hairspray. The majority of people who auditioned were prepared and behaved in a professional manner. I found it difficult to understand how the odd person didn’t come prepared. We were all instructed to bring backing tracks, yet 1 or 2 people, claimed "they didn’t have any". If it were me, I would make sure I had a backing track of some kind for the audition, whether it meant searching the shops, scowering the net, or enquiring after friends. In my opinion, if you want something enough, you need to show it, because to me, by not coming prepared gives off the impression that you’re not taking it seriously, and havn’t gone to any effort.
The day in all was difficult to fit into my week as I had recently started my new line of work as a teacher, and I had to move about my weekend shifts. However, I like it that way, I always like to be kept busy, too much free time can bring my mood down and make me loose motivation to complete other tasks.
I think this day will be a great aspect to the course, as now that I have received the part, I can bring what methods I practise in my rehearsals into my work. The majority of my work at the moment relates to my teaching and choreographing methods, it will be interesting to look at tasks from the performers perspective, as I’ll have stories to relate to.
The people I am going to be working with are a vibrant, diverse intriguing group of people, all with different ideas and working methods. It will be interesting to see what I can gain from them as a fellow cast member, and to observe how they react under direction. I don’t have any questions at the moment, I am just intrigued for what is yet to come, and I’m sure I’ll have questions and theories in the further months yet to come.
After writing up my thoughts on this day, it is clear to me that I always seem to have a lot to say when it comes to something I’m passionate about. This can be seen as a good thing but also means I have to go back and re-assess my work quite often. It seems to me that assess my thoughts in an audition process in a more professional manner now, and that I am able to calm myself down and tackle any challenges in a more successful way. Successful meaning that during this day, I was able to make a good impression, show the panel the best of my vocal and acting abilities, and assure them that I would be great assist to the cast.
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