Networking is crucial within the performing industry.
Never is the old saying ‘it’s not what
you know but who you know’ more applicable. In my third year at college we
had several classes about the importance of self-promotion and networking. The
industry is extremely difficult to break into but sometimes all you need is for
someone to help you to get your foot in the door.
According to dictionary.com, networking means, a
supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and
groups having a common interest. Networking,
therefore, is talking to other professionals and sharing information, regarding
upcoming auditions, castings or classes.
With the introduction of Web 2.0, social media and email,
networking has never been easier or more accessible. One site that I subscribed
to was ‘Casting Weekly.’ They emailed
a list of auditions on a weekly basis – most of them open calls; this ensured
that you were always ‘in the loop’. A few years ago, it used to be almost
impossible to hear about auditions without the assistance of an agent but
nowadays you can self-promote and land big roles without that aid.
Something I noticed in my time at theatre school and in
the industry is that people are quite reluctant to share any information with
you, whether that’s a new song, sheet music, acting tips, auditions, even
contacts they already have. It is a cut throat industry and no one wants to
help the competition. That is something, unfortunately, that I have just had to
accept.
Networking was always a huge tool within the performing
industry but recently I have noticed it has been creeping into other
professions, such as teaching, sites such as TES. This site has resources,
jobs, news which are all accessible to download and help you see what others have
come up with for that particular lesson. A lot of the course we are currently
studying involves networking as the blogs that we write are available for other
students to read and benefit from.
Hi Zoe,
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to your blog as I have recently graduated from a performing arts college and find your opinions regarding networking very interesting, especially when you have related to your training.
As my training progressed myself and my peers gradually realised how vital professional networking was within the industry, therefore I strongly agree that useful information regarding castings, auditions, sheet music and even dancewear was sometimes kept confidential as students were not willing to share any information.
In comparison to networking during training, have you identified any changes within socialising with other professionals or practitioners?
Also, has Reader 3 changed your perspective of Professional Networking?
Hi Zoe,
ReplyDeleteI too can really relate to this blog, as we were always told at college just how important networking is and how we must always be in the loop. However i do not feel anything could prepare you until you are in the industry yourself and experience life in the industry.
After going through Reader 3, I felt no particular theory completely suited me. I think the most useful thing is to take parts from every practitioner, and also peers and professionals you meet, until you create a style of networking that works for you, and you benefit the most from.
Which practitioner did you feel related to you the most?
Thanks Zoe Bethany and Ami - yes there is a research book we use that is called 'real-world research' - I don't think anything prepares you for actions that are not in a more controlled environment - the economic times may have led to more 'survival' instincts coming through 0 academic study looks at the good points and the bad points and talks about them in a neutral fashion - o good start here - you interpretation base don experience - and as Ami implies - you might have to go looking for more ideas about negotiating your industry - also to develop the professional values/ethics for your work. More of this in Module 2.
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