Submission.

So I have submitted my work! Just a word of warning it took 4 hours for my Artefact to upload... I started it at 9.45pm and it uploaded at 1.30am. So don't leave your submission until an hour before deadline guys, give yourself plenty of time!  Apart from that it was an easy process to get it all in and submitted! I am very nervous now for the results... I still feel stressed having submitted it, possibly even more so than I was before I submitted. Now to get started on the presentation! Good Licl to everybody!

Stress

I felt very prepared with my work up until the last couple of weeks, I am suddenly filled with stress and anxiety and keep changing parts of my essay due to my apprehension in submitting.  I want this piece to be of the best possible standard and its driving me crazy!! I have realised that by picking a subject that is so important and relevant to myself I have the tendency to go on a bit!  I cant believe that we are so  close to the end of this journey, and want to make sure all my hard work pays off in the best possible way!

Good luck to everyone!!

Artefact

I am currently creating my Artefact and am finding it very invigorating.  I feel as though I am able to put my creativity into it, and create something that shows my inquiry through a fun product.  I am creating a video, which is a challenge for myself as before now, I was not familiar with the video editing process!  I will hopefully post it once everything is submitted!  Back to work!!

Campus Session

Had a great session today with Paula.  Sometimes you just need someone to break obvious things down for you to realise how much you are complicating them.  So now I am working with the action points in my mind, so I have clear focused objectives and aims with my work and my planning.  I hope everyone is getting on good and isnt getting to stressed!

Literature review

Literature Review 2

‘Westbrook.M, http://actingcoachscotland.co.uk/2012/05/should-actors-work-for-free/’

The piece I am reviewing is an article written by an acting coach on his company’s website, ‘http://actingcoachscotland.co.uk/’.  The content of the piece is all based around the tile, ‘Should Actors work for free?’, I feel that Westbrook writes from a personal point of view, and is very much advising the reader, whom I feel are actors or performers.

Westbrook states that, ‘Clearly professional actors should be paid for their work like lawyers, doctors and everyone else’, he is stating to the reader his opinion and making a comparison to strong professions so that everybody reading the article can clearly understand his opinion.  We all know that Lawyers and Doctors are well paid.  He does however go on to say that, ‘I occasionally give my time away for free, watching rehearsals or coaching someone I think is a good investment for me.’  This shows his audience, that he is not against free work, and by using the words, ‘good investment’, he is indicating that he believes it will pay off in the future.

An interesting point that Westbrook raises in his article is how, ‘The real problem is when big organisations exploit unpaid actors. If the BBC or a big funded film company expects people to work for free, then the problem should be dealt with by Equity or SAG’.  He is telling the reader that he believes the big companies and organisations who ask performers to work for free are the ones who exploit them and this is not ok.  He believes that working for free or for experience should be happening on both sides of the spectrum, ‘But should interesting projects just get killed because the director isn’t rich? How would the neophyte director ever get to put something on?’  He is informing his reader that this isn’t exploitation, when everybody involved is doing it to try to reach a goal together it is ok to work for free.

In conclusion I feel that Westbrook raises some very interesting points and this article will help me in my inquiry.  I also feel that his closing statement of his article is very true, ‘I think we need to calm down about biting people’s heads off for suggesting that people could work for experience but also those offering the work should work hard to keep things above board and not suggest that ‘doing it for the experience’ is why the actors should do it.’  He believes it is each individual’s choice, and if they believe there is a good reason for working for free then they should do it.

Literature Review

Literature Review.

‘Trueman.M, http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/dec/13/half-equity-actors-pay-under-5k-survey’.

The piece I am reviewing is a journalistic piece written by a theatre critic Matt Trueman, in December 2013, for The Guardian.  The content of the piece is about the rise in unpaid/ low paid work for actors.  I feel that this piece really reflects and establishes the need for the research I am carrying out in my professional inquiry.  I believe that the intended audience for the piece are those who have an interest in the theatre and Arts.

The first thing that caught my attention in this article was its title, ‘Half of Equity performers earn less than £5,000 a year’.  Knowing that national minimum wage sits at around £15,000, I automatically found this figure appalling and wanted to go on to read the rest of the article.  I don’t feel that Trueman takes a very biased approach to the subject he is addressing, as he doesn’t ever express his opinion throughout the article.  Trueman uses a lot of statistics and I feel that this gives the reader more trust in his findings, ‘Since November 2012, almost half said they had worked for no pay, while a further 51.9% were not reimbursed for expenses.’ This is something I wish to reflect in my own inquiry.

Although I feel that Trueman doesn’t express any personal opinion, I do feel that he wants the audience of the article to realise how poor pay conditions are for performers.  Trueman doesn’t write anything about any good paying jobs for performers and his approach to the subject is very much aimed at the negative side of no pay for performers.  Although I want to gather statistical data through my research, I want to be able to compare benefits and drawbacks of no paid/ low paid jobs for performers.

Trueman also touches lightly on how, ‘Low-paid work has been a significant point of conflict this year, with a number of campaigns targeting the practice of unpaid acting jobs.’  He goes on to state that rulings from Courts supporting actors under Employment Law will begin to affect the Fringe theatre and how it works on profit share and artist collaboration.  This is something I would like to explore further, as I believe there is a difference between artists coming together to create artistic development and directors employing performers for free and making a profit on ticket sales etc.

In conclusion, I feel that the statistics in this piece will really help me to compare my own data to data that already exists.  I believe that the context of the piece is very similar to what I wish to explore and will be a great stepping stone for me to start from.

Full Force Ahead

So Module 3 is here.  I feel like i blinked and landed at this place, how did the time go so quick?  So I feel like there is soooooo much to do on this module and just not enough time.  I doing so many things at once, just trying to get a great start on my inquiry.

Please click the link below to take my short survey on Performers working for free...

Here's the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BJPYKWB

A Critical Reflection Of Professional Practitioner Inquiry.

A Critical Reflection Of Professional Practitioner Inquiry.

Module 2 has been a very insightful and interesting module for me.  It has allowed me to explore a topic I am very passionate about, and discover ways that I can research and evaluate this topic.

Reader 4 helped me to discover the ways in which I research within my industry.  It helped me to determine that as a performer I am always researching and gaining knowledge through everything I do.  I began to think of a topic that is often spoke about amongst performers and workers within the industry and noticed a pattern amongst my conversations and readings.  The question arose about why performers work for free and I began to brainstorm ideas about my views and opinions on this topic. (Appendix A).  I also researched what is already known about this topic and found some very interesting articles that helped me to progress with planning my inquiry.                                                                  ‘Trueman.M (2013) (http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/dec/13/half-equity-actors-pay-under-5k-survey)’, (http://www.spotlight.com/news/archive/2012/07/04/equityrsquos-guide-to-the-issues-around-low-no-pay-for.aspx).  After discussing my inquiry question with my Advisor Alan Durrant, I was very enthusiastic to begin my plan.

I began studying all the inquiry tools that are available to use. I decided I was going to make a pilot survey for my friends to take on my chosen topic.  This was to see if the topic had a good amount of interest amongst friends in the industry. (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?PREVIEW_MODE=DO_NOT_USE_THIS_LINK_FOR_COLLECTION&sm=K0cxGiA9qOQu6hViozBocv0rA42JVgcgcAQrQOaDkJQ).  I found this survey very useful and it helped me to determine that I will use a survey within my inquiry to gain statistics and patterns.  I also looked into the benefits of other inquiry tools, such as interviews and literature reviews and found that all three tools will create a good balance when reviewing for evidence in my inquiry.  I blogged about the different advantages and disadvantages of the tools explored in reader 4 and decided these were the best 3 for my inquiry. (Appendix B. LIZZYROWDEN.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK).  I also found that my SIG on Facebook helped me to gain others opinions on inquiry tools and create conversation on the work we were all planning.

Through the tasks in reader 5 I was able to identify how important professional ethics are to my inquiry.  I found this reader very interesting as ethics are there to keep us safe and set boundaries, but there are arguments that they can stand in the way of human instincts and characteristics, ‘If the development of civilization has such a far-reaching similarity to the development of the individual and if it employs the same methods, may we not be justified in reaching the diagnosis that, under the influence of cultural urges, some civilizations, or some epochs of civilization -- possibly the whole of mankind -- have become "neurotic"?’ (Freud.S (1930) Civilization and Its Discontents).  A question I asked myself, is should we allow ethics to overrule our emotions and instincts?  This question arose from the photograph in reader 5 of the Sudanese girl that ‘Kevin Carter’ photographed in 1993. (http://www.cincyworldcinema.org/press/carter2_545x588x300dpi.jpg)  In this instance I believe that ‘ethical duties as a photojournalist’, ‘Nottingham.P (BAPP (Arts) WBS 3630 Module 2, Reader 5)’, shouldn’t have been more important than a human life.  However I do realise that in circumstances such as an inquiry, ethics play an important role and are there to protect those participating.  I found this a very fascinating topic as there is so much debate amongst it.

In conclusion, I have had a very interesting time whilst planning my inquiry and believe that I can take a lot of new knowledge and findings into Module 3, and build my inquiry to become a piece of work that develops knowledge of my topic.

References

‘Trueman.M, (2013) (http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/dec/13/half-equity-actors-pay-under-5k-survey)’,

http://www.spotlight.com/news/archive/2012/07/04/equityrsquos-guide-to-the-issues-around-low-no-pay-for.aspx.

(http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?PREVIEW_MODE=DO_NOT_USE_THIS_LINK_FOR_COLLECTION&sm=K0cxGiA9qOQu6hViozBocv0rA42JVgcgcAQrQOaDkJQ). 

Freud.S (1930) Civilization and Its Discontents.

http://www.cincyworldcinema.org/press/carter2_545x588x300dpi.jpg

‘Nottingham.P (BAPP (Arts) WBS 3630 Module 2, Reader 5)’

Award Title Proposal

Passion and love for what I do, is what has driven me to develop and nurture my talent and skills within Performing Arts.  When someone asks me what I am best at, I cannot answer.  As I feel my strength lies in Performing as a whole, singing, acting, dancing and choreographing.  I believe that my skills work together and not individually and that I am a better performer and teacher for this.  This is why I have chosen the proposed title of Performing Arts as what I do doesn’t fit into one single category.  It fits into the Arts as a whole and has many segments and attributions within it.  For me to single out one skill, such as dance or dance teaching, I would be neglecting my other skills, and not portraying a true and fulfilling description of my talents.  I also feel I have worked hard in my life whilst studying and training to develop all of the relevant skills required within performing arts to just push some aside.  I want the chance to pass on my knowledge to others through teaching and performing and I don’t want to restrict myself to doing this through one genre of the Arts.  I want to teach Performing Arts and everything that is categorized within it and I feel this title will allow me to go on to do so.

Researching.

There are many different ways that we can conduct research and I feel that there are Pros and Cons to all forms of research.  I also feel that certain types of research are better suited to different topics.

Surveys:  I believe that Surveys are a great way to gain statistics and discover patterns when researching for an inquiry.  It allows us to gain a wide range of answers, from different people and makes the summary non biased.  However, I don't believe that it gets a deep enough answer to questions and can be very vague.  I don't feel that I could just use a survey by itself and gain optimal results for my Inquiry.  It is less personal but more statistical.

Interviews:  An interview is a great tool of research.  It allows the researcher to gain a more personal opinion on their topic and also allows them to feel the participants emotion towards the topic.  It also allows the researcher to ask questions about the respondents answers.  An interview can evolve as it is going along and can lead on to so many other questions and topics.  The personal side can however, become biased and cant be used for statistics but can be used to get an inside view from somebody who is involved in the topic.

Focus Groups:  Focus groups are great for bringing together ideas, and creating discussion and debates on topics.  It brings an inquiry to life, and allows us to develop ideas from other peoples knowledge and opinions and maybe take a different view on the topic.  I do however feel that focus groups can also be biased and this therefore doesn't allow enough variety and truth about the topic to be discussed.

Pilot Observations: Observations help greatly with an inquiry as they allow you to develop feedback and ideas over time.  By doing more than one observation, you are able to compare the different ways in which people work and have a variety of research to work from.It allows us to see the topic in action and get a more live experience from the work involved.  I do feel that Observations may not always be beneficiary though, as if the people know they are being observed they may adapt the way they do things and it may not be a true display of the work.

PLEASE HIGHLIGHT THE TEXT BELOW TO READ IT!!  I HAVE TRIED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR TO GET RID OF THE WHITE BUT I CANT DO IT!!!!!

Professional Ethics Findings in the Workplace

After writing what I feel are the ethics and code of conduct within teaching dance, I have done some research into literature and professional sources to see how my views and opinions differ or relate to these pieces.  

I found a piece on the 'NDTA website,http://www.ndta.org.uk/advice-information/dance-studio-specification ',  which i feel supports my views on Health and Safety in my work place.

I do however feel that this goes into a lot more detail and there are more categories listed that I didn't consider in my views on professional ethics.

I found a very interesting piece through Google about the ethics and regulations in dance, and how this writer feels that dance doesn't create its own ethics and that it is run and ruled by laws and regulations that have been set by those who have no knowledge of the industry. After reading this, it has made me very intrigued to research deeper into the political views this writer discusses and has risen the question in my mind, 'Do Dancers follow Dance ethics, or are we following a system that was never created for us?'  The Link is below:

http://www.ethicsdance.co.uk/resources/downloads/ethics-in-dance---a-debate-yet-to-be-held.pdf

I also found another great piece, written by a polish philosopher who's take on Dancer's professional ethic differs from the piece above:

http://www.dancearchives.net/2012/08/13/anna-malitowska-dancers-professional-ethics/

I do feel that by researching on the internet, there is a wide range of views on what the professional ethics are within dance.  I think that this however sums up that dance doesn't have its own professional ethics, it runs on the guidelines of other laws and professions to create ethics.  Can we build a foundation of solid ethics on something that is so free and expressive?  Who can put a restriction on creativity?  If we have to sit and think whether a piece of choreography fits into a code of conduct, is it really a piece of expression or merely a militarized combination of ethical movement?

Professional Ethics in the Workplace.

Professional Ethics tie in greatly with Laws and Regulations.  I feel that we base our professional ethics around what we are told we have to do legally, especially when working with children as there are many do's and don'ts in this field that we must stick to strongly.

I feel that the following are some of the main ethics we apply in my work setting when teaching children to dance.

Health And Safety

We must make sure that the space we are working in is free of any hazards and that it has been checked for any sharp objects or things that could potentially harm any of the children and myself.  It is ideal to have sprung floor to prevent any injuries.  There must be a source of ventilation and access to drinking water within very close proximity of the studio, ideally inside.  The children must all be wearing appropriate shoes for the class to prevent any injuries.  The doors in the studio must also be closed during sessions, so only the adults can open them, to prevent any children getting out.

PAR - Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)

Before allowing a child to join in a class, the Parent/Guardian must fill out a PAR-Q so that the teacher can know of anything that could prevent a child from doing certain activities.  It should also contain the Parent/Guardians contact details in case of emergencies and state any special requirements that need to be met for the child.  I feel this is very important as we can always look back at this and check, for example if a child has asthma we should let them have more rest periods and make sure they always bring their pump to class.

Music

When choosing music to play in a children's dance class, it must be age appropriate and we must have PPL Licensing to play any music in a public place.  It is not appropriate to play any music with swearing or sexual innuendos within the lyrics and the music must be groomed properly before it is played in a class.  This can sometimes be difficult as a lot of children these days love commercial music and you want to play songs they know and can identify as this makes their classes more enjoyable.  But it is very hard to find popular commercial songs without some bad lyrics.

I believe that this article from Equity really supports the research I have been doing on performers working for free.  Please feel free to comment on this subject :)

http://www.spotlight.com/news/archive/2012/07/04/equityrsquos-guide-to-the-issues-around-low-no-pay-for.aspx#.UmbMDVBJOFs

Survey

Here is a short survey I created on working for free.  Would be great if you could take it.  Thanks

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9F7BK6T

working for free.

Having just had a short but inspirational chat with Alan Durrant, I felt I wanted to blog about this issue whilst it was still fresh in my mind.  Unpaid jobs within the performing arts are on a rise and I want to explore this issue and see if i can find research that supports working for free.  I have like many other performers worked on jobs for no pay,  my main reason was to gain experience and network.  But, how long can you work for free before you need money to pay your bills?  If money wasn't an issue I would perform for free every day, as it is what I have a great passion for and I would love to do it all the time.  But money is a big issue in this world, we have to have money to survive, we live in a society where money rules.  So how can we justify working for free?


I found this very interesting info graphic, made by 'Jessica Hische', which I feel is mocking the idea of working for free and thought I would share it below:

Questions??

After reviewing reader 4, I feel as though I have developed many questions regarding my Profession and the way I work and learn within it.

What is the definition of Knowledge within the performing arts?  There are so many sub sectors in the industry that it is hard to label the knowledge we use.  Do we give ourselves enough credit for the many different skills and attributions we use in our everyday profession.  I'm my own accountant, I'm an administrator, a teacher, a student.

 Do we ever stop learning?

Is it ironic that we teach and guide others in a skill we are still learning?

In the performing arts industry it is imperative that we are continually researching and keeping up to date with changes within the industry.  But how research may be viewed by others is different to how it is viewed in my profession.  Taking a class is research.  Learning a new song is research.  Typing an actors name in Google and learning their biography off by heart is research.  Watching somebody on a train and creating a whole story for them, and then portraying them in my next acting audition/class is research.  I believe that everything I do is research, as it creates knowledge in which i base my creativity on.

The return

I feel as though I have been away from my blog for such a long time, and it has indeed been months not days! Very bad on my behalf, but the summer threw me some curveballs and I went with the bumpy ride.  I have been working so much, on different television sets and have had many early caffeine mornings.  There were so many times and experiences that I wish I would have blogged but after a 13 hour shoot, my sleepy head just wanted its best friend. The pillow!!!! I have a 3.45am alarm set for a 6am call time in Oxford tomorrow so the Red bull will definitely not be my enemy in the morning. I am however very excited to get back into the blogging and get started with module 2!! Until then good night. X

Submission

So I have just clicked the send button on my submission email for Module 1.   So much goes through your mind after that little click, I should have done this, I should have done that, is it good enough??  But i proof checked it so many times and it was good enough to click the button, so why the doubt afterwards??  Its all a learning curve anyway, I am now reflecting on how well I have done before I have even got the results.  Why do I play these mind games...  Its sent, its out of my control now!!

The benefits of social networking sites

Whilst doing the BAPP course I have started to look more at the ways I use networking to support my career and everyday choices.  I have realised that I rely heavily on networking sites Facebook, and Twitter to spread the words about my classes.  I really feel that Facebook is a great FREE way to promote a business and it helps to the word to spread.  It also allows people who aren't my friends on Facebook to view my page and find out about the classes/events I have going on.  I use this tool so naturally everyday that I never realised how much it helps towards my career.

This got me thinking about the networking I don't use as much and how i could utilise those tools.  For example, email.  When I take classes, I take peoples email addresses so I can let them know if a class was cancelled etc.  But I have now started to, since being on this course, emailing all customers I have ever seen about upcoming events, classes and promotions, etc.  I have had a good response from doing this and I feel that there is still so much more I could learn from networking and the many ways there are to do it.