“She was rubbish, how did she get the job?”

It’s been very useful being surrounded by all different types of performers in the pantomime I am currently working in as the general chit-chat as given me a lot of stimulation. Today the two boy dancers were discussing the show Billy Elliot. I found it interesting that the casting team don’t employ a child based on their classical training. They look for the character quality and then develop their strongest discipline; they showcase what they are good at. Each night is a completely different Billy Elliot, so one night it would be a Billy Elliot who was really strong at street and then the next night they would be doing fouette turns. This then reminded me of a ballet dancer I worked with who was in the show Thriller in the style of Michael Jackson. This amazed me but she said the chorographer taught her on the job. I started up a conversation and we realised that sometimes the casting panel can see potential in certain people. We are forever saying “she was rubbish, how did she get the job?” but sometimes you have to look past the fact they can’t do tap if they are auditioning for 40 Second Street. It could be lack or no training in that style but with the help of a choreographer they could be the best tapper of the cast.

Inquiry title

I am struggling to find an interesting title which will cover my inquiry without being to long.

I decided to leave the title till I had finished my critical review so the whole piece would come together.

I have thought of the following-

Do modern performers need to become multi-skilled in order to have a successful career in the arts?

Is it essential to train in all disciplines in order to have a successful career in the Performing Arts?

Do performers increase chances of success by being versatile or specialising in one field?

Should performers specialise in one discipline or be multi-skilled in order to  increase chances of success in the Performing Arts industry?

Anybody else have any ideas???

Nicola Week's Interview

Nicola Week's interview. Nicola is a very experienced performer.

Holly's interview

Holly Robinson's interview. Holly is currently at Performing Arts College

Helena's interview

My Interview with Helena. She as been in the business for a couple of years.

Summary of important findings so far in 100 words

• A dancer’s professional life depends heavily on physical condition and ability.
• A dancer has more chance of getting work however the longevity is shorter than other disciplines.
• To be a dancer or teacher you must maintain flexibility, a good body tone and all round fitness.
• More than 50% of professional performers/teachers only “sometimes “go to class.
• Generally dancers are more expendable; singers are treated better and get higher wage.
• Most performers find auditions to be intimidating.
• Professional Dancers living in London are more successfully than a dancer outside of London.

I have completed in-depth research for the above bullet points.

Writing a research proposal

Strangely enough one of my very talented student’s (who is wanted to go into professional training) made me realise why I was doing this inquiry. At the end of class she asked me “What college do you think is best for me?” she explained that she was worried as she only danced and in all the auditions (she wanted to attend) she has to sing, dance and act. I thought about it and I realised at the time I just auditioned for one college (Italia Conti) and looking back I feel it was not the best college for me. The training did not develop me into the performer I wanted to be.  I asked her “Where do you want to be in five years’ time?” I feel this is a question everybody needs to ask themselves as going to the wrong college could change your future. 

I viewed some blogs and Mina outlined her project using Booth, Williams, & Colomb, 2003-The craft of research. I thought this would be a good idea for my inquiry research so I could identify where and what I wanted to do on paper.

Topic: this project will study...the different paths that a performer can take in order to have a successful career. Looking at different practitioners within the arts, some who are multi-skilled others who are specialists at their chosen discipline.

Question/problem:  to find out... Do modern performers need to be multi-skilled in order to have a successful career?  Is it best to concentrate on one style or conquer all? What will enable my career to progress? Learn how to manage time for classes and being able to pay for them.

Significance: I am highly invested in this topic as my conclusions will inform how I proceed as a performer and perhaps more importantly as a teacher, facilitating the development of the next generation of arts practitioners.

Primary resources: My main source would be my pilots as the information will be from experienced performers within the arts as they can connect with my inquiry- Focus groups, SIG group, Interviews, Survey Monkey. My literature review will also be a main source.

Secondary sources: additional data will come from other literatures. I will research the history context and the way the arts have developed over the years.

Methods: Analysing my pilots, speaking to professionals, researching literature, and general investigating.

Justification: Connecting to an audience who are in the arts will help find the answers as they have the experience and the understanding of my inquiry.

Limitations: I think my limitation is not finding in-depth answers as the topic is quite broad.