Task 4a - Developing Lines of Inquiry

Task 4a; Developing Lines of Inquiry.

In Task 2d I stated:

‘One thing that really makes me angry in my profession is Untalented Celebrities. Just because they have a name and a face doesn’t mean that they have the talent to be the Lead in a show. When I have put so much time and effort into being the best performer I can be, seeing a celeb, who hasn’t had musical theatre training or any form of training, walks right on to stage is really upsetting.’

Continuing on with this theme in terms of Inquiry, these are some of the questions I have asked my self within the performing profession;

1- Do we need qualifications to achieve the title of a professional performer?
2 - How can we maintain performance standards after training? Is it possible?
3 - How long should we pursue our dream?
4 - Is it easier for men to get jobs over women?
5 - Do we need an agent in order to gain paid work?
6 - How can we keep on top of money?

Here are my views;

1 - For me, this can go either way. In some instances I know of people who haven’t trained but have become hugely successful within performing such as Ramin Karimloo. Although he always had a love for performing (within rock bands) he didn’t train at a ‘Performing Arts College.’ Therefore although he has had many Lead roles such as ‘The Phantom’ in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ could we say he is a Professional or just lucky? Many ‘Professional’ performers who have spent years and money upon training never make it in this industry. I know that as a newly graduated performer it is so hard for casting directors to even give you an audition let alone a job. One thing that does annoy me in ‘Celebrities.’ People who go on reality TV shows such as The Only way is Essex and Big Brother seem to be able to gain performing jobs at the click of a finger. I understand that it is better for the theatre if they do this, as it will make more money, but for people such as me who have trained their whole live in order to be able to perform it is just not fair.

2 - I believe with enough hard work we can maintain our own performance levels and improve upon them. Alothugh I have only had a few jobs since leaving college in 2011, I can say that I am still as slim, as supple and I still have the confidence to perform a song upon request for an audition.

3 - I don’t think you can put a time upon your career, if you believe in yourself and can be patient enough to wait for that one person to give you a chance then you should.

4 - I think it is easier to men to get jobs. As there are less guys that train and pursue performing, there is a smaller ratio for men to jobs, whereas with girls there is probably 3 times as meny people as there is jobs.

5 - I don’t think we need an agent in able to get paid work these days. There are so many networking sites such as DanceCast, CastingCallPro and StarNow which allow us to contact Casting Directors personally in order to gain auditions and potentially gain work. Unfortunately for all these sites there is a fee in order to submit your CV.

6 - Money is a very touchy subject in the industry. First we train, which cost my parents £36,000 for my 3 years at Italia Conti, let alone the 13 years I did before attending that college. Now I have left I have to pay for my Spotlight £184, Casting Call Pro £22 a month, my travel £35 a week, my rent £400 a month, bills, clothes, food and things such as hair and makeup products to keep up my looks for auditions. Even after gaining a job there is insurance, equity and if you have one, an agent to pay. I get the best buzz from performing but when you break it down and think about how to survive in these ever increasing prices...it doesn't look too good for our careers.