Task 3a: Current Networks

My Current Networks

I have always been a very inquisitive person and I believe am the kind of person who will make things happen for themselves. I don't tend to wait for things to come to me, therefore networking was an instinctive thing for me to do, even if I wasn't really aware that I was doing so. 

As I am not living in London at the moment my main way of Networking is Web based, however when I was living in the Capital I would regularly attend class, making this a priority in my week.  This was not only to 'keep up to scratch' but to talk with others at the class, fellow Professionals in the Industry.  Very often I would hear of an audition through someone at the class and I always tried to make myself 'part of the loop'.  I think there is a fine line between being nosy/annoying and inquisitive; I hope I was always the latter! Sometimes I would actually stumble upon an audition that was taking place due to being at the studio, as they say, it's about 'being in the right place at the right time'.  A great way of networking is actually attending auditions.  Often I would go to an audition even if I didn't particularly want the job, as I knew that some form of networking would come from it.  You start to see the same faces and they will tell you stories of their experiences, previous auditions, etc. all information that may be utilised in the future. I also believe that being persistent at auditions is a form of networking.  Keep being seen by Casting Panels; the more they see you, hopefully the more chance you will have. 

It is also important to socialise with other members of the Profession; go along to that charity performance or gala evening, even if you really aren't in the mood! You never know who you are going to get talking to and what inside scoop you may be given.  At the end of the day we need all the help we can get and a strong Professional Network can be 'a network of support that will help us when we are in need'.  Often my friends would invite me along to a gig/show that their friends were performing in and obviously the night out that followed.  I would always try to make it and mingle as much as possible, making sure to get contact details when possible to do so!

I believe in utilising friends within the Industry - as long as you are willing to give back what you take - Cooperation!!! I would very often swap Portfolios with a friend and 'raid' hers to find songs that I did not have or did not know.  There were often people at college who were extremely reluctant to help; I simply made a mental note of this ;)  If I have an audition for something I will always contact, preferably someone in the show, someone who has worked for them before or at last resort someone who has auditioned for them previously.  It is a great idea to get hints and tips before an audition and it can help to know what the panel are looking for, what to wear, what to sing, etc...

It is a good idea to remain close with people you have worked with, particularly Directors and Choreographers.  Again, it is all about 'who you know' and if they can put a good word in for you it really can make all the difference.  It is extremely frustrating when you go to an audition and you see an auditionee walk up to the Choreographer and exchange kisses and cuddles and surprise surprise they get called, even though they are perhaps not the strongest.  Yes, it is extremely annoying, hence why you should take full advantage of it when you know somebody!

Both previously and currently one of my main methods of Networking is via email.  I am constantly emailing new Production Companies, Casting Agents, Producers with my CV, Headshot and Covering Letter.  I remember one time my old Acting Tutor gave me a list of addresses with around 50 Producing Houses on it and I wrote to every single one of them.  Out of the 50, maybe 5-10 replied, and from those perhaps I got 2 auditions.  A very tedious process and slightly disheartening, but you have to remind yourself that all you need is that one break and that 1 reply could've been all you needed.  I email people that I have previously auditioned for and inform them of my availability and what I have been doing since we last met, also attaching with this a current CV and Headshot (as a gentle reminder).  Again the difficulty here is finding the balance between being persistent but not too pushy, as this can often aggrevate potential employers!

I am a member of Spotlight which is already a huge established network and I regularly check sites such as 'Whats on Stage' and 'The Stage' for the latest gossip/news.  It is here you can try and get one step ahead of the game.  If you know that a show is coming to town next year, then get on to your Agent (another already established Professional Network) and make sure they get you that audition. Start to prepare well in advance and get any inside scoop possible - are they replacing the whole cast? Just principle roles? etc.

There are many Social Networking sites that could also be utilised in a Professional Networking sense.  I only tend to use facebook as a means of catching up with old friends, and often I will ask them what they are doing at the moment and little hints and tips.  I would be reluctant to use Facebook to network with Directors/Choreographers etc. just as to me it doesn't seem very Professional and there is far too much information on my Personal Page that I would not want a potential employer to get hold of.  In this sense I would much prefer to use private email, but this is just a personal opinion and I can see the many benefits of networking through social media sites. 

At college we were encouraged to keep a 'Contacts' book; a book where you would write down the details of any contacts that could form part of your Professional Network.  I think this is a great idea and really gets students in the right mindset when they are let loose into the Showbiz world.  For some people college/institutions can be one big bubble and often we are not prepared when we are released into the 'Wild'.  So this was a little way of starting to get us mentally prepared for the life we were to lead - a constant loop of networks!!

I have taken a slight step back from 'the loop' as I am waiting on another contract from a previous employer, so it is perhaps not a priority at the moment but prior to this, this was my life; 'A Constant loop of Networks'.  I would network at any given opportunity and always wanted to be the bearer of information. I'd like to think I am always cooperative and am willing to share my knowledge with other like minded Professionals. 

Forum/Blog based Networks are great, due to their huge affiliation, however my ideal way of Networking is through making Personal Contacts and making a huge effort to strengthen and develop our relationships.  This is probably one of the hardest Networks to develop and really requires you to engage with it and dedicate yourself to it for it to be successful.  For me, this type of Professional Network is one that I could fully place my trust in and rely on in that 'time of need'. 

I would like to look more into the phenomenom that is Twitter.  Prior to starting this course I would say I was a mini technophobe, but the course has opened my eyes to new technolgies and new ways of approaching technology.  I'm sure the wealth of information you could gain from following someone would be invaluable, so it is my aim to look into Twitter further and see how this Network could perhaps be of benefit to me and my Professional Network. 

As a closing point....

Keep your Networks strong and don't break the links!! Professional Networks require full engagement in order for them to be fully successful and benefitial.  Get your priorities right and focus on those which are going to provide you what you need, both currently and in the future!