Task 3a Current Networks

I have always disliked the term 'Networking'.  It has always seemed to be used by fellow performers who viewed going out to parties and sitting with a glass of Chardonnay as networking.  As with every other topic covered in the Bapp course so far I realise my perception is very wrong and I use my personal networks on a daily basis. 

To start this topic I will begin by looking at my current networks;

Friends
I feel that my friends category can be broken down further.  I have friends that are performers and friends who are not.  Both fit into my network in a different way,
Performers, Friends who are performers can often pass on valuable information about the companies they work for, which companies are auditioning at the moment, which companies their friends are working for, how they found their current job, and what websites they are using to search for jobs.
Non performing friends, Friends who are not performers can often pass on information about work programmes they are doing, companies they know who are hiring for 'temp' work, what qualifications they have required for various employments, what websites they use to search for 'normal' jobs.

Socialising
Whilst socialising we can often make new friends and contacts.  Socialising seems like a bit of a cop out, however I realise that we make connections with those who are like minded to ourselves. 

Auditions
Whilst attending auditions I often get chatting to the person I'm stood near in the queue.  In this situation our common ground will often be performing and many times I have shared information with my fellow auditionees. 

Classes
During dance classes or singing classes you are again integrating with fellow performers.  Sharing information and opinions on the entertainments industry and the companies that work within it.  The teachers that take the classes often share information and opportunities that may be arising.

Agencies
The agencies I am on the books of, keep me up to date with the goings on within the industry and any casting opportunities or auditions that are going on.

Social Networks
Social Networks are a great way of keeping up to date with what is going on in the industry.  The social networks I use is Facebook.  Facebook keeps me up to date my performer friends and what they are doing and who they are working for.  I also keep contact with previous employers and have 'liked' many business pages.  Social networks are a great way of sharing knowledge.  I feel that Facebook may be one of my most important sources of information.   In the past I have gained employment through keeping up to date with previous employers.

Websites
There are many websites I use to keep up to date with auditions and casting opportunities;
Dance Cast,  (www.dancecastuk.com) is a website that updates any casting information or employment opportunities that arise.  I have to pay £10 a month to receive the information however I feel it is a valuable resource and worth the fee.
Spotlight,(www.spotlight.com) Spotlight is a website that allows access to your online profile to many casting directors.  Employers also post audition opportunities to the 'Spotlight Link' which gets emailed to all performers that have subscribed.  Spotlight costs me around £100 per year, however it is  a website that is viewed as essential within the entertainments industry.
Entsweb,(www.entsweb.ltd.uk) Entsweb is a free  website that employers can post employment opportunities too.  Often there are less posts than the paid websites and you do not get the jobs emailed to you, however again it is a valuable resource when seeking employment.
Youtube, (www.youtube.com) Many performers use youtube to upload their showreels so they can then forward the link on to employers via email.  I have not used youtube for this purpose, however I have found people who have recorded shows that I have been in, have sent me the link to use for my showreel.

I feel that all these networks are a valuable resource to me and the others that use them.  Many times I have been able to put friends into contact with people I know that can help them and likewise friends have done the same for me.  Looking at this task I don't feel I personally use my Networks to their full capacity as previously I have not consciously been aware of these Networks, although I have used them. In my opinion my most valuable Networks are Facebook and the casting websites I use.  Facebook often allows us to keep up to date with contacts we may not have phone numbers for but have worked for or with.  The way I could use these networks more, would be to get my showreel online.  The websites such as Dance Cast and Spotlight where I have an active online profile should also have my Showreel on them.  Also If I uploaded my Showreel to Youtube I could then use it, as many of my friends do, by sharing the link via email. 

Moving forward from this task I would like to set up a page on facebook for me as a dancer, using my showreel, photographs and CV I could create a page that I could then share with members of my professional networks.  I would love to create a website for myself as I know many experiences practitioners have, although at this moment in time I do not have the resources or understanding to create one.  If I created a 'page' on facebook maybe I could gain an idea of how valuable a website would be and maybe look at having one made for me?

My ideal network would be a network where everyone could share information and opinions on places, companies and people they have worked for freely without fear of repercussions.  Their is a lot to be said for sharing experiences and there have been many times when I wish people had given me an honest opinion. 

The next step for me is to get my showreel finished! Then I can use my Networks in the same way that many of my fellow performers do.