In class Sonia also spent some time looking into our websites and marketing ourselves. We are required to get ourselves out there. In terms of the website I have so far focused most of my time on the journal but I have already established a social media profile. I have videos on YouTube etc. I am also part of groups and workshops. My website has connections to my YouTube, Instagram and Facebook profiles. However, I may need to consider creating separate profiles for my online ego. As performers, we have to look at ourselves now, not as people, but as products. We are our own product and we need to sell and market ourselves as such. A performer is therefore someone who rides on the line between goods and services. Their job a service, but themselves, goods (or better). I need consider myself a public personality. When I go out anywhere, I am marketing myself. I could be recognised and therefore I need to 'act appropriately' at all times (at least within my personality). If I am offensive in public to someone and then they see me on stage, thiis not only bad publicity for myself but also effects my assciations. I have to be responsible for my self image as it also now effects others.
In the real world, or 'not so real world', I am also connected to various groups that help raise my profile, whilst also allowing me to enjoy life, make friends and/or work on my craft. These groups allow me to network or gain attention via performances. Here is a list of the groups and organisations I am currently (or due to be) associated with:
GlosCol
The Dean Theatre Company
Forest Singers Choir
Forest Talk – Audio Local News and misc. readings for the visually impaired.
Mensa
I also gain more attention because I am unique within some of these groups or have taken on board standout roles. The performances can be recorded and used within my portfolio. I feel I have created a good foundation for my career as a performer for this 'stage'. Even if I do not find paid work, I still have hobbies that I enjoy and contribute to my overall wellbeing. Even though technically speaking, I do not have a piece of paper to say I am qualified in anyway as a performer, college has provided the confidence and skills to do things I wouldn't have ever done before and I can carry those with me. Despite my other commitments, college remains my primary focus as I have greater opportunity to explore, devise and grow within this enviroment.
The pantomime group has given me a lot of confidence due to the feedback and support I received from the performers and crew. I also find that through various groups that there are normally 1 or 2 familiar faces (including other gloscol students) and this will be the case in areas such as the Forest of Dean. It's possible I benefit more from performing in the Forest because it's an opportunity to standout and be allowed to grow in my home environment. The groups are safe environments so this is ideal for building confidence and making friends. From a social aspect within these groups I am not necessarily the most socially skilled person but I have a good personality and I am effective at networking (and performing). I seem to click with the right people on a 1-2-1 basis and that also provides confidence I will have the social skills to deal with the networking aspect of a career.
Once I have some professional portfolio photos, better fitness and a decent show reel, I will look at joining agencies.
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