tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48634133263103570162024-03-19T03:33:21.191-07:00Performing Arts BlogA blog to facilitate the networking and free flow of information between aspiring and performing artists of all disciplines.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-40901142040588757282021-03-01T15:15:00.001-08:002021-03-01T15:15:20.455-08:00Building Back the Arts<p>As we try to rebuild from the pandemic, there are several steps I believe we can take, to help the creative professions:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Student placements in voluntary groups</b>. Students of the creative professions could be placed within voluntary groups, to gain work experience in their local communities. For example, here in the UK, the body UCAS might consider co-ordinating with NODA, to secure student placements in amateur theatre groups. Similar schemes could be tried or revived for voluntary societies for dance, music or drama in any form.</li><li><b>Student-Alumni</b> <b>showcases</b>. Student showcases for performing arts schools are brilliant. But the basic challenge remains; for how the students can stand out and make their connections in the arts industry. Therefore, if the students were given a chance to work directly with Alumni in their industry, they could bridge this gap. A way to do this might be through a reunion. A reunion is a perfect excuse for Alumni to meet as old friends. And if the Alumni were invited to present a joint showcase with the students: this would give students invaluable networking opportunities in the process. </li><li><b>Digital streaming</b>. Live streaming is now the norm at major arts institutions. And it could be the perfect way to reach out to new audiences - Hamilton being the perfect example. VR streaming has also been an excellent way for people to experience reality in a dramatic setting. These methods of digital streaming could also bring in vital revenue for the arts industry as a whole.</li></ul><div>These simple steps could make all the difference, in rebuilding the creative professions.</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-81541885776749542752021-01-01T16:04:00.010-08:002021-03-05T16:58:48.963-08:00Changing Perceptions - The Arts as a Career Choice<p>It started in the men's dressing room, for an amateur show we were performing. My fellow men were discussing career choices, and we got round to the performing arts. "Ah well," they said dismissively, "95% of people never get a job in that industry anyway." In years gone by, I might have agreed with them. But from hard experience of the working world, I knew differently, and decided to push back. I pointed out to them, how hard it was to get a job in other industries too. They insisted that it was still much harder to perform for a living, and so we began a heated (but friendly) debate. But that got me thinking: why is it that the performing arts is not seen even as a full time profession or a choice of career?</p><p>In an era of Black Lives Matter and #MeToo; when stereotypes are being challenged; I believe it is time to challenge professional stereotypes in the workplace as well. We need to be objective, and to take professions and industries as we find them. And yet when the performing arts is mentioned, we are drawn back into an outdated cliché. For the sake of young people's future in the arts: and to respect adults in the industry, we must be objective.</p><p><b>The Clichés</b></p><p>When most people talk about the performing arts, t<span>he clichés which come to mind, are:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><ul><li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That artistic professions do not offer stable, long term work</span></li><li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That creative people are not business-minded</span></li><li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That arts professionals are egotistical and that their working environments are hostile</span></li><li><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That there are are very few opportunities and too many wanting to pursue them.</span></li><li><span>That artistic professions are </span><span>therefore</span><span> not a career choice, but a 'hobby'.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have been told this for most of our lives. And most non-arts professionals seem to believe it. Again and again, full time performers of every discipline, tell me that they have been asked what their 'real' job is. People have assumed that artists will simply perform for fun. For example, in recent news, musicians at one music venue were asked if they would volunteer to play, to save costs: provoking outrage among the local artistic community. And this lack of understanding seems to extend to the production of the arts too: with Producers being asked if they could 'just do' a show.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In other words, the perception of the arts is that they are not seen as a choice for a full time profession, nor career. To me, this is reminiscent of the cliches in Roy Hindle's book <i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Oh No Dear! </span></i></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Advice to Girls a Century Ago; </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">in which women were advised against going into certain careers. And while this might seem a world away from the sexism of the 19th Century, the fact is that we are still thinking in stereotypes when it comes to the arts.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And stereotypes can negatively affect the perception of an industry: which is vital, to determine the support it receives. Funding, resources, and much more, are directly linked to our perception. But while some of these clichés might have truth in them, these shortcomings and hardships are no longer unique to the creative professions. </span>Indeed, I have found many of the same issues and challenges in many other industries. And that is because they now share a characteristic, from the artistic professions themselves.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span><b>The Gig Economy</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span>As a recruiter once told me, the term 'Gig Economy', gets its name from the performing arts. But while gigs were once exclusively for the artistic professions, now there are 'gigs' in every profession. So while full time professionals may have looked down their noses at their artistic counterparts back in the 20th Century; there is little difference now.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For example, when I auditioned a music college, the examiner told me that there are "thousands of talented singers", which is certainly true. But there are also thousands of talented administrators, financiers, Human Resource professionals, caterers, and recruiters themselves. Yet no hiring manager told me that when I went to work for these professions: even though it was true. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then there is the cliché of the self employed actor, struggling to find work. Again, while this may be true, it is by no means the only profession where this occurs. A</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">s a handyman once told me, he had gone from job to job by word of mouth alone: for twenty years. No job security, no benefits or welfare payments. Just job to job by word of mouth. </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Likewise, a self employed plumber I used to know, also told me that if he didn't find work, he didn't get paid. And as we have found during the current pandemic, over 5 million people in Britain have had the same problem. And yet no one says "you cant be a plumber: the jobs not secure." They take the job as they find it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span><b>Prima Donnas of the Office</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span>Another excuse for discouraging young hopefuls from going into the industry, is the cliche that its members are 'prima donna's or 'divas' who are self obsessed, and egotistical. From my voluntary work for arts events, it is true that I have found some of the artists or organisers to be more difficult than others. But in fairness to artists, outsiders</span> arguably do not understand the demands of being on a stage. Performers must project boundless confidence and charisma and be self-promoting at every opportunity. Hence, in some cases, they may take themselves too seriously or have a heightened sense of their own importance. But ego is a human failing. It is not unique to the artistic professions. Indeed, having worked as a contractor to support many different organisations over the years, I have encountered 'prima donnas' in many of them. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span>And besides which; in the business world, we are taught that there are 'difficult people' in the workplace and that we have to learn to deal with them </span>objectively. There are many courses, seminars and books on 'assertiveness training', anger management and personality clashes to this effect. So why should artistic professions be regarded any differently?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Above all, why does this matter so much? It matters, because of the dreams of countless young people, for a career in the arts.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b>The Next Generation</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Years ago, I had the honour of representing young performers, as Youth Adviser for amateur theatre in my region. At the time, my experience of youth work was limited but I was keen to support the next generation of performers. Like many adults, I had grown up with certain cliched views about young people. But when I came to support the young performers in my region, those views were completely blown away. </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><br /></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had thought that young people weren't enthusiastic about the stage, and that we adults had to engage with them more, to get them interested. But as I soon found out, the opposite was true. Every youth group and section in my region was massively oversubscribed. Two of the major societies even had waiting lists as big as the societies themselves! </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><br /></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the talent was brilliant. As I visited shows around my region, I saw great thespian, operations that ran like clockwork, and a dedication that moved the heart. While reviewing auditions for one youth show, for example, I saw a young auditionee who had styled her hair face and clothing into the exact image of her character. She was 10 years old. We expect dedication from adults, but this kind of dedication from a child was extraordinary. </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><br /></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it only got better. My own youth society s performance of Les Miserables (School Edition) was beyond excellent. In the death scene, not one performer moved an inch. But all then rose to give some of the best vocal and dramatic performances I have ever seen. The standing ovation wasn't just from the proud parents. We all leapt to our feet to give applause. </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><br /></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And that was when I realised a very important truth. These talented young people have given their all for a career in the arts. They have put their faith in us. But by discouraging them from pursuing their passion, we are failing them as adults. They deserve better from us.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>'Just for Fun'</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">People often respond to the demand for hopefuls to pursue arts as a career, by saying that they can perform 'just for fun'. And yes, the arts can be a great hobby. But to those who say this: consider the life stories of Eddie the Eagle, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. What would happen if these icons had been encouraged to play their sport 'just for fun'? Would millions have been inspired as much? </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">In business terms, doing arts 'just for fun' is taking the Path of Least Resistance. It is an easy way out, and not the best one. While it may seem like a sensible option in the short term; a person loses major opportunities in the process.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b>'Not Viable' </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">The closure of theatres and other performance spaces during the pandemic has been seized upon by some, as proof that the creative professions are 'not viable.' As per the Tweet by former member of Parliament, Edwina Currie:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink">“If your
industry is making nil money right now, with nil customers, with no prospect of
recovery for ages...please I beg you. Go do something else.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink">But by that logic, we need to put things in perspective. For example:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="MsoHyperlink">In the fuel industry for 2020 alone, BP Lost $20
Billion,. </span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink">For High Street Retail </span>in first half of 2020, Ted
Baker sales dropped 1,370% </li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink">In aviation, Flybmi Airline went bust in UK and Virgin Australia filed for equivalent of bankruptcy </span></li><li><span class="MsoHyperlink">In hospitality, a
fifth of jobs lost in the sector for 2020</span></li></ul><div>So should professionals of these industries be asked to "do something else"? No. Our economies have been hit by the worst global pandemic since 1918. Millions of lives have been destroyed and billions more have been damaged. And many industries have been heavily damaged as well. That does not mean that they are no longer viable. They can and will recover, with the right investment.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What the Arts Provide</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It is important for us to remember what the creative professions provide to our society and our economy. The question has been asked behind closed doors by investors and politicians alike: what do the creative industries do for our economy? Besides their statistical value, these are the two most important services that the arts provide for the general population:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Entertainment.</b> Since the pandemic began, an array of professionals, from radio DJ's to TV actors, have been working full time to keep people entertained during lockdown. Being away from family, friends and colleagues, and being unable to socialize, had made home entertainment a necessity. And this is an important service, which arts professionals provide.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Self expression.</b> Art provides an important release for people's emotions, and is arguably good for wellbeing. Online singing, home dance classes, are just some examples of this. And wellbeing through artistic performance, is arguably an important service to society.</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b>The Solutions</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So how do we make sure that the performing arts is respected as a profession?</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There are several ways to change the perception of the industry. These are:</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;" /><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;" /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Reframing. </b>Arts managers, creative teams, crews and performers should not allow outsiders to dictate how they see themselves. They should think of themselves as professionals first and foremost, in the industry they chose.</span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Digital streaming.</b> This would allow artistic works to reach millions more people, and increase arts fanbase to the same size as their sports counterparts. The musical phenomenon, Hamilton, has already inspired millions of future musical theatre performers; and the same could be done with thousands of similar shows.</span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Direct career paths into the arts</b>. According to the Prospectus magazine, the pathway for Theatre Directors and Producers, into the industry is unclear. Therefore, organisations such as Directors UK, could help to establish such pathways, to give graduates a clear way in.</span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Student Alumni networks</b>. By having joint student- Alumni showcases would allow students direct access to the industry. They in turn, could give the Alumni the innovations and voluntary assistance they need in their work.</span></li><li><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Student volunteers in amateur arts</b>. To avoid undermining paid professionals, students could be invited to volunteer for their work experience, helping amateur societies, dance and music groups. This would ensure they gain experience without, being a substitute for paid interns.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #201f1e;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;">Respect matters. All people who work for a living are entitled to a certain amount of respect, regardless of what they do. To achieve this, we need to challenge our own perceptions of the performing arts as a profession and as a career choice. </span><span style="color: #201f1e;">Investors need to see, that in our post Pandemic world, the arts industry deserves as much support as others. And now that all professions operate by short term contracts i</span><span style="color: #201f1e;">n our Gig Economy; we need to be objective and take artistic professions as we find them. A profession is a profession, an industry is an industry. That is all that should matter. </span></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;">SOURCES:</span></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Oh No Dear! </span></i></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Advice to Girls a Century Ago, </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Roy Hindle</span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </i><span face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12px;">Published January 1st 1982 by David & Charles</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span face="Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2021/02/02/bps-2020-losses-hit-20bn-as-demand-drops-and-oil-prices-plummet?utm_source=bulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-02-02-national&utm_content=headline" style="font-size: medium;">BP's 2020 losses hit $20bn as demand drops and oil prices plummet | Bdaily</a></span></span></li><li><span style="color: #201f1e;">Bdaily Limited,<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Company Number 06071811</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="color: black;">Forbes, Jun 27<sup>th</sup> 2020</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #201f1e;"><span style="color: black;">BBC News, 17<sup>th</sup> Nov 2020</span></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #201f1e;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;" /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-43440115176722955952020-08-31T13:22:00.011-07:002020-09-09T08:08:14.784-07:00Reach your Audience: The Smart Way<p><span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">"Work smart, not hard" a boss once said to me. And this has been good advice. This advice is very relevant to the current situation, regarding the creative industries: particularly the performing arts. The industry is struggling to survive the current shutdown during the COVID 19 pandemic, and t</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">he hard way to survive, would be:</span></p><p><span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">- continue campaigning for government support</span></p><p><span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">- rely on charitable donations</span></p><p><span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">- wait until 2021, when audiences can return in full</span></p><p><span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Unfortunately, as well intentioned as this is; the hard way is not the best option. If arts centres and theatres stay closed until next year, many may never reopen, and thousands of people's jobs are being lost in the meantime. Arts professionals - both performers and creatives - have already been unable to work for months. To ask them to wait for a year, could be devastating: for their careers, and for their wellbeing. And as welcome as they are; charity and government support, will not be enough to cover both venue overheads, and salaries, after the furlough scheme ends. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Fortunately, there is another way. </span></p><p>For too long, investors and politicians alike, have dismissed the arts industry in particular, as being unable to sustain itself, and therefore, not economically viable in the long run. The perception of creative professions - at least here in the UK - has not been as a choice of career. Indeed, at the time of writing, a number of students have changed to study for other industries, because they do not see a future in the arts professions. But there is a way, I believe, we can change this. </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The smart way, would be to ensure another income stream, to keep both arts professionals, and their venues going, while they await the return of full audiences. Digital streaming is that option.</span> </p><p><span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Arts Centres could use the following business model as part of the New Normal:</span></p><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- hold an event with a socially distanced audience, and<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- live stream to audience members at home (ie pensioners who have been advised to shield themselves etc).</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">VR streaming could also be considered, as an option to earn money, while arts professionals are forced to work remotely. </div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Digital streaming would guarantee a secondary income for venues; as audiences would have the option of attending in person; and watching the event from home. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">P</span>rofessional sports, (such as UFC, Boxing, and the English Premier League), have been doing this for years. And at the time of writing, most major arts organisations such as the Royal Opera House, and the National Theatre, are following suit, with their own love streamed events. </div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But digital streaming should be far more than a one off measure to keep revenue flowing in. Now, in the 21st Century, audience members as consumers, expect to be able to download and view content on their smartphones, tablets and digital devices. Creative industries as a whole, should update their services to cater for this demand. Digital streaming should be the norm, at every artistic venue; and an option for every freelance artist. </div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is true that streaming brings with it, a new set of complications. Copy right laws, for example, restrict the filming and distribution of booked shows, here in the UK. But rights holders themselves, are aware of the changed world we now live in. As business people, I believe they understand that they will have to change their rules, in order to ensure the industry's (and with it, their revenue's) survival. That is why it will be essential, for producers and campaigners to negotiate a new deal with them.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The proceeds of the live streaming could be agreed upon, and divided between the following parties:<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Performers <br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Venue<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Union<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Rights Holders<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- The Insurance Company</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This would give each party a clear incentive to support it.</div></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There is the logistical cost to consider as well. According to one statistic by a campaigner on Facebook; one performance alone, needed over 20,000 viewers to cover its overheads. Whether or not this is correct; cost effectiveness is certainly an issue. That is why each venue's sales and marketing team would need to make sure their streamed performance were clearly communicated to their patrons, and artists fanbases. And also in its favour: let us remember the need to guarantee employment to the technicians, stage hands and other support staff behind the scenes; a feat that could be achieved, with regular streamed performances.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">While digital streaming will be a seismic shift for the arts industry, I believe it will offer the industry, access to a clear source of revenue; similar to professional sports, which have been able to sustain their industry in this way, for many years. <span color="inherit" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Not only would digital streaming ensure the survival of the creative industries; it would play a vital part in their recovery. </span></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let's do things the smart way.</div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-size: 15px;" /></div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">#performingarts #livestreaming #funding #revenue ~digital #artsvenues #income</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-64339991184921683222019-01-11T17:00:00.002-08:002019-01-14T06:59:20.593-08:00Student work experience: Performing ArtsStudent work experience in the performing arts is important. But how can we avoid undermining the work of paid professionals while giving students the work experience they need, as volunteers? Here is a solution.<br />
<br />
In my amateur dramatic society s last show, two of our backstage crew were students, using us as their work experience. It was win win for everyone. They got the experience for their degree/apprenticeship; we got an extra pair of hands to help behind the scenes.<br />
<br />
We always talk about giving young people their chance; and at the same time, we want new people to come in with the passion for the arts: rather than expecting the same people in amateur societies, to do the same tasks, show after show. Student work experience in am dram societies is a way to do both.<br />
<br />
Of course, the usual rules should apply, as for on stage performers. All under 18 s should be invited to apply to drama societies' youth sections, where they can be properly supervised. All 18+ students can help the adult societies. In either case, it s a chance for these young people to find opportunities.<br />
<br />
In fact, I believe that amateur dramatic groups around the UK, could make long term arrangements like this, with local drama schools and universities. The Federation of Drama Schools and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association could work together, to form a strategy to make this happen UK wide.<br />
<br />
And the same arrangement could be tried in other countries.<br />
<br />
So that s my suggestion for an alternative source of voluntary work experience for arts students: try the am dram groups.<br />
<br />
It can be win win for everyone.<br />
<br />
#studentworkexperience #performingartsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-77899755972538090492018-07-16T14:02:00.000-07:002018-07-19T09:58:23.055-07:00What Members Want - Results of the Creativity SurveyFor members of the Creativity Performing Arts Group, who have participated in our survey, the consensus among participants, is they want the following services from our group:<br />
<br />
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Guidance and online support</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Networking</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Business Support </span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Partnerships</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Marketing and promotion</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fundraising</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Education</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Campaigning and lobbying for the arts</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Workshops and Conferences</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Webinars</span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Showcases and Community Engagement</span></span></div>
<br />
In response to these requests, I have the following suggestions:<br />
<br />
<b>Networking</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For networking, I think that Linkedin is a good starting
point. I have personally introduced some members to one another, based on their requirements, and members are quite welcome to approach one another for connections. Members have also indicated that they are prepared to use Facebook, hence why I have
set up a Facebook page for Creativity:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Creativity-Performing-Arts-Group-625380381164918" rel="noopener" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 115, 177); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 115, 177); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 115, 177); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 115, 177); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0073b1; font-family: -apple-system,system-ui,BlinkMacSystemFont,Segoe UI,Roboto,Helvetica Neue,Fira Sans,Ubuntu,Oxygen,Oxygen Sans,Cantarell,Droid Sans,Apple Color Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Symbol,Lucida Grande,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Creativity-Performing-Arts-Group-625380381164918</a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
Guidance and Online Support<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Participants have said they would like online guidance,
problem solving and promotion for members. For example a shared page for Frequently Asked Questions may be useful for members to contribute questions and answers to. This is why I have pushed for a team
blog, where members can promote their businesses, share ideas, and solve
problems together. A resource that is uniquely focused on the needs of our group would be a good plan in the long term.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But the best way to start is with an existing respurce, and having spoken to one media expert in our group, the following platform has been recommended:</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <a data-artdeco-is-focused="true" href="https://medium.com/performing-arts-in-oc" rel="noopener" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 96, 151); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 96, 151); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 96, 151); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 96, 151); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006097; font-family: -apple-system,system-ui,BlinkMacSystemFont,Segoe UI,Roboto,Helvetica Neue,Fira Sans,Ubuntu,Oxygen,Oxygen Sans,Cantarell,Droid Sans,Apple Color Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Symbol,Lucida Grande,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-line; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">https://medium.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<b>Conferences and Workshops</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Members have requested that we hold conferences and events:
which is why I had pushed for the Zoom conference. As it turns out technical
issues prevented members from coming together to discuss face to face, which
was a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, as most members are in agreement, I
will continue to arrange conferences, through Skype and other means, so that we
may build towards Webinars and other resources.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">All participants to the survey said they were prepared to travel
to events in other countries, which means it should be quite possible for our
group to host international events for members in the near future. In the early
stages, I believe one of our members’ venues will need to play host. (If you would like to volunteer your venue for a workshop or conference, please message me or the group on LinkedIn.) The host could book a slot, and cover the overheads of the event; while attendees would need to cover their travelling expenses. Eventually, we could
devise a subscription service to cover both these expenses, but I believe this
is the best arrangement for now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And, because we are connected to people around the world, venue owners of our group should consider creating an international touring circuit for their artists. I believe that there is serious potential for this to help many of our members' performers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Fundraising</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Funding and fundraising are also hot topics for our group: indeed, one of our members is in the process of raising a large scale investment for an important project of hers. There are many tried and tested methods of fundraising, and access to funding, that our members can advise on. What I also think would help is asset-sharing. If we view our group as a giant production company, we will see that there are many resources held in our members venues and companies that could be used effectively to save on overheads. For example, physical assets like costumes, scenery, lighting and sound rigs, and many other assets, could be <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">exchanged, shared and traded; if we coordinate our efforts and make formal agreements between members. I understand that members' business interests, contracts and logistical issues may make this difficult; but I urge members who are looking to save resources, to consider working with one another, as a solution.</span></span></div>
<b>Campaigning</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Our international membership makes a strong case for lobbying, for
members’ artistic causes. </span>I am glad to see that members like the idea of
campaigns and lobbying for arts issues: including the place of arts in
education. I personally want our politicians and my fellow
businesspeople to respect the arts, and wholeheartedly agree with campaigning
and lobbying for this in the long term.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>The Next Steps</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b></b><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Having taken all of the above into account, I believe we should start making small steps to make this happen. For example, members are welcome to access the links on this article, to post content and get exposure. I will also push for another conference for members to discuss face to face with one another, and agree on what we will do next. If you have a date in mind for this, please contact me, and we can set this in motion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Small steps make big strides. Let's begin. </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-7231801761220506612018-05-11T16:18:00.000-07:002018-05-19T15:33:41.926-07:00The Plan So Far<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Welcome, members of the Creativity Performing Arts Group! C<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">reativity is the driving force
behind every artform, and so I hope our group's name will give it the purpose it needs</span>. Our group is now global, with members from many different
countries around the world. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And a<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">s our group continues to expand, our members have unique perspectives and a multitude
of skills to offer. And so it makes sense to use these skills, as we build our group into a full scale network. </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To this end, you as a member, are more than welcome to
contact and to network with fellow members, to share connections, resources and
ideas. For example:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Writers </b>– the plan is to set up a team blog for members, to post
articles about performing arts issues. Also, in the spirit of an arts group, a newsletter to our members would be a good idea. For now, we will use this blog to post
articles to. Think of it as a rehearsal space for the main event: this being a
full blown Wordpress blog or similar arrangement. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Media and social media professionals </b>– with our group
members based in many countries worldwide, it is only fair to have updates from
each part of the world. And with so many arts events worldwide, we can put together a global calendar, of our festivals and showcases. With your many skills and knowledge, we could also set up new social media groups, such as connections on Skype to talk face to face, or even a WhatsApp group for instant messaging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Teachers</b> – many of our members like yourselves teach for the artistic professions, and at
least one has mentioned he is looking for teaching opportunity. So I think it
is worth setting up a Teachers’ group, for education in the arts. If you teach, then there are many fellow teachers here to build an 'Arts Ed' group with.</span></span></div>
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<b>Leaders and Organisers</b> - The ultimate goal of our group, is for it to become a self-sustaining network for the arts, run by all, for the benefit of all. <span style="font-family: "calibri";">W<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">hile there are many groups for the artistic professions on
Facebook and Instagram, I still believe that there needs to be a bigger
presence here on Linkedin, to shape the business perspective of those who fund
our members’ work. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: calibri;">Here is one example of a platform we could use to make that happen: http://www.globalvaluexchange.org/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>I also believe that we can learn a lot from professional
sports, to engage the fans in such a way as to give the arts the dedicated
following that it needs. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Your ideas and suggestions on this are more than welcome.</span></div>
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<b>Conclusion</b></div>
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As our group continues to expand, there are many networking opportunities to share and exchange connections, ideas and resources. And by utilising our members' many skills and much experience, we can build many new resources, to create a great network for the performing arts. </div>
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Let's do this!</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-67235748787145223882018-03-02T15:08:00.001-08:002018-03-27T11:23:12.821-07:00Dead Horses: When to QuitFor those of us who are driven to succeed - especially with our creative projects, there is always the question of when to quit. When do we know that a project clearly a bad idea and how do we know when to move on?<br />
<br />
There are many examples of projects that failed, whose makers should have seen it coming but who didn't. And <i>Spider-Man:Turn off the Dark</i> was just one such example.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Failing on a Grand Scale</b><br />
<b></b><br />
At first, the Broadway musical, based on the Toby Maguire films of one Marvel s most iconic superheroes, seemed destined for success. Backed by Marvel, with music by Bono, and The Edge, and directed by <i>The Lion King</i>'s director, Julie Taymor, it seemed like a start studded line up for a sure fire hit. <br />
<br />
But instead, <i>Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark</i>, proved to be one of the most expensive musicals in Broadway s history, and also arguably one of the most disastrous, costing a staggering $75 million dollars and closing with a massive loss, and many injuries to its performers. And far from earning acclaim, the whole concept was seen as a bad joke: being mocked by everyone; from the cast of <i>Saturday Night Live</i>; to Marvel's own Deadpool. <br />
<br />
So how could such a juggernaut of a project, have gone so spectacularly wrong? As many critics have said, there were many ways the project was set up to fail. The warning signs were there with the previews. Having 182 previews for one show, really should have flagged up that something was very wrong with this concept.<br />
<br />
Then there was the choice of venue. Broadway theatres can allow for some spectacular performances. For example the dancers of <i>Blast</i> achieved some awe inspiring choreography when my family and I went to see their show. From 16 people catching flags in the dark, to a drummer able to make a drumstick levetate and play itself, through sheer skill, their performances were superb and world class. But as specactacular as these feats were, they were achieved on tera firma. For high wire stunts you need an arena: as the many injuries to <i>Turn off the Dark</i>'s stunt peformers went on to prove. Pity the proposed Las Vegas one wasn't used the first time round.<br />
<br />
And then there was the storyline. Julie Taymor may have been an award winning costume designer and director for <i>The Lion King</i>, but as many have said; her decision to make the character of Arachne central to the plot of <i>Spider-Man:</i><i>Turn off the Dark</i>, totally missed the appeal of Spiderman as a character. What Spiderman is really about, is the story of a young man finding his way in a tough world. All of us can relate to that. But by changing the emphasis of the story, she lost us the emotional attachment to the plot.<br />
<br />
And the rewrites only made things worse. Like <i>Martin Guerre</i>, when you have an original concept you shouldn't mess with the formula. For example, the plot to kill off the Green Goblin at the end of Act 1, and then introduce not one but six Marvel supervillians in Act 2; was a complete overkill: and did not make sense, to audiences of the Tobey Maguire films. While im sure fans of the comic books would love to see Spiderman s enemies on stage, the fact remains that a comic book is not a musical. Getting all 6 supervillians into one act proved a logistical nightmare for all involved.<br />
<br />
In the end, not even the appeal of Spiderman himself would make audiences come back, and the musical finally closed in 2014. In many ways, the flop of <i>Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark</i>, stands as an example; that bigger is not always better; that throwing more money at a problem is not the way to fix it; and that even the experts can get it wrong sometimes.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>'Dead Horses'</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Such a spectacular failure begs the obvious question: why on earth, would the show s producers keep on pumping millions of dollars, into something that was clearly a bad idea? Strange though this may seem, I know why they did it. Because when we think about it, what have we been taught our whole lives, when we take on to do something? Never quit, keep pushing on, don't take no for answer: and when you start a project, you finish it. We've become so used to critics and naysayers trying to tear our projects down, that when something really is a bad idea, we don't listen to them.<br />
<b><br /></b>
As motivational guru Paul McGee explains:<br />
<br />
"Focus can lead to you being blinkered in your approach. Determination can result in a stubbornness to change, despite what the facts are telling us. Confidence could lead to a dangerous cocktail of arrogance and complacency."<br />
<br />
And he gives the example of the Dakota Indians' proverb: "When you're riding a dead horse, dismount."<br />
<br />
But of course, for reasons aforementioned, we don't do this. Certainly not for projects in showbusiness. I have not worked as a full time performer, but having watched my parents put together musical productions for 30 years, I know the emotional and personal commitments involved, to keep a musical running. No doubt the producers and backers of Spiderman <i>Turn off the Dark</i> felt this way too. As the saying goes: the show must go on. And we all do it. I once made the same mistake, letting one failed event turn into an obsession that wrecked everything for me and many others.<br />
<br />
<b>The Show That Was Not</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It began as an idea I had, for my old student society to have a reunion. Our society was the university's musical theatre group, and one of the most successful groups on campus. Over the 30 years of its existence, talented students from all over the university had come to perform at our Deb Hall. And from hundreds of auditionees, an intense rehearsal schedule, and a meticulous backstage operation, we made sure that the standard of our shows stayed high.<br />
<br />
Alumni of our society went on to have amazing careers, working everywhere from the RSC to London's West End. And so, one day while looking at the Alumni fb page, the idea came to me: why not get everyone together, and do a massive joint showcase, for a reunion? With over 30 generations of Alumni and a never ending number of talented students, it seemed like a match made in heaven. People always talk about opportunities, and yet one was staring us right in the face! I was brimming with excitement. What an event it could be - we had to do this!<br />
<br />
It took 2 years of steady lobbying, before the student committee finally agreed to a showcase. But it was worth the wait. I was ecstatic, and sent invites to everyone. We had Facebook group set up, and auditions that I attended. 600 people were notified. Official invites were sent through our Alumni magazine, and we even had a high standing member of the BBC on the guest list. The momentum was awesome, as we waited for the big event. And then it didn't happen. <br />
<br />
Due to a double booking of the venue, the reunion had to be cancelled. We were all devastated. All that brilliant momentum and excitement went straight into a wall. After all the years trying to follow in my producer/director parents' footsteps, this could have been my chance. But with a heavy heart, I had to accept that the reunion was not going to happen.<br />
<br />
And that would have been the end of it. Except that every time my parents did a show, it reminded me of what might have been. To have come so close to putting on something that could have been spectacular, kept tearing away at me. We could have made a great event! Again and again, the idea of a joint showcase between the students and Alumni haunted me; and with the same message: it can be done. It can be done.<br />
<br />
And so every year, I went back to try it again. But as with Spider-Man's producers, I kept trying to ride a dead horse. Time and again i would be told that neither the students, nor the Alumni wanted the event to happen anymore. But I ignored such comments as naysaying, and tried again and again to lobby both the society s student committee and my fellow Alumni, without success. My desire for a joint showcase had become an obsession. And my persistence only made it worse.<br />
<br />
By the end of this sorry saga, my friends and I had fallen out big time, and a lot of students and Alumni were disappointed, frustrated, and disillusioned. My one last attempt came as a video blog, inviting all to take part. Thinking that enough time had gone by to try again, i posted my Vlog to the society s Facebook page, to see who was interested. And then all hell broke loose. The student committee were furious that I had overstepped the mark by trying to push something that hadnt been approved. They quickly blocked me from the society s Facebook page. Some of my fellow Alumni was also very annoyed, and threatened to block me on the Alumni page as well. It was painfully clear that no one wanted the event to haplem, and my persistence in pushing for it, made people want it less and less. And so I finally gave up as the last few fragements of the project s train hit the wall. It was a painful lesson to learn, but in many ways, and in the face of the need to succeed against all odds, it could happen again.<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So the lesson to take away from all of this is: when do we actually know when to quit? In a world where we are taught never say never, and not to take 'no' for an answer: when should we realise that our project is not going to work?<br />
<br />
I would say the best judgment to make, would be when trusted friends start saying an idea is wrong, and give detailed accounts as to why. If their facts check out, then it's probably time to change the plan. And if it still doesn't work, then it s time to call it quits.<br />
<br />
'Dead horses' are everywhere. Let's not ride them anytime soon.<br />
<br />
SOURCES:<br />
<br />
McGee, Paul: <i>How to Succeed With People</i>, pgs 100, 103 Capstone 2013Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-40569371170446989302018-02-12T11:23:00.002-08:002018-02-12T15:17:13.941-08:00Parents Who Perform - Supporting Maternity and Paternity Pay in the ArtsMaternity and Paternity Leave and Pay are essential, for full time professionals who choose to start families together, and artists and creatives are no exception to this rule. Working parents who perform for a living, should have the financial support, to balance a full time job, with full time childcare, so that they are can raise a family, while pursuing a great career. But this is not as straightforward as it may seem.<br />
<br />
Going from contract to contract, it may not be easy to guarantee contractual maternity pay, without a steady paycheck from an employer in the performing arts industry. And in our Gig Economy, this lack of lonegevity may make it hard to plan for the future.<br />
<br />
So the question remains: how to guarantee steady maternity/paternity pay - aside from the bare minimum state paid leave that the govenment can provide, and what performers and creatives can collect from their contracts? While i dont claim to have expertise in this area, there are i believe, two possible options available to working parents who perform for a living.<br />
<br />
The first option is through union contributions. Regardless of your current employer, your trades union is one constant source of investment from yourself and other arts professionals. So it makes sense, to use it as such.<br />
<br />
If you perform full time and plan to start a family, i suggest petitioning your union to set up a maternity/paternity package, that you can contribute to, on a monthly, or bi-annual basis. Your union might consider talking to a big insurance company, to set one up a specialised collective savings account on your behalf.<br />
<br />
The account would exist as a special 'pot' for you to cash in, if and when you have children. This would have to have large scale support to work, and would probably work best as a large scale collective investment, but as the larger arts unions already offer specialised insurance for performers, then they could consider this as well.<br />
<br />
Your other option is to consider a maternity/paternity package, attatched to your pension 'pot'. While unlikely, it might just be possible that some of the big pension providers might be persuaded to offer this, as a special deal for their customers.<br />
<br />
The savings option is the more likely of the two, as savings accounts - certainly in the uk - are tax free places, where you can put large amounts of money away for that important time in your life, when you decide to start a family.<br />
<br />
Professionals in many other industries are supported as a matter of course, for their maternity and paternity leave. And if you perform for a living, you should have the financial support to do the same.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-11361459600886257952018-02-03T09:22:00.000-08:002018-02-03T09:24:21.018-08:00Wolverine Sings AgainIt s great to see that 'The Greatest Showman' - the latest musical biopic, telling the life of showbiz pioneer, P.T Barnum - has been so well received by the public. Hugh Jackman and a talented ensemble, certainly deserve some of the praise for this hit movie. But there is also the question of the concept itself.<br />
<br />
I had thought that a 21st century audience simply wouldnt accept a cast of characters who spontaneously break into musical numbers. Sure, your typical squeeky clean MGM movie in the 20th century might do it: but would an audience allow Wolverine to burst into song?<br />
<br />
Apparently yes. The Greatest Showman has been a big hit - not just with the musical theatre audiences, but with the mainstream public too. Zac Effron for one, has shown he can be more than eye candy, with some impressive dance routines - and vocals too. His duet with Zendaya - Rewrite The Stars, is the kind of song that makes a great chart hit too. And it s heartening to see, how a modern musical adaptation of a showbiz icon, has been a hit in our 21st century digital age.<br />
<br />
Musicals are great on a stage, because the combination of live music, dance and theatre enhances the performance: an audience being so close to the action. But what about on a screen? Could the same energy translate to a great celluloid performance? And could it be as moving to an audience as a live performance?<br />
<br />
Digital streaming of live performances has proved a surprisingly good at drawing in audiences who cant travel to the West End, Broadway (or Moscow in the case of ballet!) to see their favourite shows.<br />
<br />
And come to think of it, the musical format has still been a huge hit with modern audiences, with films like Burlesque and 8 Mile, using musical numbers and dance, to tell the story. Then of course, there have been onscreen musical adaptations of Chicago Sweeney Todd and Nine, to name but a few.<br />
<br />
I suppose we are so used to seeing music videos on our phones, that telling a story through song isnt so hard for a digital viewers to sit through and enjoy.<br />
<br />
So modern musical adaptations do seem to work for a 21st century audience. The only question is: when will we hear Wolverine sing - again?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-31198953258536904432017-12-10T11:14:00.000-08:002017-12-10T11:14:09.872-08:00Tim Firth is RightFollowing Tim Firth's assertion in <i>The Stage</i> Magazine, that there should be more 'mid-scale' venues for musical theatre, I think there is a way to support this, from what was written elsewhere in <i>The Stage</i>.<br />
<br />
There was an interesting article, by Phil Willmott, about the various schemes that are used to developing the next big musical project. Reading through the article, these schemes certainly do seem to offer a lot of good support. And so, the is an idea I'd like to put forward, that may allow one to help the other. My idea is this.<br />
<br />
What if the leaders and organisers of the schemes mentioned below, came together and co-ordinated their efforts, to form a new mid-level musical theatre 'federation' of sorts, to develop - and to house - new to mid level musicals?<br />
<br />
This may seem quite a tough challenge, but I believe that the combined resources of all musical theatre schemes, could more than fund and supply key mid-level venues around the country. After all, there are now numerous musical theatre courses being offered at universities and colleges, so the recognition for musical theatre as an industry are on the up. And this kind of collaboration, would create even more opportunities for musical theatre performers and creatives.<br />
<br />
The schemes include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Stiles and Drew Prize and Mentorship</li>
<li>Mercury Musical Developments and BEAM</li>
<li>Book, Music and Lyrics (BMI)</li>
<li>The Other Palace</li>
<li>New Musical Development Collective</li>
<li>Perfect Pitch</li>
<li>Katy Lipson, Aria Entertainment and Page to Stage</li>
</ul>
<div>
That is my idea, and scheme leaders who are reading this: if you pool your resources, you will more than achieve your aims.<br />
<b></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
Sources: <i>The Stage</i> Magazine, December 7, 2017 pgs 3, 24Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-11890650054193589092017-11-06T16:39:00.001-08:002017-12-10T10:46:18.238-08:00Fighting Harrassment - How HR Could Help Freelance PerformersA lot has been said recently in The Stage magazine, about the use of HR professionals, to help protect performers and creatives in the arts industry, against harassment. Having worked in HR roles for some years, I do agree with the commentators' suggestion. But while should be official structures and protectors in place, to guard against another Weinstein-style abuse of power; there are also practicalities that we must consider.<br />
<br />
First of all, there is the cost and level of experience to bear in mind. From my HR experience so far, I would say that performers and creatives would need an HR Officer, -fully CIPD qualified - with a clear experience of Employee Relations, to be able to enforce protection against harassment, and ensure that respect is given to performers and creatives, as employees. (Some HR practitioners specialise in this field, but not all.) That means a hefty salary that must be paid: bearing in mind that most HR Officers are ranked above average pay scale. Larger arts organisations might employ such professionals in this way: but what about the freelance individuals, who move on a contract basis, throughout the industry?<br />
<br />
One possible suggestion I have, would be to have regional 'Reps', employed collectively by all freelancers in the region, paying like a co-operative: as the HR Officer would need a steady wage, and if payment was spread across several hundred freelancers, this might be manageable. But this in turn, throws up another problem. To whom would a freelance-employed HR Officer be answerable? This I think, would be where the concept hits a wall. <br />
<br />
In every organisation and HR team I have worked, there has always been a clear chain of liability. Employment law is very clear on this point. The HR staff must always have a boss, or be employed by a recognised legal entity, as the nature of Human Resources means that there are legal issues of accountability; everything from new starters to payroll must be audited, monitored, and held accountable by the employer. That means that every HR professional can only operate within a structured organisation: they might contract out their services, but once in their contract, the same organisational structure always comes into play.<br />
<br />
That is why I disagree with the comments made, that full time performers should have HR, as opposed to relying on their unions for protection. HR professionals work effectively within an organisation, but for freelancers, I think that the best solution would be: a specialised union rep. Think about it: who is on whose payroll? HR professionals do make sure that employers comply with the law; but when push comes to shove, I would argue that the employer is paying them to represent their side first in a dispute: certainly during any formal grievance procedures, involving cases of bullying and harrassment.<br />
<br />
The unions, on the other hand, are paid directly by their members, to represent them, and if you as an employee are involved in a dispute, they are there to represent your side. After all, you pay them to do so! I have seen this arrangement in many of the industries I have worked for, and the same would apply to the performing arts.<br />
<br />
That is why, freelancers should consider having a specialised union rep, who is trained in Employee Relations, and knows how to defend employees against harassment. This is what you should encourage your union to do. And for anyone who isn't yet in a union, I would advise you join one. The more members a union has, the stronger its bargaining power, to enforce rules, and fight to protect you from harassment. For arts employees at work, I think this would be the best way to ensure and enforce respect for all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-73071962075832505232017-06-28T14:05:00.003-07:002017-06-28T14:07:40.199-07:00Supporting Offstage Professionals Offstage employees are as important to the performing arts industry, as the performers on stage. And yet as one independent report has said (link below), these employees are not given the support they need for a good career.<br />
<br />
As I suspected, the access to the arts industry is a problem, through voluntary work and unpaid internships. There needs to be a proper career path to becoming a producer, technician or other offstage professional.<br />
<br />
To overcome most of the challenges, I think there need to be more technical apprenticeships, and open networking into the arts sector, through more groups like ours. There also needs to be more in house training, to allow people to develop within the industry.<br />
<br />
And then there's the issue of pay. I think this can only be solved by a Living Wage for all offstage professionals industry-wide. <br />
<br />
We need to remember, that the offstage production is as important for the arts, as performance itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2017/offstage-report-demands-urgent-skills-overhaul-exclusive-antiquated-sector/">https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2017/offstage-report-demands-urgent-skills-overhaul-exclusive-antiquated-sector/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-33210162562661230652016-04-24T15:19:00.002-07:002016-04-24T15:26:51.412-07:00Arts Apprenticeships<br />
Here's an idea I've been having for a while, about how we can create more opportunities for apprenticeships in the arts for our region and for others. We have the connections and expertise in our group, to make it happen.<br />
<br />
Looking at the apprenticeships for the artistic profession in the UK, I can see that although apprenticeships are available for similar professions, such as technicians, and events promoters; there doesn't seem to be courses available for theatre directors and producers:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/arts-media-and-publishing-apprenticeships">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/arts-media-and-publishing-apprenticeships</a><br />
<br />
From what I have been told, the career paths to becoming directors and producers are not easy ones, and have not been clear cut. Even if they were, I still think we need to set up more opportunities for people in our region to train in backstage production to make it more accessible for young apprentices - and of course, the same goes for scholarships and bursaries for onstage performance as well. <br />
<br />
Fortunately, we have exactly the right contacts within our LinkedIn group, to be able to set these kind of apprenticeships up:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8342825/profile">https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8342825/profile</a><br />
<br />
Some of our members are involved with Theatre In Education and hence they understand the learning aspect of such an operation. Others have connections within universities, who could enable training programmes and schemes to be put together. And finally, some of our members own or manage the organisations, where places for apprenticeships could be offered. <br />
<br />
If we co-ordinate our efforts, I know that we could actually find, plan and set up apprenticeship opportunities in at least a few of our members' organisations. You have the talent, expertise, and the connections. Any suggestions or ideas you have on this are certainly welcome.<br />
<br />
Let's think about how we could co-ordinate our organisations' efforts to make this happen.<br />
<br />
Best Regards<br />
<br />
James M<br />
<br />
Founder<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-85982504850884734652016-03-01T11:47:00.002-08:002016-03-01T15:12:02.194-08:00What the GMTG Performing Arts Group (on Linkedin) Is AboutHi All<br />
<br />
As we're close to reaching 50 members, I thought I should say a few words about what our group is for, and celebrate what we've done so far. GMTG Performing Arts Group, is a networking group, to allow arts professionals to connect and network online with one another. It was originally founded for members and Alumni from Birmingham University's Guild Musical Theatre Group, who will continue to play a part in it. But as many people pointed out, it would be useful to involve other artists and creative as well, to help the arts, and so I have opened this group for all who are willing to join. <br />
<br />
Since then, many others have begun joining our group, and we now have a diverse range of artists, creative and arts enthusiasts, who can combine passion, and skill, to create many new opportunities for each other. But this group is more than just another social media group. It is also a showcase to the business community.<br />
<br />
The reason I chose LinkedIn to host this group, is that LinkedIn is deliberately designed for business networking. Anyone who is serious about networking online usually has a LinkedIn profile: and more importantly, the kind of people looking at LinkedIn groups online, are the ones who control the funding and resources for your businesses. <br />
<br />
Many times, I have heard the cliché that the performing arts isn't really a profession people should go into. Many of you are living proof that that simply is not true. From my work in HR, I know that a profession is a profession, no matter what it is or what it involves. All professions are hard, and all have their challenges. But that is why we build networks to support professionals in the field, and to create opportunities. This is one such group, that I hope in time, will be build into an arts network for all its members.<br />
<br />
As well as being an online group I have been hoping to hold some events, to allow people to exchange contact details and information. I have been speaking to one of our members, Jess Swift, about a possible Q and A session, involving members and Alumni of GMTG among others.<br />
<br />
Also, as per the suggestions of West End Producer, Tristan Baker, I plan to invite all former leaders and organisers of GMTG - I personally want all former committee and production team members who work in the arts - to join our group, and help build this up even more.<br />
<br />
So if you know anyone who works in the arts or entertainment industry, including members and Alumni of GMTG, then please do invite them to our group. And in the meantime, you are more than welcome to make use of this group for networking, contacts, job opportunities, resources and ideas.<br />
<br />
Welcome one and all to the GMTG Performing Arts Group.<br />
<br />
Best Regards<br />
<br />
James M<br />
<br />
FounderUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-7024723971135842162016-02-27T09:05:00.002-08:002016-02-27T09:05:52.002-08:00Stage Directors: Unite!At last - an organisation to stand up for professional stage directors in the UK! It always seemed unfair that there wasn't a clear career path into the profession: when surely there must be hundreds of capable creatives who could become directors. But there hasn't been any real understanding of the needs of directors (and producers), for their profession. <br /><br />I am sure that Stage Directors UK will represent the profession well to the public, the government and to many others. Any directors present - please join up.<br /><br /><a class="js-link post-link" href="http://www.stagedirectorsuk.com/">http://www.stagedirectorsuk.com/</a><br />
<br />
I'm also surprised that there aren't more organisations to respresent theatre producers, choreographers, stage managers etc in the UK. While of course Equity and BECTU can represent them in general, I think more profession-specific organisations like Directors UK, would go a long way, to representing each profession, and also making the public aware of what they are about.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-6721664235983570382016-01-30T06:30:00.002-08:002016-01-30T06:30:35.911-08:00Q and AHi All<br />
<br />
As per my invites, here s a proposal i'd like to put for both members and Alumni of the Guild Musical Theatre Group (GMTG).<br />
<br />
Both the student committee and my fellow Alumni who specialise in engagement, have mentioned the idea of student-Alumni Q and A's: a questions and answers session, in which both members and Alumni of GMTG can get together and exchange ideas and information. I think this could actually be a very effective way for us all to network. It would be especially useful for students in the society, who are looking for a career in the performing arts.<br />
<br />
I understand that it would be logistically impossible, for all Alumni who work in the arts industry, to take time out of their very busy schedules, and travel hundreds (or even thousands) of miles to the exact same time and place. Therefore, some of it could be done via Skype, Google Hangouts, or a similar means of online communication.<br />
<br />
The way student-Alumni Q and A sessions normally work, I am told, is for the students to bring prepared questions to put to the Alumni for their advice on connections, finding work in the arts industry etc, within a period of time,. Like speed dating there's a time limit on each student asking each Alumni and they all swap round, or area arranged accordingly, so that everyone gets a turn. <br />
<br />
But we could also make it a two way process. Rather than we Alumni dictating advice to the students, I reckon my fellow Alumni who work in the arts/entertainment industry, could come prepared with a list of issues and challenges from their day jobs, that they need help to solve. What students can certainly offer in return, is innovations. Every generation of students brings new ideas: and GMTG's members are engaged in new projects, showcases, concerts and competitions. They might just have some of the answers my fellow Alumni are looking for.<br />
<br />
So that's the basic idea. Both students and Alumni involved with GMTG have suggested it. I think it's worth a try. What do you think?<br />
<br />
Best Regards<br />
<br />
James M<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-12331232064257046692015-10-29T15:51:00.001-07:002015-10-29T15:51:21.112-07:00A Mission Statement<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QBgQ4jfTnF4" width="459"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-84753961353413887152015-10-09T15:57:00.001-07:002015-10-09T15:57:05.760-07:00We Have a Plan!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ac-YTL76IL8" width="459"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-85802848459571993072015-09-22T12:59:00.001-07:002015-09-22T12:59:50.767-07:00Operation 'Point Break' Begins...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MN_oCYoP_Og" width="459"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-9978251698441381112015-09-19T11:50:00.002-07:002015-09-19T11:50:22.489-07:00Ex-Presidents, We Want YOU!
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are, or have been the president of Birmingham
University’s Guild Musical Theatre Group (and/or on the Committee in any role),
then read on….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am looking to invite presidents from each generation of
the Guild Musical Theatre Group (or GMTG)’s graduates to come together for a
special plan. Once we do, we can then work to bring all Alumni of GMTG into one
group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They in turn can work towards something very special.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are an ex-president, a former committee member, or
know someone who is, then please contact me here on these pages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’re welcome to visit and join the new Linkedin group:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=8342825"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=8342825</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There’s a Facebook page for Alumni:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2257364715/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/2257364715/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking forward to speaking with you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-19052121843740045622015-09-05T09:43:00.001-07:002015-09-05T09:46:15.806-07:00My Goal for Our Group<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DAkrHQ2XFFo" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Deb Brook, the Founder of Birmingham University's 'Guild Musical Theatre Group', intends to create a new drama school. I have set up a new LinkedIn page for members and Alumni to meet about this, and many other projects. And this is the plan....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-11902650827093688832015-08-10T13:03:00.001-07:002015-08-10T13:03:55.293-07:00Save the Arts<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZhoxNbee07g" width="459"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-30771192497153919942015-05-26T15:16:00.001-07:002015-06-02T16:10:05.289-07:00A Whole Other Level – The Big Picture for Guild Musical Theatre Group<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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A big thank you to the Guild Musical Theatre Group’s Committee, for supporting a Newsletter for both members and Alumni! It’s a great idea, and I think it will be a big step forward for
the members and Alumni of GMTG staying in touch. I have no doubt that there
will be some interesting stories to be heard, and we’ll all make a lot of new
friends – plus reuniting some old ones. The ‘GMTG Family’ as we call it, is
huge, and if you’re part of it, then you’re pretty much guaranteed a lifetime
of friendships. I myself am keen to hear what everyone has been up to, off
stage and on. But also, for some members of GMTG, who I know are serious about
a career on stage, there’s a way that this will definitely help them too. As a
former member of GMTG’s Committee, and now an Alumnus. I’ve pushed quite hard
over the past few years, for closer links between GMTG’s members and Alumni:
and here’s why. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Those of you have been on productions teams, have probably
seen the big picture by now. On one hand, we have GMTG the society, which is
basically a training school for the stage, in all but name. Members have come
from many disciplines, such as History, Politics Business and other students,
and are now going on to become Guilford or Mountview’s finest, among other
things. As I write, there is yet another GMTG show to be staged at the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, a dozen community and arts projects, and
competitions: the society has gone from strength to strength. And on the other
hand, we have nearly 30 generations of Alumni, who have graduated to work in
roles all over the arts industry, to do many great things-in this country and
elsewhere.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, connect the dots between all these people, and what have
you got? Some great networking opportunities. Already, I see there are
collaborations and break out projects, taking place between our members and
Alumni. The operations of GMTG get more organised, and well defined each year.
After all, who from my generation, would imagine GMTG members performing
regularly at the MAC (Midlands Arts Centre), or having both showcases and
workshops, alongside the main shows? But why, you may ask does, this matter so
much? Because the one thing that some GMTG members have always wanted, is a
career on the stage. And there are now several hundred (maybe even a few
thousand) Alumni, in the arts industry, who have the connections they will
need, to make that happen. </div>
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Likewise: fellow Alumni; I’m sure you’d agree, that those of
us who work in a business, are always looking for new connections, to give us
new projects and opportunities. Imagine you suddenly had access to several
hundred new contacts in your industry: and all of them were in key positions,
to give you a lot of new business. Because that is what closer networking with
your fellow GMTG Alumni will give you. If nothing else, it’s good to know that
there are plenty of others in the same boat, with the same aspirations. And the
difference with GTMG, is that being part of it makes you a member special club.</div>
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And let’s not forget, that current members have been busy
too. From the collaborations and projects, it’s clear that GMTG has gone way
beyond being just another student society (if we were ever ‘just’ that to start
with!) With their innovations from the workshops and showcases, this generation
of GMTGers will bring fresh passion and talent to the arts industry when they
graduate: and they’ll have some useful ideas to offer you, the Alumni, too. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this is not just about making good connections between
members and Alumni. Because as well as the great social connections, old
friendships, and professional networking for GMTGers; there’s another important
reason why linking up the members and Alumni of GMTG could make a very big
difference to people’s lives.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A Whole Other Level<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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“Yes, performing on stage is a great hobby. It’s a shame you
can’t do it for a job.”</div>
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How many times have we heard this cliché? Too many, I’m guessing. The perception of the
performing arts, from those outside the industry, is that it seems an
uncertain, ‘unstable’ profession, and that their sons and daughters are
probably better off getting a ‘real job’ that pays a ‘steady wage.’ </div>
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<br /></div>
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This is an
age old cliché, and it’s something I want us to break. It is true that the
experience of artists, like Katie Brennan – whose brilliant article pretty much
inspired my crusade – seem to confirm some of the hardships:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://bloodyhellbrennan.com/2013/07/24/a-resting-actors-response-to-is-acting-today-just-too-tough/</div>
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But despite this, there are artists I know and others, who
are still living the dream.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You <i>can</i> perform on
stage for a living: because after all, my fellow Alumni are doing it now, for a
job. The RSC, the West End, cruise ships, technical and backstage; name the
place and the role: Alumni of GMTG have done it. Sure, they have bills to pay
like everyone else, and yes, there will always competition, tight schedules,
and a lot of work to do in a short space of time. But in today’s world, I can
assure you from 10 years of hard experience in multiple professions: if you’re
looking for a ‘stable’ profession, there ain’t no such thing. Having seen a
great many people’s hopes and dreams stepped on and destroyed, during the
Recession, I can tell you: you’re far better off doing what you love for a
living; be that a career on stage, sport, engineering, medicine, or indeed any
profession. If your heart is in it, you can do it. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People may ask: what’s wrong with playing it safe, and
giving up your dreams to go into a profession that earns a steady paycheque,
and hoping for a break? Well, nothing at first.
You go into a different industry to the one you want, and train for a
job with a steady wage. Hours are long, and the work is tough, but you reason,
that may be ‘one day’ you’ll get to do the thing you love again. Time goes by
and you still keep working. A year becomes a few years, because nothing turns
up. Then a few years more, and few years more. Then after a ‘few more years’
stack up, about 20-30 years have suddenly gone by and a realization hits you:
what happened to my life?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That may sound like fiction, but trust me, I’ve seen it too
many times. The song ‘What A Waste’ from Bernstein’s <i>Wonderful Town</i>; sums it up perfectly. People I know, who could have
been great artists, athletes or entrepreneurs are now stuck in menial, dead end
jobs, because they were persuaded to take the ‘safe’ way out with their careers,
when they were younger. And as those of us over 30 know only too well: there is
nothing worse than looking back on your life and regretting what might have
been. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may ask: it is all very well having a dream, but how do
you make it come true? It’s true that it isn’t easy. Too many times, I’ve seen
talented young hopefuls get rejected from auditions to the drama schools,
because of the sheer number of applicants they are up against. It’s tough for
the current generation of students, because students of all disciplines who
love the stage, have to contend with tuition fees that are three times what we
paid<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>, for the same education. And as per the link above,
there are plenty of challenges for Alumni too. But despite these hardships, I
say to the people reading this, who want a career in the performing arts: you
can still do what you love for a career. Not because of some dream in the
future, or some vague message of hope: but because of a very real advantage
that your GMTG connections will give to you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I believe that the members and Alumni of GMTG now have the
connections, innovations, and genuine passion for the arts, that we can get
together and make some real changes, to overcome the issues. The one thing the
performing arts industry seems to thrive on, is the personal connections
between the people. And with nearly 30 generations of GMTGers past and present,
that’s a lot of good connections to be made. So, to break the usual cliché,
that there ‘aren’t the opportunities’ for a career in the arts; we are now in a
unique position to make a few: and here’s how we can do it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A lot has happened over the past 30 years. GMTG’s Alumni are
not only full time performing artists (among other professions of course); but
many of them are also now directors and leaders of key arts institutions. As
individuals, they have a lot of power and influence in the industry. And I
submit that if the key players (and others) sat around the same table, and co-ordinated
their efforts; they would not only find opportunities for the members who want
to work in the industry; but they would also create them as well. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In fact, I believe that that day will come at some point in
the future, when members and Alumni of GMTG will decide to build themselves a
full scale arts network, that will benefit, not only the careers from the Guild
Musical Theatre Group, but many other artists as well. As ambitious as that may
sound, it is now entirely possible, given the huge amount of talent within
GMTG; our genuine passions for the arts; the connections, innovations, and 30
the years of collective experience enjoyed by all our members and Alumni. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This is why I have been so passionate about the networking
between GMTG members and Alumni. Because after everything we’ve achieved, ours
is one group of people, who really can change the way things are done. Think
about the most spectacular show you’ve done with GMTG to date? Yes, that is
what <i>one </i>generation of GMTGers can
do. So if they were all brought together, can you imagine what <i>thirty</i> generations would do? In years to
come, I believe that a full scale arts network will become a reality, and will
be the final stage of GMTG’s evolution.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Starting Small <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
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Right now, of course, we need to focus on the present, and
get the ball rolling. As people have said we’re better off walking before we
run; and the way to do this, is by using this Newsletter, to build a good
relationship between the members and Alumni of GMTG. Our Newsletter is the
perfect way to put us in touch with one another, and allow all of us to tell
our stories. This will give some great insight into the arts and other
professions, told from the point of view of people who do it themselves. After
all, <i>The Stage</i> Magazine and other
publications have been hugely successful in opening doors for their readers’
career opportunities. Granted, this is on a smaller scale, but I know that it
will do a lot to recognise members and Alumni’s achievements, and to point us
in new directions for the future.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And besides, with nearly 30 generations of fun loving
society members, there’s good times to be had, by meeting up again for social
gatherings, and a trip down memory lane. (I’m sure that stories about our
antics, and parties, would probably make a great musical, in themselves!) A
Newsletter for all of us, is a great way to share our stories and memories.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Yes, there will be challenges, and I’m sure we all agree, we
need to be realistic as well as hopeful. For GMTG’s Committee, in years to
come, there may be times when you feel like a lot of effort is being put in,
for very little results. And I’m sure there may be days in the future when you
will wish you’d never taken this on. Keeping the link between members and
Alumni of GMTG, through this newsletter, and other means will probably be as
tough as doing a show – which, as anyone who has been on a production team will
know, is never easy! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like a show, I predict, that those of us who support
this newsletter – from both sides - will have different ideas about how it
should be put together, the content, the people and the purpose. But just like
a show, I can assure you, that the newsletter and the opportunities that
follow, will be more than worth the effort put in, because the rewards will be
far greater. In many ways, this is an opportunity that has been waiting to
happen for years. With the right planning, co-ordination, and effort, I think
we will all be inspired by what it will do. When it really starts to sink in,
how much everyone has achieved, and what we’re involved with, I think this will
change a lot of things for a lot of people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as an Alumnus of GMTG, I fully support this newsletter,
and closer links between members and Alumni. I hope you will too. You once did
an introverted nerd a good favour, by allowing him to be part of an awesome
show, (<i>The Hot Mikado</i> no less!) in
his first year at uni. And the GMTG experience allowed that nerd to grow up to
take part in some amazing events, to achieve an LCM in Musical Theatre and
finally, to write this very article you are reading. So allow me to return the
favour. After nearly 30 years, we have a lot to celebrate. Be you member or
Alumni Fellow Alumni, please feel free to put your stories forward, and I’m
sure we’ll all be amazed at what everyone has done. And trust me: if we keep
the link going between members and Alumni, GMTG’s magic will take it to a whole
new level. You’ll see.</div>
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All the Best</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James M</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alumnus and Former Secretary</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SOURCES</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A Resting Actor’s
Response to ‘Is Acting Today Just Too Tough?’</i> Katie Brennan, Bloody Hell
Brennan [Blog] 2013</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-17534564960270887642015-03-17T18:10:00.001-07:002015-03-17T18:10:34.917-07:00A Newsletter with a Difference<a href="http://letsbuildbridges.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-newsletter-with-difference.html?spref=bl">Let's Build Bridges: A Newsletter with a Difference</a>: A few weeks from now, the student committee of the Guild Musical Theatre Group, should be creating a newsletter with a difference. This ne...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4863413326310357016.post-88048874441913679152014-04-05T09:29:00.002-07:002014-08-31T09:06:07.432-07:00Look in An Orchard: How to Find the People You Need<br />
When organising any event or class, especially for volunteers, the issue always comes up: how do we find the people we need to do this? Ask a group of people in a crowded room, and you'll probably be met with blank stares. So how can you find the right people to take something on?Common sense tells us, that if you want to find an apple tree, look in an orchard. Find people with similar interests, or experiences, who understand what you're trying to do, and the commitment it involves.<br />
<br />
I was once talking to a ballet teacher, who told me, that they always seemed to have trouble finding new members to take part in the classes. This was before the Ballet Boyz made it popular again, and ballet had the same old stigma of being seen as an elitist, (even camp) artform; that the person on the street couldn't relate to. I said as much to the ballet teacher. Fortunately, they have since helped improve its image.<br />
<br />
One other way to bring the people in, that I suggested to him; was to look among the other dance groups, and to offer ballet classes to voluntary students of other styles of dance. After all, dance is dance. The same basic discipline, approach and passion is involved; as I can confirm from working behind the scenes at DanceFest International. The warm ups, the costume issues, were virtually the same for performers of at least 4-5 different styles. So yes, volunteers who are already interested in learning dance are far more likely to be willing recruits to ballet classes.<br />
<br />
In fact, the same logic applies to <i>all</i> organisers, who are looking for people to take part in things, or help run them. For example, the new director of a theatre I know, was asking me where they could find the young people to get involved with the running of behind the scenes operations? Who could they find to be on the committees? I told him, that the best way to find people, is to ask the young people who are already on committees; for example student committee members, who are already active in running things, and who understand the processes and commitment needed to achieve them.<br />
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This could be done in a hundred different scenarios. If you want new organisers for a sports team, ask the members and organisers of existing teams if they are interested in getting involved. Chances are, there'll be members who want a new challenge, or slightly more responsibility, and you're better off asking those who are more interested in taking it on. Another good source of new volunteers and organisers could be the students of nearby colleges and universities. These young people often move into the area, and are keen to try new things. They can be offered membership of clubs and societies, or may have useful ideas to help run them. It's worth asking them.<br />
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The other good source, is of course, the retired professionals, who have the expertise and the time to spare. The amateur theatre societies I know, have a great many organisers with decades of experience, who retired from their day jobs, and decided to start, or help run amateur theatre societies. And of course, they deserve a role to be on stage too, for their efforts! But in all seriousness, this group of people could be a great help to clubs, societies, or events and festivals. At the very least, they would have good advice to offer, from their year of experience.<br />
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So, if you're trying to organise something, and can't get the people in, my advice is to ask the ones who are doing something similar, or who have the same interests. They at least, will understand what you're trying to do, and even if they can't offer their services, they may still have good advice about the people who could.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0