Task 3c - Sources of information

Sources of Information

After long deliberation I have finally chosen my most helpful sources of information. These are the sources that have helped me in my career so far and hopefully will continue to assist me. Everyone is different in what they find helps them, so this will be different form anyone else’s opinions.  The 5 most important sources of information for me are:-

1.       Twitter

2.       Google

3.       Talking to others

4.       Books

5.       YouTube

Twitter

Twitter, for me is the biggest source of information, especially in this day and age as technology is the latest way to stay in touch. The beauty of Twitter is that Theatres, Casting agents and media can tweet and if I am following them, I will receive information on their events or castings. It gives you the opportunity to keep up with live updates from different venues and also keeps you in the know about what is going on in London theatres. Another thing I have recently found useful with Twitter, is that fact that others can follow you. At first I didn’t see this as a source of information, however, I am an actress within the business just like Emma Watson, and so others might be interested in what I am up to. I am following Alex Jones who is a present I aspire to be like and also other presenters who are trying to start out in the business, I feel that this is vital because they are ultimately going to be your competition, so you want to know what they are doing. @eliseCWhyte

Google

Searching the internet via Google can be a helpful source because there is hardly any information that isn’t on the web. Sometimes searching via Google cannot always be accurate because some sites like Wikipedia give everyone the opportunity to place information on people which isn’t always true. However, the majority of evidence found on the web can be of assistance to us who are looking for up and coming work or even information of Celebrities to see what they are up to next. Google is a very general way of finding information but there are sites that you can find off Google that can be more useful.  In fact the Internet in general.  I find sites like CastingCallPro and even Spotlight give us the chance to manage ourselves and find jobs that are suitable for us individually. They are like Social Networking sites specifically made for actors. Other sites like Facebook and The Stage website let you keep in touch with what is going on in the world. Most of the Internet sites that keep you connected are mostly social Networking sites or Web 2.0 sites where you have your own personal profile to advertise yourself. One type of connect I haven’t mentioned is that of the Media. This keeps us up to date with News that is happening now. For example, Ken Russell a well known film director died on the 28 November 2011 with this knowledge, I know he won’t be directing so when looking at current Directors, I will know not to mention him, even though he directed great films. This is why Google is extremely useful, because you can search this information online within minutes and even get live news updates. These sites have really improved my Networking skills. Before, social sites the only way I stayed in touch will people was via email or text and that was a very rare occurrence so I feel that my Networking skills have improved because there is more of an opportunity to Network with others.

Talking to others

Using the old fashioned way of Word of Mouth never seems to let me down. Whenever you do a job, audition or even go to a party you will always speak to someone and the only way to find out what everyone is up to is to talk to them. I recently did some work down at the Globe Theatre and was approached by a group who were looking for Sword fighters. If I hadn’t spoken to her and told her what we were capable of she wouldn’t have known whether we were suitable for the job. You never know who anyone is. On the tube into work, you could be sitting next to a BBC editor or a film director. I have learnt to be careful with what I say as you never know who might be listening but talking to others and finding out about what they do and who they know may be useful. Like they always say it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This is a vital source of Information that we use all the time without realising it. Communities of practice portray a prime example of talking to others as it is a group of people with a common interest who talk about what is going on and how they can improve on the current situation. I am not part of any Communities of Practice, however, after looking how discussing problems with people who understand or share the problem, can be really beneficial in the long run.

Books

In this day and age we don’t see books as something that will help us to find things as it becomes tedious to read through so many books and to also get your hands on it. However, I feel that they are important because you can read them on the move and can focus you to study one task instead of skimming through things on the internet. I find books very difficult to read because every page is just full of words in black ink and even though words inspire me, books don’t. However, I have found books like Contacts, which is a list of agents, Directors and Casting Directors can be an immediate help when looking for representation. It helped me when I first left college as it gives you somewhere to start. Another book that I have found really useful is a book of Actions. It is a book filled with action words of all types. This is a bit strange to some, but when finding my character, I find it helps to have a purpose behind each line and a reason for saying it. By giving each line an action, it helps give the script more dynamics and, in the rehearsal process, can also help find characters. I think to improve my skills; I should read more acting technique books such as The Actor and the Target to get more of an understanding of the different techniques used by Directors.

YouTube

I have never seen YouTube as a contributing factor to performers before, but recently I have found many uses for YouTube such as an audition, show reels and advertisement. I used to thing that YouTube would portray me in the wrong way. I.e. I post videos of myself – I am vain! But this is not the case.  YouTube, when used in the correct way, is an opportunity to broadcast yourself via video, so that people can see you for who you really are. A photo was always useful, but to have video footage of a film or in my case Presenting, it gives that little bit more for the employer to see. I have battled with myself for a while, debating whether YouTube was worth it and I have come to a conclusion that it is a quick and easy way to advertise you. If someone is interested in your work, you can direct them to your YouTube channel where there will be a selection of videos. It gives us another link to add to your website/Spotlight and can help you see what you need to improve on by watching yourself back and also comments left below the video. If I was looking to sing a song, I know that I will most probably find someone singing it on YouTube which gives me the chance to learn a song before rehearsals, if it is a song that I am not very familiar with. It is the most recent addition to my sources of Information but I think it will become more of an asset to me in the future. http://www.youtube.com/user/whytesisters This is my professional YouTube Channel.

Task 3b - Networking Theories

It has taken me 2 weeks to process the reader and look into what it was talking about and I found it really interesting so I have added a few sources of my own finding. I have found that a lot of these theories like to psychology in the way we act around different people (affiliation) and the way we all have needs but in different quantities which makes us unique. Social Constructionism is a great example of how we create our own life and how we choose where we go, we are pulled by other forces which alter our decisions (other people) but in the end it becomes our path. These people are our networks and how we work with them can decide how far we go in the future, it is vital to stay in contact with them and that is why connectivism had become an important part of our lives. We must continue to work with these technologies and networks to succeed. 

Have a read and I hope you enjoy my Networking Theories 

Task 3a - Current Networks

I have been looking into my current Networks and I have discovered that I need to develop my Professional networks to stay in touch with Directors and so that I am accessible to Agents and Casting directors on the internet. I have a variety of Social Networking Platforms which will be useful to me if I had a profession version as well to show myself as being professional and also ready to work. 

Current Networks

Social Networking

An overview of social networking that I acquired from one of the campus sessions from blogs written by fellow BAPP students.

After reading Paula's comment, I have looked into what this diagram actually means to me. I got this information from other blogs and information from Lib guides. I set it  out in this way as I feel this is a clear way of accessing each level of social networking and how it helps me within my line of work.The originators created these sites for us to use but the most vital part of my diagram is the bottom section as it portrays the benefits of using such technologies for applying for jobs. The most important thing for me would be the instant response from Casting Directors as a change can happen on the day of auditions, so it is good to be in the know. However, when wanting to get auditions it is vital to be able to publicise yourself and get yourself seen on sites such as Spotlight and Casting Call Pro. This diagram has helped me see clearly in steps, what I can do to make myself more aware of the different programs available for me to use so that I can advertise and use the technology to my advantage.  

Task 3d - Inquiry

Inquiry

I have done a spider diagram of the themes that have been discovered over my practice to date. These are taken from my diary and from rehearsals that have become recurring themes through the past month. I feel that a spider diagram is the best way to show the themes.

It seems that all my themes link in someway or another, which is quite interesting and it will be nice to see as one changes, i.e. stress, how will it effect the other elements. My line of inquiry is how one change can effect a variety of factors. Are all themes linked or do they end up linking because the themes are that common?

 What in your daily practice gets you really enthusiastic to find out more about? Who do you admire who also works with what makes you enthusiastic?

I would have to say that at present, I am really enthusiastic about doing my panto because it is my first one since leaving college. I was ecstatic when i found out we were to tour up to a theatre in Manchester. It is a great opportunity to show Panto skills and get the full experience from doing a Panto in the final week before Christmas. as they say, Christmas is best celebrated with children! Another thing that I am enthusiastic about is the different techniques used by Directors to enthuse the actors to work together to produce the Director’s vision. Some use methods such as Declan Donnellan  who uses techniques such as stopping total block when on stage. He quotes ‘the life of an actor is not all fame and applause’ which shows that you should stay level headed if you want to succeed. Other director’s use their own methods of workshop and memory exercises to help stimulate the mind and therefore help remember cues and lines. I would love to inquire further into different techniques used by Directors. Do different techniques help different actors? Which technique best suits me?


What gets you angry or makes you sad? Who do you admire who shares your feelings or has found away to work around the sadness or anger?



What really irritates me and gets on my nerves is when people disrespect rehearsals and mess around. I just don’t understand what they think they are going to achieve by ‘partying’ in the rehearsal time. It really upsets me when you are given a note to work on and improve and then nothing is said to illustrate how much you have improved. This happened to me last week, when I had worked considerable hard on an unarmed sword fight. We strived to be as good as the boys but everyone thought we weren’t going to succeed. Luckily for us we received Recommendation (90%) which equalled the boys level, only to be brought back to reality by being told we didn’t know the fight and weren’t capable of doing it. This made me angry and sad, as we had both deserved the same respect as the boys and it was obvious we knew the routine, but we weren’t allowed to demonstrate it in performance. It is such a horrible feeling but its great to have my sister to share these feelings with and someone who understands and can relate to it. It makes it easier to digest and to use it to make me stronger. My friend read me a quote from the bible earlier that said ‘I have learnt to be content what ever the circumstances’. Even if you don’t follow religion, I believe this is a very valid quote as it helps you tune out of anger and into happiness. http://bible.cc/philippians/4-11.htm. Do you have to follow the religion to believe a something is a valid point? Is is better to share feelings of anger, even if it might upset someone else?




 What do you love about what you do? Who do you admire who also seems to love this or is an example of what you love?





In my profession it is difficult to name something that I love. I truly love it. From working in an office to get the money in to making small props to help with the running of the Company to the true excitement of performing in front of a live audience. However, the thrill doesn’t stop there. I am an aspiring presenter and because of this, I also enjoy filming and working along side my sister. I love the relaxed nature of it and the realism behind it. I get to be me for a change which is a complete contrast to acting. This is why I aspire towards people like Richard Hammond. He started his career as a radio presenter, then went on to bigger and better things like co-hosting Top Gear and now independently presents programmes. This inspires me to go for gold and follow my ambitions. However, I also want to be able to act along with presenting, because I don’t want to lose something that I love doing. If you put Richard Hammond and David Tennant together, you will see where my dreams lie. I like to aim high. It is really strange but someone who has inspired me to be ambitious was a guy who cut my hair not too long ago. He has built up his own business and now has an amazing salon that does photo shoots and all. He is extremely down to earth but he is doing what he loves and wouldn’t change it for the world. I can see his ideas for his salon are going to be a complete success in the future. http://www.slaughter-house.co.uk/ Is it possible to be a presenter and actress and still be respected in both professions?


What do you feel you don’t understand? Who do you admire who does seem understand it or who has found a way of making not understanding it interesting or beautiful, or has asked the same questions as you?



Trying to find something within the business that I don’t understand. I didn’t understand being self-employed but now I do. I didn’t understand tax but now I do. So I guess these days I don’t understand how people cope with the long hours of rehearsing and performing everyday and being able to get chores and household tasks done. Let alone socialising. I come home from a day rehearsing after getting up at 6- I arrive home at 8pm to then work on things that need attention, like washing and cleaning. how do people do it, for me it is a very challenging thing, especially for being able to have the energy to last through energetic rehearsals then work on chores. In practice the main thing I would have said that I don’t understand would be the exact technique to control the voice and I feel that this is vital in this profession. During the winter months you must care for your health and voice to make sure they stay strong and you don’t attract illness. But the most important thing with the voice is to know when enough is enough. However, when singing, even though  can master tilt and belt, I still struggle to understand the method behind it. It happens without me trying to understand it and I like to understand things.
Katherine Jenkins is a fantastic singer and seems to understand the detail behind producing the prefect sound and must have had the same complications as me about not understanding the full thoughts behind singing. I would like to know whether its essential to know the ins and outs of singing before creating the perfect sound?

Learning cycle

I was just thinking about my rehearsal tomorrow and what it entailed. I have to perform the panto for all the other groups who are learning it this week! This made me think about Kolb's learning cycle. I struggled to understand the concept of it and how it works for me but today I realised that his cycle is used everyday in rehearsals but in a less complicated form. By performing my show to other members of the cast I have entered the learning process at this stage of rehearsals at concrete experience as i am learning from doing! However because i already know the script and blocking i am learning using Abstract conceptualisation because I will be learning from the experience! Also the audience members will be entering the cycle at Abstract conceptualisation because they are Learning from the experience as well. I will then be given notes and feedback where I will continue to follow the cycle around! It seems complicated but as soon as you understand it, it all seems so simple. Which brings me back to the point of knowledge and learning experience as I didn't understand the cycle, I couldn't learn from it and therefore gain knowledge but now I have learnt from the cycle and understand it and have a conscious idea of it I can now gain experience an knowledge from it. Basically all learning is a cycle- bigger than kolb's - because we are constantly learning from experiences.

Task 2c - reflective theory

Ok, I have definitely talked a lot on reflective theory, so it is very long but I wanted to get all my ideas across on the different methods of reflecting. I got a little confused on certain sections like knowledge, but after re-reading and looking at other blogs, I believe that I finally gained knowledge on knowledge! (see what I mean). Anyway, please have a read, I would be grateful for any comments, even if you don't get all the way through it.

Task 2c Reflective Theory

Thank you

My performance Graph

During a performance of A Pirate's Adventure, I decided to record my feelings down. This graph shows my nerves, concentration and performance levels.

I wanted to see how my nerves and concentration affected my performance and from the graph you can see it does. My nerves at the beginning of the show boosted my performance levels but as my nerves became less I became more confident and i became more involved in the character and show meaning that my concentration levels were stronger. My performance levels and concentration levels almost mirror each other showing to create a strong performance you have to be focused. However, from this graph I can tell that this wasn't one of my best performances as my performance level wasn't at 100% for the majority of the performance and this was because I wasn't fully focused and therefore not developing into the character and giving my all.  Also my nerve levels were higher than usual creating a strange balance between all factors, meaning I could have been over trying. I completely agree with this chart as, although it was good and strong performance it wasn't one of the best I have done. I will have to analyse my next performance to compare.

A day in the life of my Iphone

After being inspired by Jess Hay's blog on the Journal entry through the eyes of her laptop. I was given the inspiration to try out an object myself as I did it through the eyes of a person before. So here goes...

Monotonously I bleep until finally she realises that she has to actually get up out of bed and turn me off. I just don't understand why she sets 5 alarms in the morning when she is woken up by the first bleep. I watch her fumble through her morning routine (which is always the same) until she unplugs me and hides me somewhere safe. Although, I know as soon as she is out of the house she will take me out to see if she has received any emails or tweets. She is so predictable in the mornings but I can tell she isn't fully awake until her morning cup of tea. She is like a zombie until then. She gets so intrigued when I have new emails and always hopes from something exciting but I can tell this morning was the usual rush of groupon vouchers for hair cuts. Eventually we make it to the train station where I am joined by my good friend the oyster card. And for the entire 1 hour journey we are never parted. It's nice to catch up with fellow oyster card but sometimes we get a bit too close. During the journey Elise passes her time by locking and unlocking the home screen to see if anything exciting has happened, even though it is blatantly obvious there is no signal on the underground.
Finally, we arrive at rehearsals and I get a rest while she rehearses.. I enjoy watching her attempt different scenes and uses trial and error to improve them and even though it doesn't work out every time she seems to learn from her mistakes. From this I can see how much here job means to her and she even encroaches into her lunch time to make sure she finishes that scene. When I received a missed call from the Hurricane Office, Elise looked extremely worked and kept trying to create scenarios of why they were calling. She looked so panicked and when she eventually plucked up the courage to call them back, she realised all the worrying was for no reason as it was a simple question of  ' do you this person'. After that I was placed back in the bag to recover from being squeezed with tension.
I always know when it is Lunch time form the abrupt snatching out of the back and the instant cluching and speedy dash to the store. I love this time of day as I get to meet up with my old friend Ms Purse. We never catch up very often, only during rehearsals. However,  I was shocked to see Ms Purse looking a bit on the thin side, Elise must not have been paid yet, I feel so sorry for her when she doesn't have enough money as her whole persona is down in the dumps and is very careful with everything she wears.
I was relieved when rehearsals started back up again as I was put on the side and got to observe Elise's rehearsals an performances. She is developing her character, but  she seems to be stressing and therefore confusing herself. Keeping calm is something for her to keep in mind, it works for me! I was a little upset when Elise was told to treat the rehearsal like a performance as this is sometimes hard to do when you haven't got an audience, especially when its very interactive. Although, she should keep her stamina up, even though it was her third performance of the day without an audience with two more times to perform it. I could tell she was tired, but I feel she sometimes doesn't give it her all as she is scared to be herself (well I should know because I get all the gossip behind closed doors). I am guessing she doesn't want to be better than her sister as Seren got the job first.
The journey home wasn't as playful and interesting as usual as she spent the trip home discussing possible presenting ideas. I was a little annoyed at this as I had waited for Elise all day and then she just left me in her bag! It annoys me that she is constantly working - her mind is never at rest which I find weird because even as her Iphone, I get time off.  The best part of the day for me was the evening as it was spent catching up with friends and parents. It is so exciting to finally be useful and i could tell that Elise was enjoying hearing from loved ones. It is nice for her to stay in touch with those she doesn't see very often. Bed time was finally here, where I was plugged back into the wall and set for 7 am with five different alarms.