Module 1 is coming to a close

With two weeks to go until the final submission date for module one, I begin to reflect on the last 10 weeks to see what I have learnt...

I can proudly say that I understand myself a lot better, and I am starting to develop strategies within my professional practice to tackle how I can utilise my time more efficiently. I have been working on my social skills within a working environment to enable me to form stronger professional networks and relationships. My confidence is growing each week and I believe that I just need to keep focused on my career goals in order to progress further in this field.

This week, I took part in some work experience on Monday evening at Phantom of the Opera, where I spent the evening with the Company Manager. It was reassuring to hear that her background was mainly in production administration and she didn't progress through Stage Management like so many others. I was inspired by her story and she provided wonderful advice that I can take forth on my own journey. In particular, I have taken on board that being a Company Manager involves a lot of empathy and understanding of others. Perhaps a qualification in social psychology wouldn't go unnoticed or even taking a course in mental health first aid, which could even be obtained through my current employer!

These are the lessons that I have learnt from this experience.

1. Trust in my own ability achieve what I set out to do
2. Consider a variety of career paths that can help me achieve my goals
3. Try to loosen my grip on control - just go with the flow... sometimes
4. Build my skillset to make myself more desirable
5. Seize every opportunity I come across, in order to gain as much experience as possible
6. Persevere and don't give up!

From last week's Skype session, I feel much more at ease with the assignment. I gain comfort knowing that others are having the same doubts or struggles that I am. Discussing each part of the portfolio with the tutors and other students has given me inspiration to be more creative with the Diagram. I have begun to experiment with ways I can display this piece of work and form more a interesting design that I will come to submit.

Creative writing is my strong suit, and I have spent many hours stressing over the essay; especially as it has been many years since my last piece of writing. I was determined to overcome this challenge and I feel my motivation has brought me through; self belief is truly a skill that we should all learn.
I am now at a comfortable position with my work, and I truly grateful for the learning experience of this first module.

Now I await the feedback from my first draft, take on any recommendations and power through to the end of the chapter.

Motivation gets you started and habit lets you carry on

When life seems too much, with lots to do and not enough time, instead of tackling each issue head on, we can be overwhelmed with low self esteem and procrastination begins. There are many distractions in the world and it can seem tricky to decide which is more important, so we just lie on the sofa and watch Netflix and it seems impossible to get motivated again... Here are some ways I have found to boost my own morale.

There is a message that appears on the screens at my gym, and I thought of it this morning as I walked to the gym. Just the idea of doing a work out seemed like such a difficult task because I haven't been for several weeks, but this message helped me revive the determination within.

'Motivation gets you started and habit let's you carry on'

I like to regularly work out - it releases endorphins and makes me feel better about myself, and that I have actually achieved something that. Although, I have recently had an injury from which I needed to recover, and added pressure from this course that has taken a lot of my time requiring me to study, I have had the stress of buying a house, and I attempting to start additional work experience to improve my chances of a new role at work - so I have not been very motivated recently. So, I convinced myself that if I can get through this first session, each time after that will just be habit!

Losing motivation made it difficult to find the 'want' to go back to the gym, and I have often felt guilty when I wasn't focusing one of the current major challenges. However, I have come to realise that I should still be taking time for myself; relaxing or doing the smaller things that make me feel good - anything that doesn't put too much pressure on myself to achieve.

What do you do to relax, make you feel good or helps clear your mind?

It is always thrust upon us that we should be constantly doing things to better ourselves and made to feel guilty when we take the time to relax, but remember we need these moments to recharge to improve our concentration and chance of success.

I have realised that there will always be challenges to face; some big and some small, but despite the size of the challenge, I have found that each one should be approached in the same way: It should not be viewed as an entire mountain to climb in one go, but broken down into manageable chunks. Taking each step at a time can make these huge problems seem easy.

How do you tackle the big challenges in life?

I like to make a 'to do' list. The process of ticking each task off fills me with a sense of achievement and encourages me to keep going. This is one of my favourite ways to improve my motivation. I am trying to look at the a big challenges in the same way, by giving myself milestones - small goals to work towards so the destination doesn't seem so far away. Then before I know it, I am done. And I think 'What was all the fuss about'?

Connectivism and web 2.0

As I reflect on this week, I realise that my focus has been on the formal modes of learning and research - i.e. books and articles. It's all relative, but I, along with many others (I presume), find it difficult to stay focused when these are the only forms of learning. I thought to myself "I need a variety of learning styles...", and that's when the penny dropped. Connectivism. How could I be so ignorant?

Does anyone else find it tough to stay motivated when just reading?

Taking this forward, I should start to explore social networking sites whilst researching - looking for blogs and videos, and reading the comments will give my learning diversity. Then, I can use this new source of information to make connections with my own practice, and apply this knowledge in discussions or meetings with friends or colleagues.

For example...

A new musical comes town. There will only be so much time I can spend reading the facts of the show - the synopsis, the music, the cast, the creatives, the theatre, the run, etc. So, once I have retained enough information on the topic, I should channel my energy into the unfamiliar, jump on the internet and get lost down a Youtube hole; reading the comments and making connections as I go.

However, reading the comments is usually as far as I tend to go. My willingness to participate usually sticks its head in the sand, and the fear of being judged, misread or mocked overwhelms me and I move onto the next post. This may be a personality issue, but it seems to be connected, but I believe it is a technique I should work to overcome.

My participation in Web 2.0 is lacking confidence, and because of the theoretical concept of connectivism, I believe I could benefit from taking part in online discussions. Contributing my own thoughts, ideas and opinions will benefit my learning experience from the responses I then receive back.

Do any of you have have any issues holding you back from participating online? If so, what are they?

I was reluctant to start a blog for this course - writing out my thoughts, ideas, or experiences seems quite alien and unnatural. However, it is beginning to train me to express myself in new ways, and use the internet to interact with educational topics of interest. Web 2.0 may be considered as 'a highly contested and extensively debated concept', but I am beginning to understand the benefits, see it for all that all it's worth.

Ethics in theatre

I find the social construct of ethics a fascinating topic; it is widely discussed in the theatre industry and invites a lot of questions and opinions. In the progressive world we live in today, with ever changing opinions about what is considered right and wrong, it's difficult to forget that others have different thoughts and varying standards of what is acceptable. However, when something truly touches a nerve, it can be quite difficult to keep your opinion to yourself.

From researching, discussing or even just thinking about this topic recently, I have discovered that disagreements occur on a daily basis - some just seem to be more newsworthy than others. Depending on the source that sparks the question of ethics, it can result in a varying degree of consequences on the individual or organisation, which can often lead to abuse, hatred and diminishment. On the other hand, it can cause an influx of support and it potentially could effect change within a particular field.

These are some of the discussions and articles I have discovered recently.

https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2019/the-color-purple-writer-alice-walker-on-seyi-omooba-playing-celie-while-not-believing-in-her-right-to-be-loved-would-be-a-betrayal-of-womens-right-to-be-free/

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/181412/who-do-you-think-you-are-broadway-star-patti-lupone-takes-on-audience-texting-at-shows-for-days/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/aug/15/outrage-at-disney-casting-jack-whitehall-to-play-a-gay-character-is-misguided

Ethical discussions can be stimulated by actions or words from anyone associated with the industry (from audience members to dressers, writers to stage crew, producers to musicians) on a range of topics, such as: sexuality, etiquette, race, gender, class, money, and many more.

What kind of ethical discussions have arisen in your field of practice, and what are your thoughts on them?

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In the second lens of the ACI3611 Module Handbook: Reflection, Ethics and Reflexivity, it states that:

Ethical Considerations: when you think about something in terms of how it has been, or can be affected, by something else. In order to imagine different way something can be affected by something else you need to involve:

• Questioning your own assumptions about the situation
• Using your imagination to be able to see more than one perspective
• Involving empathy to see more than one experience of the same thing
• Questioning what is considered the 'norm'.
• Challenging the way history might have depicted a situation

Ethical Procedures: what you do to to attempt not to have a detrimental effect on people.

The considerations stated above have been useful when reading and reviewing ethical discussions as part of the portfolio, but are also practical tools that I believe I could apply to any social interaction and to my professional development.

A week of reflection and learning

Recently, I have taken the time to reflect on my current professional practice: Where am I? How did I get here? Where do I see myself in 5 years time? Asking myself questions has been a great way to reflect. It has taught me to look inwards more often to find answers; however being careful not to be too self-critical with the questions. Reflection is an important part of development; I can see it gives me the opportunity to learn more about my experiences and my desires, and I will definitely spend more time 'reflecting'.

It was my first time visiting the University this week and, in a bid to expand my methods of learning, I took the opportunity to venture into the library. I was unconfident that I would find many relative books or any that could help me at all, however I stumbled across some interesting titles:

1. Producing & the theatre business: Working in the theatre
2. Making contemporary theatre
3. Making a performance

Although these may not be useful for this module, they will still provide some interesting reads for future development.

Going to the theatre to see shows, to observe or to critique, is a great alternative method of learning. The company I work for has a scheme where they will pay for our theatre tickets, providing we write a review afterwards. I think this is a clever investment to allow staff to experience parts of the industry and feedback what they find. It also gives the company a more detailed view on the industry and current shows, whilst educating staff too. It has even changed the way I normally watch performances and made me think like a critic; questioning casting choices, finding what production methods work/doesn't work, and discovering new designs and different ideas. I hope applying this way of thinking to my practice will be beneficial, as producing a decent show should be appreciated by the audience and, possibly even more importantly, the critics.

On this scheme, I recently went to see Six the Musical at the Arts Theatre, London. Here is my review:

I had high expectations for Six, and it really didn't disappoint. I had already listened to the soundtrack on repeat round the house, but this was incomparable to the stage performances of the reimagined wives of Henry VIII.
When six sexy silhouettes entered the empty, smoky stage wearing promiscuous, black renaissance-style dress, I knew I was in for a treat. Each wife sang in turn telling their story (I actually learnt a lot), and attempting to outdo the others for who got it worse from King Henry - it was introduced as a sort of competition and left me hoping for a flexible finale; the possibility of having six different endings, depending on who won. However, a couple of numbers from the end, the queens came together and put aside their quarrels; they realised they are more than just 'wives' in a rhyme - that actually, the 16th century king is only famous because of them, which has totally reviewed this part of history.
I didn't expect to be taken on so much of a journey; the opening number 'Ex-Wives' brought the show to life with non-stop dancing, and we travelled to Germany and back with an interesting electro number 'Haus of Holbein'. The stage was oozing with energy, character and emotion; even the ballad 'Heart of Stone' almost brought me to tears. It would have been hard to escape the powerful vocals and impeccable choreography; I felt like I was at a concert for the newest girl group in town. It wasn't until after the show, I was told each wife is based on current divas (Beyonce, Lilly Allen, Adele, Rhianna, Arianna Grande, and Alicia Keys), adding another interesting layer to this fantastic show.
Between songs, the six performers showed perfect comedic timing through their dialogue, and bickered like a girl group back stage getting ready for the next number. The cleverly written historical references were not lost on the audience, and there were enough distractions for the younger members of the audience to allow the occasional innuendo and censored word to slyly slip through.
The all-female band, visible at the back of the stage, were introduced at the start of the show, and brilliantly accentuated the womanly presence on stage. They provided a variety of music, even incorporating references to the familiar 'Green Sleeves' melody, and left me happily singing most of the tracks for the past week. My absolute favourite is the title song 'Six', which perfectly brought an end to the show. During this number, the whole audience were on their feet; dancing, applauding, whistling and cheering for more!
After a short 70-minute blast of full feminine power, I left the theatre feeling utterly satisfied. I will definitely be returning to this history lesson.

Please tell me what you have been to see recently, and what you thought of the show...

However, learning isn't just sat in a classroom, reading a book or scrolling through Wikipedia at 2am; it's ANY kind of interaction. I have found my approach to learning tends to be quite passive, and I often rely on situations that happen by chance to teach me about my practice. There are so many other ways to to learn, and proactive learning is incredibly important. So, as good as observation and reading can be, I need to focus on these methods of learning. This week I will be reaching out to other professionals to initiate a discussion; talking about their profession will teach me about their roles within the industry, and inevitably my own practice.

What other approaches of learning do you undertake? Which ones do you benefit from the most?

The adventure begins...

After our introductory Skype sessions last weekend, I feel a lot more at ease about what is required for each module and how I can apply aspects of the course to areas of my practice. Over the past week, I have started to plan the next 18 months of my life, which seems a lot, but it's the best way I can stay organised. I am starting this journey with focus, commitment and determination, and I have taken the advice given in last week's Skype session, by Helen and other students from modules 2 and 3; regularly refer to the programme and module handbooks, and use this blog as a platform share my thoughts, ideas, experiences, questions, discoveries and research, with the prospect of developing my learning whilst helping others to do the same.    

During the first week of module 1, I have had time to reflect on my place within the industry. Completing the 'study plan' was the perfect starting point, and it asked great questions to get the ball rolling. Firstly, it took me right to the source of my learning; the reason I am here - What are your goals? - forcing me to think of why I chose to apply for the course and what I actually want to achieve. These goals will be the source of my motivation in each module.    

Originally starting in the world of dance and theatre performance, I have now found myself in the world of musical theatre production. At first, it was a new world I never thought I would be part of. I feel like I have taken a leap into the unknown with a small grip on my past. After only being introduced to this practice 3 years ago I am still very much a novice, so describing this practice was difficult. Putting it into words was something I hadn't ever thought about before; it was a great exercise to fully deconstruct my practice.     

The study plan also made me consider other points, such as: How often I would research and use my blog; how my preferred learning styles work best for me; and, when/how I plan to use my one-to-one tutorial, draft work and feedback. However, one of the best points it asked was: What are three tips you need to remind yourself of, in order to get the best out of your study and experience? - so simple, yet so effective. My answers were:  

• To trust my instincts, and allow passion to be my main source of motivation. 
• Focus on the bigger picture – don’t get caught up on the smaller details. 
• Try not to be too self-critical – perfection is a journey and not a destination. 

Something I can refer to and help throughout my journey. Perhaps others will benefit from these tips too.   

Please comment if you have any other inspiring tips...

All of these introductory questions have already started my thought process on the first module 'Establishing Professional Practice'. As the first module introduces theories on reflective practices, modes of learning and communication, I will be asking myself these questions this week:  

1. What does my practice currently manifest as? 
2. What approach do I take to learning? 
3. What alternative ways could I develop my learning? 
4. How can network theory and connectivism help? 
5. What potential does my practice have? 
6. What reflective practises do I undertake? 
7. What ethics are involved? 
8. How does my practice relate to my other educational and professional experiences? 

I would be great to know what you all think - please share your answers, and/or any of your own questions.