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.