Time for some critical reflection

As Module 2 is coming to a close, I start to look back over my time on this course. I can say with confidence that I have already learnt a lot. I have been introduced to many different learning techniques that are helping me understand the practitioner that I want to be. I have found that the Critical Reflection essay from the second module has really helped me evaluate my learning development, which is a technique that I will take forward into my professional career.

How has writing a blog helped you?

Over the last few months, I have been tasked with writing this blog, which challenges my usual learning and reflecting habits. It provides some alone time, which is good - even at a time like this. I have used this time to express my thoughts into words (something I am REALLY not used to); at first it was strange and difficult, but I can truly see the benefit of it now. As someone never really 'with the words' it gives me chance to practice writing and putting my thoughts down on paper, to which I have actually seen an improvement in my formal written work. It is also nice for it to be open for response and feedback that we don't get from our own thoughts, and sometimes, I have found myself deep in thought, especially over the past few weeks.

Is lockdown a time for reflection?

Lockdown is affecting us all in different ways and it is taking a particular toll on our mental health. However, there are some positives that can come out of this situation; as busy as I have been with work, this course, and home renovations, I have been given a lot more time at home and with my partner. I am learning to appreciate the smaller things and taking advantage of the support and time that I have at home. So, I am thinking positive and aiming high for the next few months that will lead into the third and final module!

Stay positive and aim high!

As part of the inquiry, I plan to write a learning journal in the form of another blog with the main aim to benefit of the project. I am much more confident when writing these posts, so perhaps I will continue with this valuable method of reflection into my career. And now, as I reflect on that (!), it realise that it makes good sense. So even if failure of this course is an option (I hope not), I will still be able to take away the lessons that I have learnt and the tools that I have acquired.

I am grateful for this entire learning opportunity - whatever it brings!

Organisational code of practice

Last week I successfully shared the draft of my portfolio with my supervisor. It took hours to get it to a satisfactory standard, but it has been a huge relief to send it off for feedback.

Throughout the inquiry proposal, I have talked heavily about the topic of ethics and how questions arise during the preparation of research in the form of ethical considerations; this will come as no surprise to those of you who are studying the same course as me. I discussed ethics in a blog last year during ACI3611, however, this module focuses on the ethical procedures too. In my proposal essay I state:

'From conducting this inquiry proposal, I have acknowledged that ethics should always be at the forefront of any professional activity.'

This has highlighted that each practice and profession make a range of considerations, some with different levels of importance, and all can lead to varying methods of ethical procedures - even in the same field.

So how does this appear whilst comparing organisations or productions?

My organisation is primarily based in an office and follows a code of practice to other similar offices; we have a HR department that deals with sensitive and confidential information, or anything that engages ethics, which dictates the way certain situations are treated. In my experience, this is a fairly standard practice, however, my professional practice stretches further than those contained within the office building, where strong and regular interactions with artists, creatives and affiliated companies or partners are concerned. These relationships are not necessarily moderated but they do need maintaining for the benefit of the organisation and business.

I have noted that artists and industry workers are usually protected by the performers and creative practitioners union, Equity (depending on the contract), and more specifically there is the SOLT/BECTU agreement, which controls most of the ethical topics that arise in West End theatres.

The considerations that we are left with in the theatre industry can be related to casting, equality, diversity, diplomacy, fraternisation, pay and expense, health and safety, audience etiquette, theatre accessibility, animal and child welfare, etc. Most of these areas usually arise as a result from an action or decision made by either production or artist that has a direct affect on the other. This is where ethics comes in; we either have to preempt unethical situations from occurring or deal with them if they do.

What area of your practice do you feel requires the most amount of ethical considerations?

The procedures we follow must follow current legislation and any contractual agreements, but also should reflect well on organisation and production. Mistreating of artists, employees or professional relationships could be detrimental to a business, which I believe this to be one of the main reasons that 'bad names' are made in the industry. Therefore, I would argue the point that ethical considerations should always be at the forefront of any professional activity.