#I still need to get headshots and update my resume and find my shoes and practice entering the room bc I just found out that slating | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

hanahodsonlma31 · 6 years ago

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WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PERFORMER

For anyone that wishes to pursue a career in the performing arts industry needs to possess and display certain skills and talents. Without these skills and talents, an actor, dancer or musician may fail to progress in the industry. The industry is very competitive so those who fail to make an impression will not get far. Some performers specialise in one single discipline, whereas other performers are multi-skilled. Multi-skilled candidates are more likely to be hired than those who only specialise in one discipline as they can be of more use. Candidates who have been to stage school will often be able to show off a wide range of different performance skills. Candidates who have not been professionally trained may need to be more selective about the roles that they apply for” (Musicalstages.co.uk, 2019).

As a performer it is important for me to research into possible career routes for once I have left university. Having trained as a dancer since I was little, then having trained as a musical theatre practitioner for the past 5 years there are quite a few options available such as;

Cruise Ships

Abroad Entertainment Reps

Dance Teacher

West End Jobs

CRUISE SHIPS

There are a lot of cruise ships that hire performers for onboard entertainment, to begin with, I researched into a range of cruise companies, for example;

The Royal Caribbean

P&O Cruises

Princess Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Disney Cruises

REQUIREMENTS

According to Cruisejobfinder.com below is a list of the requirements needed to be able to work on a cruise line as a performer.

Advanced dancers that have technical training along with strong jazz, ballet, tap and Musical Theatre techniques.

Additional skills of gymnastics, flying/web, ballroom, partnering and acting would be a plus

Height requirements slightly vary between the different cruise lines and production show companies, but in general, are: Height requirements slightly vary between the different cruise lines and production show companies, but in general are:

Female Dancers must be 5'3"-5'9" (1.62 m - 1.80 m) in height

Male Dancers must be 5'8"-6'3" (1.77 m - 1.92 m) in height

INTERVIEW PROCESS

The interview process for a cruise line will always involve some sort of live audition, however, some cruise lines and production show companies will accept YouTube or email video submissions, others will insist on hard copy (DVD) video, photograph and resume submissions mailed to their postal addresses.

LIVE AUDITION

A normal audition process is a live one. This is where applicants turn up and are taught a short dance combination. Applicants are then shortlisted and may be offered callbacks, for dancing or singing.“ We were all taught a routine that we had to learn quickly and then dance in front of the theatre director and choreographer from the cruise line. The audition process lasted about 10 hours” (Cruisejobfinder.com, n.d.).

VIDEO AUDITION

According to Cruisejobfinder.com below is a list of what is necessary to include within a video audition;

Record a combination across the floor showing what you can do as a dancer. Be sure to display as much technique and extension as possible. The best idea is to include different routines, as many, as you can - Lyrical Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Contemporary Pop, Tap, kicks, Russians, leaps, turns, pirouettes.

Males can also show switch or scissors, switch seconds, tumbling and tap (triple time step or combo), females - pointe work if comfortable on pointe and tap (triple time step or combo).

Any additional abilities shown on the video footage would be a plus - pointe work, tumbling, acrobatics, Ballroom and Latin dance.

Group footage can be accepted, however, it should show who you are very clear.

If you submit a video audition it is important to ensure to supply a full body headshot, an updated resume that includes all of your performances, height and up to date contact information including an email address. This way, someone is able to contact you if you are successful or for any callback auditions. If you are not successful, casting agents are able to hold your information or may put you on their ‘Books’ for 6 months. This is where if they have any jobs that you are suitable for they are able to offer you them.

DUTIES

What duties you are required to fulfil working on a cruise line.

- Reports to the Cast Performance Manager and to the Cruise Director

- Perform the required shows approved by the Director of Entertainment of the cruise line or by the Production Company Manager (in case the show is not produced "in-house")

- Due to the nature of the job, the Show Dancer must maintain weight restrictions according to his/her contract

- Performs in Production Shows specifically created by or for the cruise line

- Perform any of the production segments during a cruise as scheduled by the Cruise Director

- Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all company’s production shows costumes

- Maintains a cleaned and organised dressing room and backstage area (Shopov, n.d.).

ABROAD ENTERTAINER REP

RJP SALOU - RJP is an entertainment company that was started up in 1998 by Rodney James Piper a managing director. “He still performs as a magician, mind reader and hypnotist for special events around the world and is regarded highly by his peers in the magical world” (Rjpgroup.org, n.d.).

AUDITION PROCESS

To apply you have to fill in an application form, where then you are given an auditions slot.

What interested me about this application form is that they don’t ask for any experience before you apply, they just ask for information that will make you stand out.

“Each and every one of our animators are sourced from 5 audition processes and are brought together in Salou for an intense 2-week training course where they are taught the fundamental skills they will need to be the best entertainers they can be. Our teams of animators are able to embrace the clientèle and adapt their skills to suit the style required. This style may have to be changed up to 3 times per season in one hotel to embrace the clientele change throughout the year” (Rjpgroup.org, n.d.).

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

Do you have an amazing personality with bags of energy?

Do you have a natural rapport with the public?

Do you want to spend an amazing summer in Spain making our guest holiday the best ever?

We are on the lookout for unique and talented all-around entertainers to work within our large team. Our team is famous for delivering our exciting and dynamic mix of both daytime and evening entertainment in sunny Spain.

You will be required to present daily events, water tournaments, game shows but most importantly give our guest a holiday like no other – RJP style

You can apply to be a performer, a holiday rep, a waiter, a chef, bar staff, lead vocalists - there are lots of opportunities with this rep company. There is also a lot more, entertainment companies, this is just one I was very familiar with as I am a frequent visitor to Salou.

WEST END

The west end tends to hold a few auditions every year, however, some are open some are closed auditions. Closed means you can only attend if you have been sought out. All auditions are held by casting directors. “If you are interested in auditioning for a show and are not represented by an agent, then it is worth finding out who handles the casting for the production you are keen to be seen for. This information can be found by reading the programme of the show or visiting the website of the production, where the details of the casting director are listed” (Broadwayworld.com, n.d.).

AUDITION PROCESS

As every audition process will be different depending on the style of musical, I decided to look into the Lion King. The Lion King is holding for auditions in November 2019.

WHAT TO PREPARE

Singers - Performers need to prepare a contemporary rock, pop or gospel song and are asked to bring along sheet music for their song, written in the appropriate key; and presented in a manageable way for the pianist. Backing tapes are not permitted. Performers should arrive early and make sure that they have warmed up vocally prior to their audition.

Dancers - Dancers do not need to prepare a dance routine for the audition. However, dancers should arrive early for the audition in order to do their own physical warm up. They should wear comfortable clothing that does not hide the dancer's physique should be worn. Flat jazz shoes or bare feet are suggested. Men are encouraged to bring trainers and women should bring pointe shoes, if they have them. Dancers should have a contemporary rock or a pop song, with sheet music prepared in case they are short-listed.

It’s interesting to see that dancers have to provide a song even if they are just applying for a role as a dancer, meaning that my rep folder should be up to date for these and that I should always prepare a song for dance auditions just in case.

AUDITION PROCESS FOR DANCERS

Dance auditions usually take place in two major phases: initial auditions and then call-backs to the International Creative Team.

1. Initial Auditions

The auditions are advertised in newspapers, online, via agents and contact lists.

At the initial audition, dancers may be seen on separate women's or men's days, or at mixed sessions. All dancers arrive at the beginning of auditions to register and are then auditioned during the day.

A short dance sequence adapted from THE LION KING is taught to the dancers by the Resident Dance Supervisor or Dance Captains. Dancers are assessed on their versatility and technique. At the end of each session, unsuccessful dancers are notified and the successful dancers are asked to continue with the next session or asked to come back later in the day. By the end of the audition day the short-listed dancers remain. They may be asked to do another sequence from the show and sing for the Music Director.

2. Call-backs

Short-listed dancers are notified of their call-back to dance for the International Creative Team. These auditions follow much the same pattern as the initial auditions. At the end of this audition day male and female dancers are brought together for a final audition for evaluation by the international creative team.

AUDITION PROCESS FOR SINGERS & ACTORS

Auditions for singers and actors take place in three stages: Initial Auditions, Call-backs & Coaching and Final Auditions with the International Creative Team.

1. Initial Auditions

Auditions are advertised in newspapers, online, via agents and contact lists.

Auditionees are requested to come to the auditions with contemporary rock, pop or gospel song prepared. A pianist is provided. Clear and well-laid out sheet music is required, and in the correct key for the singer. No backing tapes.

The auditionee will be given a set time to audition by the audition coordinator. At the audition, the singer may be asked to sing only 16 bars (eg. verse and chorus) of the song they have prepared.

The Casting Director and Casting Coordinator are present at these auditions.

2. Call-backs and Coaching

Due to large-scale logistics, we are unable to contact everyone who auditions. Should you be successful at the initial audition, you will be contacted by the Casting Department and sent material from the show to prepare for the next audition.

The material is usually a song and an acting piece for a particular character from THE LION KING. After the call-back audition, the Casting Director will give feedback and may work on the acting piece with the auditionee. If the Music Director is present, there may also be some coaching on the song.

The Casting Director, Casting Coordinator, Music Director and the Resident Director may be present at these auditions.

There may be additional coaching sessions before the finals.

3. Final Auditions

Successful performers will be short-listed to audition for the International Creative Team.

The materials for this final audition will be the material prepared from the show and also a contemporary rock or pop song (not a cappella). (Thelionking.co.uk, n.d.)

I am happy with the research I have completed as now personally I feel like I would know what to expect for an audition scenario. Overall I personally feel that the most important information I have gathered from this research is that being a triple threat is crucial, as it will guarantee work over someone who is not. There are so many people in this industry, therefore, it’s important to understand who you are as a performer, and with taking that on board it’s important to know what kind of jobs you would be suited for.

I also think getting myself an agent will help with my career, as within the industry you are dealing with producers and people who give you work, and you have to negotiate with them. It's awkward and difficult. This is another major reason why having an agent is important for performers. Agents work to always get you the best possible deal. Also, a lot more auditions are on the cards then as you could be invited to closed auditions. (StageMilk, n.d.)

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dorothydelgadillo · 6 years ago

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How to Control Your Future & Career as a Military Spouse [MarketHer Ep. 51]

One of my favorite things about being a new co-host on MarketHer is that I now have this new, exciting platform to connect with people and hear their story.

When we asked people to tell us their perspective on opportunity, I’ll be the first to admit that I assumed the stories would be based around the marketing industry. Boy, was I wrong -- and thank goodness.

Danielle Russell reached out to us because she wanted to share her story about being a military spouse and what she thought that would mean for her future. When she first became a military girlfriend (turned wife after a few years), she quickly realized that she felt as though she didn't have a unique identity or value as the 'other half' of the relationship.

And, once they married, it didn't get better -- it was assumed she would sit at home, volunteer for opportunities at the base with other spouses, and she wouldn't be able to advance her own career.

However, she went against the status quo, took hold of opportunity, and crafted her own future, all while sitting on various military bases.

The good news is that she's not alone and other spouses, just like her, are working together to advance their professional careers outside of the military.

But... is this the norm?

The Military Structure Has Overlooked a Generational Shift When it Comes to the Workforce

There has been a profound shift in how generations are approaching their careers and how those careers have impacted family dynamic.

Baby Boomers and generations before that typically had the male of the house going out, earning a paycheck, and supporting the family financially, while the female raised the children at home. A.k.a. they survived on one paycheck. The military is still structured around this outdated generational mindset. However, as time marches on, later generations are no longer following it.

According to CNAS.org

78 percent of the millennial workforce is in a dual-professional relationship, and it is reasonable to assume that the trend will increase with subsequent generations. This generational trait is a significant departure from baby boomers—who constitute much of the senior leadership of the military—of whom only 47 percent are in a dual-professional relationship.

Military Spouses Are More Than Just Statistics

So, with many millennials approaching careers and family life differently, what can be done?

Simply said -- the first step is having the right conversations. If you're a military spouse and you feel as though you're unsure about how you continue to advance your own career, talk to your employer about:

Realistically how you can continue to do your position remotely

Ways you can continue to support your team, even in another state or country

Focus on apps and tools that make remote life seamless - like Slack and Zoom.

What you'll do to make sure that no one is feeling added pressure or stress

Will you work different hours to make sure you're on the same time zone?

Will you have regular meetings with your boss to ensure that you're still hitting your performance marks?

And if you're unable to keep your current position, begin having conversations with other spouses who are also passionate about their careers. You can use each other as a support group, like Danielle did. She explained:

"With the Community Spouses' Club, we aimed to fill those gap years in spouses careers by hosting resume writing workshops, teaching them LinkedIn (and hiring a professional photographer to take their headshot), starting a book club all about Professional Development and Leadership, and engaging female military leaders to come and speak to the spouses. As the Vice President of the Club, I pioneered this program and tried to expand by speaking at several military events in Baumholder. From there, I was invited in a small group of spouses to represent the community and speak to GEN. Mark Milley's (the Chief of Staff of the Army) wife about spouse empowerment at overseas duty stations."

Companies are shifting and changing the way they've always done business because the landscape is changing.

More and more businesses are considering a remote workforce to be the norm and if you're a military spouse who wants to keep advancing your career, you could lead the change at your company.

How a Remote Culture Can Support Military Spouses

At IMPACT, nearly half of our team works remotely and we've been lucky to work for a company that embraces it.

While many of us have not been in Danielle's shoes, we do have employees who have been active duty in the past and others who are married to currently active members.

I reached out to them to get a better understanding on how this military structure impacted their families and how their families or spouses had to adapt:

Note - this will be updated as more stories come in!

"The struggle is maintaining “normal” family status. A lot of military spouses get caught up in this “I can’t do this mentality.” Really, everything is still available. You just have to adjust the roles a bit and scheduling is hard.

My wife had to raise a 3-year-old, do school interviews, babysitter interviews, and worked full time. All while I was gone. She also had to schedule all the family stuff. Still does to this day even though I’m out now."

- TC Jennings

"Supporting your Marine is paramount. This includes have a positive mental attitude when dealing with extended periods apart ("deployments") for 6 to 9 months; often in austere, combat environments. There are many challenging days where having supportive co-workers makes the difference.

When it comes to working, no matter your level of industry expertise and experience, the majority of private sector companies simply do not understand the military life and won't hire you for remote work. They require you move to their office location. This is extremely frustrating, mostly because their HR has no empathy and they make you feel like you are the one preventing yourself from being hired."

In regards to the importance of finding a flexible, remote job "Nothing could be more important. There are often days in the week that require you to step away from your civilian life and be on-base for family readiness training and support activities." - Jennifer Howard

"Kathleen had to get certified in each state we lived in, she is an elementary school teacher. Part of our time on active duty, she worked as either a part time teacher and one year as a full time teacher.

When we left the army, it took her 4 1/2 years to get a long term sub job and still hasn’t gotten a full time gig. Mostly based on the fact that she got her masters while we were on active duty and doesn’t have a ton of experience, because we moved a bunch.

Bottom line - spouses of active military service members bare a ton of weight, especially when transitioning out of active service. They have usually bore the responsibility to take care of the family and handle things at home, which impacts their ability to find work easily. Something needs to be done to help fix this." - Chris Duprey

Remembering that you're in charge of your own destiny, despite the odds, is one of the most important things we can all do. Take hold of opportunity and make it work for you, MarketHer listeners!

PS -

If you're interested in being a part of this show (and don't worry, we will make you feel super comfortable, it will literally feel like your networking with us at the coolest bar in town), please submit your request via our landing page.

Join us in our Facebook MarketHer Group to continue talking about opportunity!

PS - we need a new tag line! Have any ideas? Post them to our group page!

As always, if you have some tips, email us at [email protected]. We will share it on our Facebook page!!

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We Listened, You Heard, Now, Go MarketHER!

from Web Developers World https://www.impactbnd.com/blog/how-to-control-your-future-career-as-a-military-spouse-markether-ep.-51

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