Task 3A

Hannah Stewart and I got together to discuss how we use networking in our industry. Below is a spider diagram, which I put together to demonstrate this.

In the dancing world, sometimes the well known statement; “It is not what you know, it is who you know” holds very true, which is why it is extremely important to be constantly networking to open up as many opportunities as possible for future employment within the industry.

My personal favourite is networking through my friends. This may be because I am a sociable and outgoing character. But I also feel, friends in the same industry with the same interests love to talk about it. Through word of mouth and general chit chat you can find out upcoming auditions and great classes to attend. I have also found out about many promotional agencies to apply for and recently applied for a dance teaching job which has proved very successful! In some instances my friends have called me on the same day as the audition and encouraged me to come along. It is like a social grapevine!

At College, there was a great emphasis on cooperating and collaborating with each other. A lot of portfolio songs were shared and routines re-used if somebody was struggling or needed support. I still have a very close network of friends from Dance College and we all support each other.

When you are on a job and working professionally, it is extremely important to build good working relationships with directors and choreographers, as they will remember your hard work and dedication and possibly recommend you for future work. It is also vital that you get along with the cast and develop friendships. This can not only boost your social life but also create a good source of contacts to open new doors.

Even auditions can be a fantastic way to network. Everybody shares the same career ambitions. With the ‘auditionees’, there is generally a lot of waiting around which allows you to get to know people and ask questions. This generates more knowledge regarding the industry and creates a better understanding of it. Another great aspect of auditioning is the panel may recognise you, they may see your ambition and drive and this can lead to new opportunities.

Having an agent obviously increases your contacts and networking reach. They are generally very well established and know what they are talking about and have good contacts themselves. They point you in the direction of great casting directors and give you opportunities with many closed auditions you wouldn’t get yourself. It is clear that you have to find the right agent for you and have a fantastic working relationship with them.

Social Networking sites are growing exponentially. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter are gradually becoming a great way for Networking,  especially with promotional work. I have recently had a Skype Interview for promotion work, which actually worked well as the interviewer could assess my confidence, and gauge my personality from this rather than a written application. Also social networking sites are a brilliant way of keeping up to date with your friend’s lives. This may bring opportunities if you ask them questions etc. Websites are growing increasingly. I remember the days when I had a subscription for ‘The Stage’ newspaper. Now, I just get it online. Websites such as ‘Cast Web’ and ‘Spotlight’ promote you to other clients, casting directors and agents. This is a modern way of keeping up to date with the growing world we live in.

As I don’t attend college anymore, I obviously have to keep myself fit and flexible. I have found class is another area for networking. The teachers have inside information on latest auditions. This helps you to keep well informed about new ventures.

In my experience, socialising with friends and building relationships with people in the same job seem to be the most effective way of networking. Social media sites seem to take over, but this will never help you make an impact on somebody and they won’t specifically remember you if you just communicate via facebook or email. However if you meet in person regularly and develop a relationship, whether it be working or friendly it will allow them to keep you in mind. I sometimes find it more awkward over email to network as you may come across as though you are just emailing them for a job. You learn from your own experiences what works best for you. When I first graduated from Laine Theatre Arts 2 years ago, I had no idea what worked or indeed how tough the industry was, but after 2 years and many experiences I now know I work best by getting to know people within the industry, developing relationships with them and showing them how dedicated and committed I am. 

Like I said at the beginning; in this industry, sometimes it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.