Task 3a. Current Networks

Just yesterday I had an audition for a cruise ship singer. The way I found out about the audition was through Talent Cast. (Career development and job website for the UK performing arts industry). I also got an email from Singerspro to apply for an audition. From there, I was speaking on Facebook to a friend who was currently with the cruise line about what they like/dislike, good song choices, image etc. I then, whilst at the audition added one girl I met on Twitter because we had a lot of common interests, and it's always good to keep connected to people who are going through a similar process.
That to me was a normal day, however looking back, it is interesting to see just how many different tools I used to connect me within my performing career.

Last week I decided to set up a doodlepoll to ask my friends, colleagues, ex Liverpool Theatre School students etc, on what they used in this day in age and help assist my blog when researching current networks. The results didn't particularly surprise me.

I asked 20 people in total 5 different questions. Some of the questions had answers to select, but there was also the ability for each individual to write their own comments.

17 people selected they used email as their main way of networking. 4 people in the comments were a little more specific. An ex colleague typed that she has a hotmail account for personal use but uses gmail syced to her computer and tablet for work. She is based within an IT company and spends a lot of her time working from home connecting to people from her own computer.
Two other people typed "gmail". I had never used gmail until I got my samsung phone. It requests you to sign up, however I barely use it other than for this blog/signing in to YouTube.
The comment that interested me most was that a friend of mine clicked email, however then elaborated in the comments. She stated that she barely sends or receives emails or even checks her inbox regarding her work/performing/auditions etc. She stated when she signed up to facebook, twitter, instagram and any internet shopping style website, she HAD to use her email address. So whilst she doesn't directly use emails a lot, she has to have it to use any other website.

Another question I asked within the doodlepoll was "What would your ideal network look like and why?"
Most people clicked that they were happy to use separate sites for separate purposes. One girl wrote "I would hate for my twitter and facebook to be connected. I use twitter for retweeting funny things, jokes, reposting vines, and commenting on TV programmes/films etc, and do this all without having my real name on show. The account is connect to my email address but I took the search off so even if people tried to find me based on my email, they couldn't. I use facebook and instagram connected, and do use these to connect with industry professionals, but twitter is a bit of fun for me".
Wheras another friend commented "I don't mind using all different websites, because most of them can all be connected in some way. You can share timehop on facebook and twitter, pinterest is also able to be shared on other websites, all these mainstream websites have the ability to create widgets (wikipedia - widgets) to use on blogs and websites, I don't really mind how I network at the minute at all".

Someone did say they wished facebook and twitter could be combined however to me, this doesn't make sense. 140 character status updates from twitter, along with facebook, the social networking site that enables you to put every life detail on if you wish, I don't think the two are similar, so don't see the point.

It's fairly straight forward to use different websites if you so wish. I don't know anyone without a smart phone anymore...Even my technophobe parents.

Nowadays, with computers/laptops, tablets, phones, you can access your networks anywhere. If every McDonalds and Starbucks has free wifi, and you have a smart phone, you can network near enough anywhere in the world.

I did put on the doodlepoll about face to face interaction, and all people selected it as a way they communicate, however no one mentioned it again in any of the comments, and I haven't in the above post.

The Huffington Post - Certain Things Are Better in Person - An interesting read on how face to face communication seems to be a lost art. He is talking from a business point of view but I feel it in everyday life. The amount of times I go out for a meal, with interesting people, yet find that all of us at some point are consumed by messaging someone else, or showing something we saw on our phone earlier that day. Has technology ruined our ability to communicate face to face?

My best friend Ted is a "traveller". I say that in quotes because he is currently a primary school teacher, but he spent last year in South America, he has lived in the UK, Australia, and will be flying in to Chile in July to continue travelling. I remember earlier this year he told me that in social situations, he vows not to check his phone. He turns it off, and doesn't check it again until he has left the persons company. Granted not every time, but I think it is a great way to live. (Here is a link to his blog Like A Backpacker)

This brings up many different questions. I got the above question Has technology ruined our ability to communicate face to face? from that link <
I would quote the article on here if I could, I urge you to read it. One key point - "You cannot fully realize the strength of that emotion through the click-clack of keys."

Considering the ethical concerns for networking in the workplace, a point I have mentioned before on my blog comes up again, internet safety. This doesn't just mean, don't let children see porn. For example, I currently work in a contact centre for a county council.
We have a system within the council for all staff members call Lync. It is similar to MSN/Windows Live messenger. You can instant message other colleagues and from there chat, use emoticons and have group conversations.
Recently a staff member was sacked after an investigation of Lync use proved her to be discriminatory regarding another staff member. In this instance, face to face interaction (with the other member of staff she was chatting too) would have saved her her job.

We are not allowed to use our phones in the office when on calls (sounds obvious, but people do try) and also not allowed to use the internet for purposes other than work, unless on a break.
Managing the Workplace Ethics of Social Media ..."as with all business topics, a company can successfully manage its own and its employees’ personal use of it by employing a common framework applied to most other ethics and compliance topics, albeit with some modifications specific to social media"
Our contracts have recently been changed in my company to ensure people know the consequences of misuse of company resources.

Whilst there a risks in every day life when networking and using social media, I think now in 2014, we are at an ok stage where companies, and websites are adapting everyday to make these websites and apps as safe, accessible and risk free as possible.

Task 2d. Inquiry

Sorry for the delay since my last post. I have been sunning myself in Florida, after a weeks tour of the sunshine state!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the thoughts I developed through this inquiry. Whilst I am a performer, and somewhat extrovert, I do love my own company, my own thoughts and alone time.

Thinking about my own personal reflection, and what gets my 'mojo' going, depends on what's in store for that day/week/month. One thing it always comes down to though, is singing.

I am a trained musical theatre performer, however many of the people I admire, or in some cases idolise are in different professions.

Theatrically, Sutton Foster is an inspiration. She is of a similar vocal range to mine so I often fine clips of her singing songs I am looking in to performing or auditioning with. She is a strong dancer, with tap and a great actress. She has been used many times in premiere Broadway performances or revivals and overall is a strong successful Musical Theatre performer. She has the Tony awards to prove it. A personal favourite performance on youtube is this: Sutton Foster - Thoroughly Modern Millie

Last week, I saw one of my favourite bands final ever performance, as they are ending their career as "Anberlin". They will all continue personal projects but as a band, and 12 years on from their first song release, they are quitting while they're ahead. This band was the soundtrack to my teen years. I had to see them one final time, even if it meant flying to Florida.

I am very passionate about music. My idol is Ben Gibbard, frontman of Death Cab for Cutie (and The Postal Service, All Time Quarterback). It is literally top of my bucketlist to see him perform live. I nearly had chance to last year on 2 seperate occasions, but couldn't afford to fly back from New Zealand for it. Death Cab for Cutie - He's a lyrical genius (and bonafide hottie.) Through some of my personal lowest points in life, music is what's got me through.
Don't get me wrong though,  some of the happiest points in my life have been because i've been the one singing!

On a day to day basis I listen to music, whether its walking to work or back, or in the shower. I get a buzz off it, and can't remember the last time I went a day without it! It just makes me happy. Another thing I do near enough daily is youtube/vine. Vine is hilarious and youtube is just heaven! I regularly watch short funny clips on vine and can often be found in glorious corners of youtube stalking the likes of Natalie Weiss for musical gems (Royals with Tap!).
Something I notice a lot of on these sites, is "haters". Whether they are criticising the vocals, the look, the length of the bleedin video, they always seem to find something to bitch about. I imagine most of these people are brave behind the screen but wouldn't dare tell someone they were fat to their face.

 

I have mentioned both of these types of the above before. Firstly internet safety, the fact that I can see Miranda sings has a &^%*&^*& on youtube outwardly for anyone to read worries me! Also, the fact that people are so willing to slate other people.

The world needs to change. Sadly, it won't.

 

The "musical theatre" world seems a lot more forgiving than the "pop" world. If someone hit's a bad note, you may get the odd "sharp!" comment, or you'll get the odd "she had been ill all week before this performance, lay off her!!!" - but generally, you get people complimenting another artists work where deserved.

This video is of me and Victoria, from our 3rd year showcase at Liverpool Theatre School back in 2009. 25k+ views on youtube and nothing but sweet comments What Kind of Girl is She [title of show]

Go to a video of Ariana Grande, and some people say she can't sing, some people think she's too skinny and the others are just chatting nonsense because they feel brave. When actually, she's a pretty, awesome singer. I wish I could hit them whistle notes!

 

I feel quite passionately on how people are so quick and easy to slate another human being, yet compliments seem few and far between.

 

I currently feel very out of shape. I am the largest I've ever been, now a size 11/12, and feel totally unhealthy. I am battling with myself not to do a show I've had the opportunity to feature in, which is a 2 hours, twice a week rehearsal period for 6 months, to instead focus that time on going the gym. It sounds crazy to my friends but I just feel horrendous! I would like to be a size 10 again, so not a huge ask but I am busy with uni, an evening Maths course at local college, working 38 hours a week AND trying to squeeze in auditions where possible. I feel too large for show business, and something needs to change.

I'm still trying to work out if this is all my own feelings, or because of the industry, I feel more pressured. Either way, I think it only fair to myself, to be the best possible version of me that I can be.

 

My nephew Charlie was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He is 10 years old.

Thankfully, he is now in remission, but my goodness I had never felt feelings like it. This year, his Christmas list to Santa asked for some lego toy and that Santa definitely visits those on his old ward at Birmingham Children's Hospital with presents. - I think we can all learn from Charlie.

Be kind to people!