My Professional Practice
This week marked our first module one focus group. Within the session we discussed our thoughts on own practice and how we are being to establish what our professional practice actually is. We also began questioning the different lenses and what they can offer us throughout this first module. I felt that I had a better understanding of how to use the Handbook and develop my own learning throughout this process. Throughout this course we are to learn about our selves and make something from the information that is given to us not just read it and turn the same information back in.
One of the first things that set off a spark in my mind was the difference between practice and discipline.
- 'discipline noun
a particular area of study, especially a subject studied at a college or university'(Cambridge Dictionary 2021)
- 'practice verb (WORK)
to do work of a particular type for which a lot of training is necessary' (Cambridge Dictionary 2021)
- 'practice noun (REGULAR ACTIVITY)
something that is usually or regularly done, often as a habit, tradition, or custom'(Cambridge Dictionary 2021)
Helen stated that your discipline is what you trained in, and went on to ask what of your day to day like makes up your practice, I found this a little confusing. Originally when looking through the handbook I was thinking about my practice in-terms of my discipline, for example I trained in dance and musical theatre. This felt like a set back as I was now more confused about what my practice actually is. In the session I said that my practice is currently based around the idea of story telling, using jazz technique and emotion to develop a character to connect with an audience. To be honest I think I was trying to think of something that would almost sound impressive. After hearing others within the call express what they thought their practice was, I have now felt more comfortable exploring around this idea.
On reflection I think that I have struggled with this task of establishing my professional practice as right now this isn't what I expected to be doing after graduation. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic I am yet to have entered into an audition room, still training via zoom in my living room and desperately trying to collate a portfolio to promote myself. I felt that this wasn't worthy of being my practice because how could that fall under professional. Despite my initial doubt I have now realised that anything I am doing towards my career and my life falls under professional practice and I actually should be proud of what I am doing.
After this reflection I felt that I could come at my professional practice from a more positive and informed perspective. By completing another spider diagram I was able to highlight
some key areas that I am proud of to call my professional practice.
- Networking and Self Promotion
- Continuing my Training (developing my ability to story tell)
- Transitioning from full time student to self employed performer and teacher
- Focusing on Fitness
Although changing perspective has helped me view my practice more positively I still feel that I need to undertake more research into the different interpretations of the meaning of professional practice. I think that I also might book in a tutorial to discuss my ideas of my practice and my learning ideas to help me along the way.
Other thoughts that came up in our discussion which I want to come back to were; how we under value the arts with our own language such as starting our training as extra curricular and not as mainstream education, or comparing our industry to 'normal' jobs and life. Also what is 'self'- this topic was brought up in this terms first open discussion group and it is an idea still floating around in my head, I think sourcing some literature around this will help me pin it down.
Cambridge Dictionary (2021) Dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/discipline (Accessed: 24th February 2021).
Cambridge Dictionary (2021) Dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/practice?q=Practice+ (Accessed: 24th February 2021).
Hi Sophie,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
I think re mapping your practise is very beneficial, I have created numerous mind maps to try and establish what makes up my practise and each one is different. The areas you've highlighted in this blog are really interesting. I am excited to see your research on 'Transitioning from full time student to self employed performer and teacher'. During your vocational training were you taught how to navigate the industry? Or is this something that you are searching for yourself?
In my Grad year we had 'Audition Tech' a session which replicated an audition, in which we had to prepare for, ie. prepare appropriate songs and attire. Are we prepared for the industry after training whether it be physically or mentally?
a)Where to find castings
b) How to professionally email creatives
c) How to be in control of the transition
During the transition you may need to consider things to add to your practise which will be beneficial whilst securing work. You may need to find a supporting job to fund auditions and travel, you may need to explore mindful practises to keep calm and you may need to seek out classes in your discipline locally to you to stay on your A game for that audition or casting that could be advertised for next week. Are we prepared for this as a transitioning student?
I look forward to reading your next blogs. Enjoy your weekend
Ellie x
Hi Ellie,
DeleteI used to hate doing mind maps in school however now they are saving me. I have created so many different mind maps it is helping me find my feet with a new topic. I think that researching the topic of 'Transitioning from full-time student to self-employed performer and teacher' will help me on my overall journey. Throughout my training, we experienced mock auditions and had talks from professionals, however due to Covid and that our Training stopped 3 months before we should have finished I felt unprepared to start into the industry, and I have taken it upon myself to find the tips and tricks I need.
I still think that more needs to be done in Colleges to not just teach the 5,6,7,8 but to train your mindset to see yourself as a business and how to integrate your self with the industry more. Over this time I have sourced mentoring from various professionals in the industry who have helped make the transition easier.
Sophie xx
Hi Sophie, I felt the exact same and still feel like I need to get a better understanding of what my practice is. I find it quite easy to define what my practice was when I was working but with the pandemic my practice is nothing like it was.
ReplyDeleteI know I've been guilty of undermining the Arts with my language but I'd never thought about it until now (I've mentioned it in my recent blog post). Look forward to reading more of your posts! x
Hi Niamh,
DeleteI agree that I could tell you want I would love my practice to be but currently being in lockdown isn't what I envisioned. I think that in the arts we often measure our success with how many credits we have and jobs etc, however, I think that the consistency of the quite practice actually should be how we measure success. I think that it is tough from a young age that being it the arts isn't a 'real' job but as we are older and actually in the industry we should be aware of our language to be able to make a change.
Sophie xx
Hi Sophie,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one a little shaken up by the differences between practice and discipline! I've definitely found myself feeling similar, and have especially found difficulties in differentiating between what I want my practice to be and how it actually manifests. This was a super interesting read!
Becca x
Hi Sophie,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great blog. I found the definitions really sparked a response in my mind, really useful. Thank you. I'm glad the call last week has helped you to see your lockdown activities in a positive step. I believe this resilience in itself is part of your professional practice.
Sally