CONTEXT – Professional Practice Essay

Part 1

Attend and take part in the talks and workshops being led by Entertainment Industry specialists during the week. Keep notes to help you with the essay.

Part 2

Carry out any additional research you need in order to be able to write the essay. Keep a record of this on your Research site page.

Part 3

Write a 1,000 word essay which covers the following and publish to this page:

1. What characteristics are needed in a person if they are to be effective and successful in their professional practice in the performing arts and entertainment industry? and Why? (You need to give examples from different employment areas from this industry to explain your answers.)
2. Choose two contrasting professional job roles in the performing arts and entertainment industry and explain what the roles involve, what responsibilities are associated with this job and the progression opportunities which might be available in this line of work.

Reference where your information has come from using the Harvard system at the end of your essay (not included in your Word Count)

Context UAL definition: The level of intellectual analysis, critical evaluation and understanding of the self and the broader context within which the extended or collaborative project is situated

Fail                  Limited understanding of subject context, lacking clarity in aims and purpose.

Pass               Understanding of subject context used appropriately to make judgments, describe aims and clarify purpose.

Merit               Good understanding and knowledge of subject context used to make sound judgments, articulate ambitions and clarify purpose.

Distinction     Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of subject context used to communicate complex concepts, articulate ambitions and clarify purpose

The above statements are guides to how evidence for the final unit (8) will be assessed. Tutors will let you know in their feedback how your evidence for these units compares to these achievement standards so that you are aware of the level you are currently working at.

What characteristics are needed in a person if they are to be effective and successful in their professional practice in the performing arts and entertainment industry? and Why? (You need to give examples from different employment areas from this industry to explain your answers.)

 

Choose two contrasting professional job roles in the performing arts and entertainment industry and explain what the roles involve, what responsibilities are associated with this job and the progression opportunities which might be available in this line of work.

Working with Modelling and agencies, this work title involves many different types of models, here are some examples. The first type of model is a “high fashion” model; this is the most famous role as you are co-operating with designers on runway shows. They also advertising for fashion magazines spoke models products and the well-known “Cover Girls or boys” who wow the front pages of elite magazines. The second type of modelling is known as Commercial Modelling, this includes advertisements for everyday products, restaurants, or big chain stores (anything on this relevant chain). These photos are found in lighter magazines such as Good Housekeeping, People Magazine. Opportunities from commercial modelling can lead you to On-line sites for major chain stores Topshop, Miss Guided and many other high street brands. Moreover the third type of modelling is Local Modelling. Models in this line of the industry will do shoots for photographers selling them online for stock inventory. Sometimes the shots will be for smaller businesses or fashion shows for a variety of events, such as a bridal fair or car shows. Models also work for national brands in need of local talent to promote their products i.e. energy drinks at, military bases, or your local village company’s. (Names of modelling types)- Schofield.H(9/1/19) Modelling and agency work, T0.07, West Suffolk College.

As you are representing a company you have the responsibility to uphold there expectations and respect their reputation as they have provided you with the work and this van quickly be taken away. Furthermore as you are representing a professional company you have the responsibility to behave in a professional manor on their behalf. World-famous expert Paul Fisher says, “ to be a professional model Find this out: Do they want what you have? What are their clients looking for? They way to get into the industry is through researching the industry”. -Paul Fishers biography (book,12/1/19,).There can be big progression opportunities in this lines of work. As you build yourself a network of people and contacts, this could take you anywhere from big modelling shoots, to getting you acting work on TV by being spotted by a Booker. After all is a way of making money.

Furthermore another job in the performing arts industry that’s contrasting in some airier is working for the world known company Disney/cruise ships. This job involves some of the following. There is the job of being a face character, this means you are playing a role of a character how doesn’t require a mask. There for there are high standards for these actors as they have to look, sound and portray the princes and princesses to the Disney standard. There is also the job of being a fur character, this means you are in a costume. Although this means you don’t have to worry about looking like your role there are still requirements of you. For example Being in a thick suit all day means you have to be fit and well to keep up the energy of the role. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/news/a30864/disney-princess/ (cosmopolitan-13/1/19)

Some of the responsibility’s with this job includes Professionalism You need to keep up their standard of work, one reason for this is the opportunity you have been given to work for Disney is phenomenal however your job can easily be presented to another actress. Something that is different from modelling is Sometimes the visitors will molest and humiliate the characters. People are found making absence gestures like touching the characters in inappropriate places and making crude remarks especially to the princesses. People also try to de-bunk the idea of “magic”. However although this is all very bad you have to be professional and stay in control of the situation.- https://www.wonderslist.com/10-facts-about-disney-theme-park-princesses/- (Wonder list- 13/1/19) Also something that’s different from modelling is Disney says you have to be very efficient to work for them, Your working in an environment with small children and thousands of people every day. You have to be performing in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort; due to the amount of people you have to greet (172 people per hour). https://www.wonderslist.com/10-facts-about-disney-theme-park-princesses/ – (Wonder list- 13/1/19) one other contrasting thing from modelling is with Disney/cruise you have to be prepared to travel and move locations from parks, Where as in modelling you had choose to stay in you mager city.

Some progression opportunities this leads to is people going on to work in musical theatre at west end or some ex-princesses do princess parties and start-up businesses. Some never want to leave; as soon as they get disapproved, they just want to become a princess trainer for Disney so there still part of the magic. There’s many Disney parks this means one park may send you to another park so you could keep in your line of work. – Allen.S (7/1/19) Disney and cruise, Dance studio, West Suffolk College.

Being in the performing arts industry there are many important characteristics needed in a person to be successful and achieve the full aspects of the entertainment industry. Here are some examples; good manners are the most important in any industry. Being polite to someone doesn’t hurt, the nicer you are the more people will want to work with you and will most likely ask you back. By doing this it creates a network, a stream of people in the industry that can pass on your name, that’s why is important as a good network can provide you with work.

Confidence is another big characteristics implores will look for, Putting yourself out there for different agencies and jobs. Make yourself a portfolio to give to your agent this will make you aspire more professional. Take headshots and show photos. – Schofield.H (9/1/19) Modelling and agency work, T0.07, West Suffolk College. Confidence is important since in this industry you’re working with many people this links back to creating a network which holds a great significance in performing arts.

Finally one other good trait to have in the industry is competitiveness, if you want it you need to have passion for it and work hard. You need to have an interest in what you’re doing and working for so you’re giving it your best. For example auditioning for Disney there will be a lot of girls/boys going for the same thing, looking very similar to each other. You need to find an angle and stand out from the crowed. This may well mean making sure you always at the front.