Module 1: Task 1A Professional Profile / Introductions Final Draft

Module 1: Task 1A Professional Blog Profile / Introduction

(Updated version)

About Me

I was introduced to dance from an early age. My weekly ballet, tap and jazz classes soon developed into a very hectic schedule. Most evenings and weekends were spent perfecting competition and exam entries. Flexibility did not come naturally to me, hours of stretching at home soon paid off and I became as supple as other students.

I am extremely fortunate to have parents who have supported and believed in my passion to perform. They funded my training at a reputable dance school where the teachers nurtured my ability to attain excellent ISTD grades in tap, modern and ballet. I competed at both Regional and National level in all disciplines. My Trinity singing exams were taken at my comprehensive school where I was lucky enough to be taught by a teacher who discovered my ‘legit’ vocal strengths. At age sixteen I auditioned at a number of highly acclaimed Performing Arts Colleges. My pathway into professional training commenced with a number of scholarships being offered to me. Three years of training began at The Urdang Academy in London.

Professional Training

The first year of professional training allowed me to perfect my techniques in all disciplines. I regularly volunteered to assist with Academy Open Days, demonstrating in classes and helping auditionees. I currently hold a DBS licence which allows me to escort students under the age of eighteen. Chaperoning has allowed me to develop my organisation skills and build a rapport with my tutors and fellow students. I enjoy teaching and passing on my techniques.

My second year studies were tailored towards becoming what is known as a ‘Triple Threat’ meaning that a performer shows strong techniques in singing, dancing and acting. This is a good trait to have when embarking upon a career within this industry as most auditions entail a dance and singing call. Being strong in both disciplines can make a performer more employable as they can be cast as ensemble, understudy or as a Lead. Training within my second year consisted of a number of master classes, mock auditions and representation by the Academy’s In-House Agency.

Third year was extremely intense, as well as preparing for showcases to promote Agent interest and representation, I created my CV and gallery of headshots to be submitted onto ‘Spotlight ‘which is a platform for directors and casting agents to view your profile. Whilst completing my final year of training, I joined the pantomime cast of ‘Jack and The Beanstalk’, this was my first professional job performing as an ensemble member and understudy to the Princess. Working within this production gave me a perfect insight into the long and unsociable hours that this industry entails.

Credits after Graduation  

In June 2015, I graduated from the Urdang Academy achieving a grade 6 Trinity approved Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre (DIP). For the duration of this summer, I joined the cast of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ playing the role of Alice, the youngest bride. I performed at Regents Park Open Air Theatre in London; this was my first West End Debut. My next contract will commence in December, I will be joining the cast of Cinderella, performing at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth.

Representation

I am currently represented by Global Artist Management; they are responsible for arranging my castings, future work and overseeing my contracts.

Why continue with my studies after attaining my Diploma ?

Embarking upon a career in this Industry is not an easy one and extremely unpredictable. I would like to continue with my studies converting my Professional Diploma into a Degree, this will then give me the option to further my career and become a teacher. This course is a perfect way for me to study around my auditions, rehearsals and work. I am looking forward to developing my writing and communication skills as a Professional Practitioner.

How diverse does a Professional Practitioner have to be?

A career within the Performing Arts Industry is extremely difficult and requires a performer to be versatile, maybe working outside of the industry to maintain an income.

Naively, I don't think that all contracts would be allocated on a self-employed basis with the rate of pay varying from job to job. This means that your income is not consistent and that it is very tricky to commit to living costs which may include rental agreements, loan repayments or any other financial outgoings. A performer has to register as a 'business' with HMRC and complete tax return each year. This comes with the added responsibility of recording your earnings, receipts, travel expenses and saving a proportion of your income to pay deductions such as tax and national insurance.

In addition to self-employed work a performer has to diversify and be able to find an alternative income whilst auditioning and waiting for the next job offer. It is unrealistic to think that one contract will follow another.

I have found it extremely helpful to join a reputable recruitment agency in London which is allowing me to work on a weekly, daily basis. Although not within the Performance Industry, the agency is 'high end' and provides work within London department stores and contract work for special events such as London Fashion Week and Designer exhibitions.

Working with this agency allows me to earn money as and when I need to subsidize my income.The disadvantages of this type of work is that the agency requires you to work as both employed and self-employed , so you have to be careful  about which earnings need to be declared at the end of the financial year. Pay is sometimes staggered and most agencies pay every four to six weeks which means that money for travel has to be paid by dipping into of my savings.