ENSMEBLE SKILLS - Why are ensemble skills important?

• Respecting each other/Learning lines and songs - This is an incredibly important ensemble skill, as a group you are working closely together for a long period of time, when everyone respects each other, this process is much nicer to be a part of. When you respect the other members of the group and receive respect from other members you are more likely to work hard in rehearsals and giving 100% energy at all times. Additionally this also motivates you to learn all lines and songs as you don't want to be the one person who lets the whole performance down. 
• Self discipline/Punctuality/Commitment/Organisation/Learning lines and songs - This includes things such as learning everything, turning up on time, being dressed appropriately and being focused at all times. When members of the cast miss multiple rehearsals i setbacks the whole rehearsal process, this is because you have to spend time going back over things and teaching things, as well as some members being behind on songs, blocking or choreography. By making sure you are fully committed you are doing your part to help the whole process move forward.
• Timing - This is more of a skill that is shown in performance, when an ensemble has good timing it makes the performance look clean, polished and professional. Rigorous rehearsals are needed to be able to gain this as it takes hard work, determination, time and patience.
• Open mindedness/Take Risks/Enthusiasm/Positivity/Determination/Patience - This is something that is important during rehearsals, this is because when people in the group are not being enthusiastic often it can draw the whole mood of the group down and therefore rehearsals are not as effective as people lose focus and energy. It is also important to be open to new ideas and things you may not have considered before, taking risks allows you to try out new things that allow you as a company to move forward and develop, therefore helping each individual member as well. When things don't go to plan, it is hard to work through things when the group has no determination, this is something that helps you work through problems by finding solutions that the whole group can benefit from.
• Creativity/Variety - When working as a group there is an advantage when everyone in the group can contribute something different, this avoids all performances being the same, especially when doing a whole production, as a group you can make sure there are clear distinctive features between them. Otherwise the audience get tired of seeing the same thing over and over gain, however seeing things that are different keep them engaged in the performance.
• Equality/Everyone has a say - Working in a group is a perfect opportunity to try out new things, everyone thinks in a different way and therefore making sure that everyone has an equal say allows the group to create something new and exciting that the audience will enjoy watching.
• Passion - One key part of working as a musical ensemble is when each individual member has a strong passion for performance, this passion often creates a drive to work hard and then when everyone is doing this the quality of work that is produced can be very high. When somebody enjoys performing and shows this clearly, this is shown in the performance and the audience then enjoys watching the performers enjoying what they are doing.

DURRINGTON WORKSHOP - Rehearsals

FREELANCE (My Showreel)

Jaydee Castle (Showreel 2017)

FREELANCE (Database of creatives and professionals needed in the first year)

 Accountant - An accountant is someone that takes care of all of your financial affairs for you, as long as you keep all of your receipts, bank statements, invoices, check stumps and anything else associated with finances. You can claim back VAT from these things like agents and booking fees, travelling costs, clothing and footwear (conditions apply), props, play text, sheet music and recordings, head shots and show reels, print, postage and stationary, mileage and employee costs.

I found this website (Jonathon Ford Accounting for Actors) which offered three types of  accounting, these are:

1. The essentials pack (from £35 plus VAT per month) is for actors who are just starting out and their tax affairs are relativity uncomplicated. This includes:

• Tax return reminders
• Tax return checklist
• Annual accounts
• Basic personal tax
• Tax return
• Mortgage/return references

2. The advanced pack (from £65 plus VAT per month) is designed for actors who is established in the industry and needs help with book keeping. It includes:

• Everything on the essential pack
• Help with book keeping
• Advice throughout the year
• Payment on account reviews

3. The esteemed pack (from £125 plus VAT per month) is designed for actors who are well established in the industry and would like an accountant that is there all of the time and receive reviews throughout the year so you know you are saving the correct amount of tax. This includes:

• Everything on the enhanced plan
• Quarterly tax payment advice
• Preparation and submission of VAT returns
• Dealing with international aspects of UK tax return
• Fee protection service

Agent - An agent is someone who helps actors and performers find work and auditions that are suitable for them, they usually charge a percentage of how much the actor makes. I found this websites which shows the top 25 agents in the county (Top 25 UK Agents). 

One example is United agents - they are known as London's leading literary and talent agency. They have different departments including Actors, Authors, Comedy, Film, Tv and Theatre and Music. In each of these departments there are a number of  agents, for example in Actors, there are Jess Alford, Lisa Toogood and Ruth Young amoung others. Some examples from Film, Tv and theatre are Rose Cobbe, Duncan Haynes and Yasmin McDonald. Clients include Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hardy and Kiera Knightly. 

Another example is Independant talent, they are known as Europes leady talent agency. Their client base includes actors, directors, writers, models, casting directors, comedians and presenters. Clients include Orlando Bloom and Maggie Smith.


Both of these acting agencies would be suitable for me to apply to as they take actors of all ages and genres, as they cover a wide variety of genres in the industry.

Photographer - Actors need a photographer to make sure that they have a chance of having good head shots because most of the time this is the first thing that the casting directors see of an actor. This means it is a first impression of you, many casting directors say that they have an idea of casting before they have even auditioned actors.

Nick James Photography 

A more established actor would be more likely to use this company because the photographer is very experienced and would charge an incredibly high price. He is based in East London, he also works as an artist, actor as well as photography, this is something unique about him as he understands the performance industry and therefore understands the importance and uses of a headshot, meaning that h would be able to give his clients the best work. He trained at art college as well as GSA, and over the last 10 years he has obtained recommendations from some of London's top agencies, some of his clients include Olivia Cooke and Sheridan Smith.  Although he would be able to produce high quality pictures, actors who are just starting out probably wouldn't choose it use him. This is because they wouldn't be able to afford to pay out for something as upmarket as this. 

Another option for actors, especially for starting out actors would be to use photography students, this is because they would be able to still provide you with high quality work as they would be studying how important this is as part of their course. Some may do this free of charge to be able to gain experience, however some may charge a small fee.

Lawyer/Solicitor

An actor needs a lawyer/solicitor to be able to go through legal things such as contracts for jobs, this is because some contracts include clauses that affect things such as working hours, pay and conditions. A lawyer/solicitor will go through and look for loop holes that may affect these things, they will be able to explain all legal jargon and make sure everything is in order before you sign and start working. Your agent will directly send this over to the solicitor so you do not need to worry about sending over the right information yourself as it will be all taken are of for you.


Chambers and Partners 
This is a website that contains different firms and individual lawyers that specifically work in the performance industry, the website opens with different sections for different areas for performance such as advertising, Tv and film and theatre.


1. Clinton's - Theatre and Music
For example in the theatre section the top ranking firm is Clintons, they have 16 partners and 12 other lawyers and are based in London. They are known for working with up and coming actors as well as those who are more established in the industry. Significant clients include Sony music productions and Muse.


2. Lee and Thompson LLP - Film and TV
This is an example of a firm specialising in film and TV, they have 23 partners and 19 other lawyers and are also based in London. They advise independent production companies and talent clients on development, production and distribution. Significant clients include Queen, One direction and Red production company.


3. Equity
Although both of these companies are incredibly credited because I am not part of a bigger organisation and I don't have an established status yet, Equity would be a better solution for legal advice for me personally. Equity is a UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners, it was set up in 1930 and now has more than 40,000 members. They were set up to bring fair payments, health and safety regulation, members pension and insurance schemes to the performing arts industry. Equity offers free legal advice and support over professional issues including personal injury claims and contracts for members as well as free advice on national insurance, tax, jobseekers allowance, welfare benefits and pensions. In addition to this members automatically get up to £10 million in public liability insurance and are covered for accident and backstage insurance, for a small extra fee there is extra accident insurance for dancers and physical artists. I would use Equity as it is a well known reliable union that has a good reputation within the performing arts industry therefore I know I would be covered well an wouldn't have to worry about things such as extra hidden costs.

Transportation

As the industry is based in London, most auditions will be held here, because of this i will need to be familiar with the London transportation system, this is really important because if you got lost on your way to an audition and turned up late as a result of this, you would make a bad first impression and they maybe wouldn't even see you for unprofessional behaviour. I don't think i actually need a specific person for this, however i can just become familiar with places that auctions are likely to be held at and know the stations around it well.

FREELANCE (Performance Skills audit)

Performance skills	Level of competence	Where and how I have developed this?
Acting: Projection	Amber	This is something that has improved over the past 2 years, before i started this course i didn't have much acting experience and therefore my projection was very poor, although this has improved i think it can still get better. I have found the more confident i feel on stage the easier i find to do this, therefore i think the more experience i have the better his will be.
Acting: Voice/Accent	Amber	I feel as though this is something that i have not improved on as much as i would have liked, however i think i am able to show different characters slightly through the voice, however this is not my strongest point. This is something i wish to work on as it is essential that actors make all their characters completely different and this is an example of how they do it.
Acting: Body Language	Amber	The way you hold yourself when portraying a character, i think that i am stronger in areas like movement compared to voice. I think i am good at showing character status through the way i walk and hold myself.
Acting: Use of proxemics/space	Amber	I am good at using the space effectively during a performance, this has been improved by experimenting with different types of staging throughout my time at college, this has allowed me to explore the use of space effectively.
Acting: Facial Expressions	Amber	I think i am good at using different facial expressions during a performance, however i still think this can be developed more as i continue to improve my acting skills and technique.
Acting: Learning Lines	Green	I think i am good at learning lines, this has been improved by having multiple projects in a year, i have had lots of practice having to learn lines and  have been able to improve my technique to be able to improve and do this faster.
Singing: Pitching/Intonation	Amber	This has always been something that i have struggled with, however i have been doing vocal exercises such as scales being accompanied by the piano, to improve this over time.
Singing: Breath Control	Amber	This has also been something i have improved over time, since doing lots of breathing exercises as a warm up before singing.
Singing: Interpretation	Green	I think i am good at performing a song, I research into the character and story line and this helps me interpret the song, i think i have improved on this a lot and i am still continuing to improve.
Singing: Pronunciation/Diction	Amber/Green	I have a slight list when i speak and sing so i find this quite difficult but since i have been doing regular exercises like tongue twisters this has improved a lot.
Singing: Vocal Range	Amber	My vocal range has actually decreased slightly over the last few months, however my lower notes have become stronger and i am working on getting it back so that i can hit higher notes more comfortably.
Dance: Movement Memory	Green	I think i am good at knowing what i am doing when dancing, this has improved by dancing more often and therefore i have got used to picking up choreography and remembering it.
Dance: Musicality	Green	My dance performance has definitive improved and i am good at portraying and interpreting the subject matter through the music and dance.
Dance: Flexibility	Amber/Green	My flexibility hasn't improved much in the last two years, although it is at a good level, i would like it to be a bit better.

Dance: Extension	Amber/Green	I think that my extension is good especially in my limbs, this can also be improved more to make my performance better.
Dance: Posture and Alignment	Amber	This is something that i would like to improve more as when i look in the mirror, i find that my alignment can sometimes be off, it has improved over the last 3 years however there is still more work to do.
Dance: Strength	Red	This is something that i really need to work on, i need to make sure that my strength is enough to support more challenging movements.
Dance: Stamina	Amber	This has definable got better but is till find that my energy levels drop especially if the movements are faster or challenging, however the more i train this is improving.
Overall Performance: Confidence	Amber	Confidence has been something that i have seen improve in my performance, this has held me back in some performances from doing the best i can, however the more i perform i notice this getting better.
Overall Performance	Amber	Since i have been working nearly  everyday my overall performance has definable improved, this has inspired me t continue to work hard to improve my performance.

FREELANCE (Gardener's Multiple Intelligence Test)

Taking this test allowed me to fully understand what kind of learner i am, the different ways that people learn affect the methods and subjects that people have difficulty learning things. This was a very helpful as i found out what kind of learner i was, meaning that now i can move forward and learn things in a way that is most helpful for me. For example my test came out that i was musical, this means that i learn through music, sound and rhythm, this means that i can retain information through music, i can associate the rhythm behind it and then recall it back. However i thought that my kinesthetic score would be higher as especially in dance i can pick up choreography relativity quickly and be able to call it back when i need to. My lowest score was for environment and nature related, this did not surprise me as from a young age i have never really enjoyed activities such as gardening, however the other top answer that came out was visual-spacial i was also not surprised by this. This is because i have always managed to retain information through images, pictures and seeing things in a physical space. 

intelligence type	capability and perception
Linguistic	words and language
Logical-Mathematical	logic and numbers
Musical	music, sound, rhythm
Bodily-Kinesthetic	body movement control
Spatial-Visual	images and space
Interpersonal	other people's feelings
Intrapersonal	self-awareness

http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm

FREELANCE (Marketing plan and Forecast timeline)

How many hours am i going to spend on my career?


During my current performing arts course i spend a minimum of 16 hours per week in classes related to the performing arts industry, this includes dance, singing and dance. However when i move on to higher education this will increase to a minimum of 20 hours working practically on my performance on top of theoretical lessons learning about how a dancers body works etc. However outside of this i am going to spend 2/3 hours a week marketing, this could be anything from getting new headshots, looking for open auditions, updating my cv and developing my social media platforms.


What kind of training is expected of me?

To be able to have a career in this industry i am expected have dance, singing and acting training. For dance i need to have a developed ballet technique that is the basis of all movement, a growing knowledge of contemporary and jazz technique. If I am going to a musical theatre audition I my need at least a basic tap knowledge, in addition to this I need a developing singing and acting technique. Some jobs may require a further and higher education qualification in the arts.

For the last 3 years i have been doing a full time performing arts course studying acting, singing and dance. However in my next stage of education i want to specialise more into dance as although i think i have skills in these areas, dance is the area that i have gained the most from. Throughout my time here i found that this is my passion and i wish to develop this further. I have had the chance to choreograph and plan dances for my A Level as well as given the opportunity to direct and choreograph scenes and dances for musicals and performances. From this i have decided that this is something i have chosen to do.

How am i going to market myself now?

• Instagram - I have set up a professional Instagram, this is private to my personal Instagram (i have changed the name of this so that if someone searched my name this is the other account that would come up). This account is only for pictures and videos of anything associated with performing arts and developing my career. I upload pictures and videos from rehearsals and productions which i have been in. They include all aspects of my current training which helps me build up an appropriate social media presence, and an image of what i am like to industry people. On this account i follow other actors, singer and dancers, those who are just starting out as well as others who are more established, as well as this i follow dance and theatre companies that specialise in areas i am interested. For example i have a heavy interest in inclusive dance and performance therefore i have followed companies such as "StopGap" and "ChickenShed", this allows me to keep up to date with their work, this is helpful to me as i can see what is currently popular within the industry and i can work towards those goals. On my account i have clearly given my full name and contact details, areas of interest and playing age and using my headshot as my profile picture, this is so it is clear who i am from an initial look at my account. 

 

 

 

Open Auditions - I think open auditions are a great way of seeing the level of talent that is required at jobs currently, this is because you get to see what level other performers that are the same age as you and have similar characteristics. This is important because these people are likely to be cast in the same sort of roles as you and therefore it is good to know the standard you should be working at. In addition to this, as part of open auditions workshops will be taught by industry professionals and therefore you will be able to gain knowledge from experienced performers, choreographers and directors which allows you to develop your skills further. This is also a good way to get used the audition process and gain confidence so that going to auditions becomes part of a normal part of your career.

Actors CV - This is something that i have included in my posts, however it needs to be something that i added to after each performance you do, this is because it shows industry professionals an example of the type of performances and roles you have been in, this helps with casting as they can see which roles would suit you best and me be able to give you an audition.

Headshots - Headshots are the first impression of you that an agent or casting director is going to receive, therefore it is very important that your headshot is of a good quality. One way of doing this is to send one black and white picture and then on a website have additional colour phots, this is so, if somebody is interested they can look through other photos without having to make a decision on just one picture.

Career Timeline

• September 2017 - Start a dance degree at either Middlesex or Roehampton University, during my time here I want to develop my ballet and contemporary dance technique, work on my audition technique and improve my overall performance skills. In my contemporary classes I am going to be working on Graham, Cunningham, Limon and release technique, however outside of my scheduled classes I am going to join the dance society which allows me to take classes in a range of other styles and genres that I am less experienced in. For example i would like to take a regular tap class, so that I have more chance in musical theatre auditions for shows like 42nd Street, Cabaret, Anything Goes and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
• Summer 2021 - During my time at University and after I am going to be auditioning for freelance jobs as well as applying to contemporary (mainstream and inclusive) companies.
• During this time I would like to be signed with an agent and doing a range of jobs in different areas of the industry, I plan on taking all opportunities I can including those in dance, singing and musical theatre.
• I would also like to spend time working with adults and children - mainstream, physical disabilities and learning disabilities, performing, teaching and choreographing, I think this will help me gain knowledge and experience in many different things, I am interested to see how the arts affect different people. For example I want to explore the advantages of performing arts to different groups of people.
• I would also like to take job opportunities in different countries', this is so I can have the chance to experience arts in a range of cultures.
• As well as attending lots of auditions, I am going to take lots of classes in disciplines that I have studied as well as some that I haven't so that I am continuing to develop my skills after education, I want to be suitable for as many performing jobs as possible so that I have a greater chance of employment. In addition to this I enjoy learning new skills and feel that I will really benefit from this. 
• By 2030 - I would have liked to start up my own inclusive dance company, this is going to start with a small group of dancers, and other industry professionals that I have met through other work. To be able to do this I need to make sure that I create my own contacts book and keep a record of everyone I meet though jobs etc.
• By 2035 - I would have liked this company to have grown considerably, ideally be more recognised and begin nationally touring, drawing in a wide variety of audience. After this time I would like to begin leading workshops that we can provide to schools and other education facilities as well as private workshops for artists.
• By 2040 - By this time my company will have a larger amount of dancers/performers, touring internationally, performing in festivals and performances around the world.
• By 2045 - As my company has obtained recognition nationally and internationally, I would like to develop an education outreach program to be able to reach lots of people, and provide opportunities and classes to children and adults who are serious about dance but may not be able to afford expensive dance classes, so that many more people can have the chance to dance instead of those in richer families.
• By 2055 - In this 10 years I would have likes to expand the education outreach program to other parts of the country and start considering expanding to other countries, to expand my brand further.

FREELANCE (How is work experience and other opportunities relevant?)

For my work experience i was lucky enough to be able to spend time at a successful professional inclusive dance company - StopGap. On my first day i was able to take a contemporary choreography class that was taught by a lady who was in a wheelchair and was non verbal, this was such an incredible experience for me especially as i am very interested in inclusive performance. I found it such an enriching experience to be able to learn form someone who had such a different way of communicating, she had created this board which was separated into different sections and she would pint at different things on it which we would out together to create choreography. Later in the day i was able to take part in a contemporary class that was mainly for teenagers who have downs syndrome, this helped me understand different teaching techniques that are more suited to people who have different needs compared to mainstream dancers, some tasks need explaining in different ways and demonstrated to someone who has a learning difficulty, however i have always believed that this shouldn't stop someone who has any disability being able to dance. Both of these classes have shown me how to overcome issues that may stop someone with a disability being excluded from this and teaching in them in a way that could still help them develop dance technique and become a successful performer.

For the rest of the week i was able to spend some time with the main company who are currently preparing to tour with their new piece. The company has some incredible dancers with and without disability's, i found that meeting all of these professional dancers who train so hard to be the best they can be so motivating, i was fortunate to meet dancers who were all completely different, for example there was 2 men in wheelchairs, one was able to walk on his hands and dance like this and keep up completely with everyone else and the other was doing incredible movements such as shoulder stands and handstands whilst still in the wheelchair. As well as this one of the featured dancers had downs syndrome, and although she found ti difficult to pick up choreography as fast as the others, she worked incredibly hard to keep up and performed incredibly well. This has inspired more further to specialise in inclusive performance because i think there is still so much stigma around additional needs and many people believe that this restricts them from doing things like this in life, i would love to be able to be a part of something that spreads the knowledge for equal opportunities in life.

As well as this i am fortunate enough to be able to teach a group of children some of which have learning and physical needs, my week at StopGap have allowed me to learn more teaching techniques that i can use to help these children develop their dance technique as well as feeling included and helping with other skills such as social, communication and expression. Being able to teach allows me to see form a completely different view from being a student, i have to think and consider how different people learn as everyone thinks in a different way. For example one student may learn by being told what to do whereas another may need demonstrating, this means that i have to make sure every child is understanding and i use a range of techniques inn the session. In November last year i was asked by a friend to help backstage in a local production of 42nd street, i helped her sort and preset costumes as well as being a dresser for all of her quick changes during the show. I found this helpful as i was able to develop my knowledge of what it is like backstage compared to being a performer, this means that i now have different experiences that i can later call upon and this can only help my future employ ability.

FREELANCE (Performers CV)

Acting CV   

Jaydee Castle   

Address - 44 Angola Road, Worthing, BN14 8DU  

Mobile Number  - 07775850006  

Email Address - jaydeecastle@gmail.com  

Height: 5'4''  Hail Colour: Light Brown  Eye Colour: Hazel  

Role Playing age: 14-24  

Skills  

Singing (Trinity Grade 4) - Alto/Mezzo Soprano, Chorus Dance, Solo Dance,  Swimming, Trampolining (Grade 8), Experience working with children with special needs.  

Training  

2014-2016 Worthing College:Performing Arts(Musical Theatre) Diploma  

2013/2014  

Dance  

Chorus  

Simply Dance  

Ricochet Dance Company  

Anna Strudwick  

2013  

Musical Theatre  

Crap Shooter/  

Company  

Guys ad Dolls  

Worthing High School  

Katie Hunwick  

2014  

Dance  

Chorus  

Bollywood  

Ricochet Dance Time  

Anna Strudwick  

2014  

Musical Theatre  

Blousey/  

Company  

Bugsy Malone  

Worthing College  

Rachel Maddix  

2015  

Dance  

Duet/Group Dance  

Winter Dance Show  

Worthing College  

Kat Davis  

2015  

Musical Theatre  

Chorus  

Sister Act  

Worthing Musical Comedy Society  

Lee Payne  

2015  

Theatre  

Governor Arthur Phillip   

Our Country's Good  

Worthing College  

Grainee Newark  

2015  

Musical Theatre  

Chorus  

CATS The Musical  

Worthing College  

Rachel Maddix  

2016 

Musical Theatre 

Chrous 

RENT – The musical 

The Sealight Thetare 

Rachel Maddix 

2016 

Musical Theatre 

Chorus 

West Side Story 

The Sealight Thetare 

Grainne Newark 

2016 

Classical Theatre 

Ismene/Chorus 

Antigone 

Brighton Open Air Theatre 

Rachel Maddix 

2016 

Musical Theatre 

Chorus 

The Wiz 

The Sealight Theatre 

Rachel Maddix 

2016/2017 

Dance  

Chorus 

Rock Challenge Uk 

The Hawth Theatre - Crawley 

Kat Davis 

2016 

Theatre 

Basoon  

National Theatre Connections – The Musicans  

Brighton Dome  

Kim Sheldon 

2016 

Dance  

Solo Dancer 

Cry (Alvin Alvin) 

The Sealight Theatre 

Kat Davis 

2017 

Musical Theatre 

Brit 

We Will Rock you 

The Sealight Theatre 

Kim Sheldon 

2017 

Theatre 

Sebastian (Bastiano) 

The Tempest 

The Sealight Theatre 

Rachel Maddix