Following a great chat with a fellow performer I have added this post as a case study.
Male, age 35, currently working as a vocalist for a holiday park show team.
My colleague had a quite a few ideas about how mature performers feel in regards to their careers.
He felt there was a point when your career naturally reaches a plateau and the decisions you make are based more around your life than about your development as a performer. For example he has made a decision to work for a holiday park as the job is UK based, has no duties and so that allows time to develop other interests but also means he can work alongside his fiance. The contract he is currently undertaking is ten months in length and he has worked for the company for four years so feels that, as far as performance jobs go, it is pretty secure.
My colleague talked about how outside pressure can make you sometimes feel that your life as a performer is sometimes misunderstood. Again this idea of people looking at performers as not having a 'real' job was raised. He said that friends and family from outside of the industry have raised questions about why he doesn't have his own house, mortgage, pension etc.
The point of age was raised and how the industry views more mature performers. He believes all performers have a 'sell by date' and will find it hard to find work beyond that point, this also makes him feel he should stay in his current role.
Performer phsycology was also discussed and how performers are constantly viewed by others. He feels that where other people are interviewed and gain work through talking to people he suggests that performers are more viewed through a 'window' when they are auditioned and also when they are watched from stage. He suggests this may also cause problems for performers when they go to seek advise as the fear of gaining a true opinion might be uncomfortable.
The future of the industry is something that my colleague worries about, as technology develops such as audio visual and auto tune etc he wonders where the industry will move to in the future. He feels there may be a time when singers are no longer required.
He believes performers struggle at the end of their careers because they are constantly 'looking for more'. He says that when you address these feelings you can find a more secure job and be happier with your work/life balance.
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Finding a title
Through my research it seems that the work/life balance questions I am asking seem to relate more to performers that are slightly older and looking at different options for their career. I need to find a title that covers all the ideas I have covered then I will have maximum scope for my writing. Here are a few ideas;
BA hons professional practice career development
BA hons professional practice performer development
Ba hons professional practice Professional development
So far my favourite is professional development as it is broad and yet says what I need it to. Any thoughts? Please add your comments.
BA hons professional practice career development
BA hons professional practice performer development
Ba hons professional practice Professional development
So far my favourite is professional development as it is broad and yet says what I need it to. Any thoughts? Please add your comments.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Questions expanded
Looking at my previous post I have decided I might be better to expand the questions I have asked;
Career Development
Where do performers turn for career advice?
A quick google has shown that Spotlight, The stage and many other recognisable companies are offering industry specific advise. Not only is this advice available but also free and available as not only in written format but also as pod casts etc. In my survey it was suggested that careers advice for performers is a slightly difficult issue as performing jobs still seem to be viewed as not 'real' jobs. I wonder whether this is true to how many people feel? If so then what can be done to change this opinion? Can it ever be changed?
Is age a factor when it comes to deciding on a career path?
So far my survey suggests that performers naturally reach an age when they require a more stable career choice. Is this an idea that is ingrained in our minds? Do we subconsciously take on the information given to us from the media? It seems there are times when older presenters get replaced with younger ones? Is this the natural cycle or are we jumping to conclusions?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2013/feb/13/is-british-theatre-ageist
This is a great piece because it looks at the age of directors and playwrites. The blog suggests that often people want to find someone who is naturally talented and gifted from an early age however offers many examples of people who find success later in life. It would be lovely to believe that we can all perform forever but I think it is worthwhile looking at not only the toll performing as a career takes on your body but also the effect it has on you mentally. It can often be draining working short contracts and not having a huge amount of stability, this idea is what has made me take on these questions and research them in such a way.
How can performers continue to work professionally when they become parents?
I have many friends who are also parents however their careers have taken a different paths and have often continued to perform in a different capacity, often taking casual performing work alongside a tradition 9-5 type job. I think when looking at parenting it would be foolish not to look at the difference between men and women. Performers do have to fit certain 'looks' and once women have babies they may find it harder to fit the certain requirements that are needed. I also think this idea fits nicely alongside my previous thought that performers reach an age where they require a bit more stability and financial security. When performers become parents they probably require a more stable job and reliable income.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture-professionals-network/culture-professionals-blog/2012/may/31/dance-arts-motherhood-having-children-rights
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2009/10/motherhood-clashes-with-top-jobs-in-dance/
Companies
How can companies help performers sustain a healthy work/life balance?
When performers work on cruise ships etc I think it is vital that they can remain in good contact with home, things like providing an Internet service can really help. I think realistically their is limited things that companies can do, however accepting that life isn't always easy for performers leaving family and friends for six months at a time, can help companies put this into prospective.
Should companies allow performers to take time off for important events such as weddings, funerals, graduations etc?
This is a difficult question really because companies have to provide the services that they have agreed. However it can be a very difficult time for performers constantly missing big events. When you work a 9-5 type PAYE job you have allowances for holiday etc however many performance contracts are self employed.
How soon should companies advise about their contracts for the following season?
Often when performers wish to return to a contract the following season companies seem to leave it until the last minute to advise of their contract renewal, why is this the case? Personally I think companies have a lot of things to consider and really need to decide what product they will be putting together for the following season before they can cast. However from a performers point of view you need the most amount of time possible to prepare your options. I don't think this is a situation that will ever change, however it does help for both sides to see things from the other side.
Should companies allow time for performers who are also studying?
This is a difficult question because schedules need to be adhered to. I am a perfect example of this as for the last few weeks I have been rehearsing all day and performing shows in the evening. My schedule has not allowed me to fit in any study time and this has greatly effected my emotional balance. I am currently feeling panicked and behind and not fully able to commit to anything, however the company I work for are very supportive of my course and have offered me assistance.
Should companies support performers in their studies?
I thinks companies should support performers who are studying. Anything anyone does to better themselves should be encouraged, also from a companies point of view that person studying may gain a skill that can help the company move forward.
Financial
Often performance contracts are self employed, should companies pay self employed persons holiday pay?
Companies have no legal requirement to pay self employed persons holiday pay. I feel it is an issue that sometimes causes problems for performers because if they require time off for any events they must take that time unpaid.
How do performers manage their finances when they often only work short contracts?
This is a question that is quite personal. Personally I save when I am working to cover the time when I am auditioning, however this does not make me very financially secure particularly when looking at the future.
Do many performers have pension plans?
During my research time I have found that many performers don't have anything like a pension plan as they can not afford to put money in regularly. Again this relates to the type of jobs that are worked and the unsteadiness of the industry. Google has shown me that there are companies who offer specific performers pensions however personally I couldn't afford to commit to a twelve month payment plan.
Social
How do performers feel when they are often unable to attend family events due to work commitments?
In my experience this is a very difficult issue for performers. On one hand I feel blessed that I am able to do a job that I love but on the other hand I miss so much of my families lives.
How do performers cope when they are often living and socialising with their work colleagues?
In my research it seems that many performers enjoy this side of the job. Living and working with like minded people is enjoyable and many strong friendships are built in this way. Personally I think this also relates to age, what you enjoy when you are younger is something that can be a problem when you are older and want different things from your life.
Can many performers be described as workaholics? How does this affect their lives?
Through my research I have seen that many performers would describe themselves as workaholics however do not see this as a bad thing. When you enjoy your work and it is described as a 'vocation' rather than a job it seems natural to throw yourself into it entirely.
Career Development
Where do performers turn for career advice?
A quick google has shown that Spotlight, The stage and many other recognisable companies are offering industry specific advise. Not only is this advice available but also free and available as not only in written format but also as pod casts etc. In my survey it was suggested that careers advice for performers is a slightly difficult issue as performing jobs still seem to be viewed as not 'real' jobs. I wonder whether this is true to how many people feel? If so then what can be done to change this opinion? Can it ever be changed?
Is age a factor when it comes to deciding on a career path?
So far my survey suggests that performers naturally reach an age when they require a more stable career choice. Is this an idea that is ingrained in our minds? Do we subconsciously take on the information given to us from the media? It seems there are times when older presenters get replaced with younger ones? Is this the natural cycle or are we jumping to conclusions?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2013/feb/13/is-british-theatre-ageist
This is a great piece because it looks at the age of directors and playwrites. The blog suggests that often people want to find someone who is naturally talented and gifted from an early age however offers many examples of people who find success later in life. It would be lovely to believe that we can all perform forever but I think it is worthwhile looking at not only the toll performing as a career takes on your body but also the effect it has on you mentally. It can often be draining working short contracts and not having a huge amount of stability, this idea is what has made me take on these questions and research them in such a way.
How can performers continue to work professionally when they become parents?
I have many friends who are also parents however their careers have taken a different paths and have often continued to perform in a different capacity, often taking casual performing work alongside a tradition 9-5 type job. I think when looking at parenting it would be foolish not to look at the difference between men and women. Performers do have to fit certain 'looks' and once women have babies they may find it harder to fit the certain requirements that are needed. I also think this idea fits nicely alongside my previous thought that performers reach an age where they require a bit more stability and financial security. When performers become parents they probably require a more stable job and reliable income.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture-professionals-network/culture-professionals-blog/2012/may/31/dance-arts-motherhood-having-children-rights
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2009/10/motherhood-clashes-with-top-jobs-in-dance/
Companies
How can companies help performers sustain a healthy work/life balance?
When performers work on cruise ships etc I think it is vital that they can remain in good contact with home, things like providing an Internet service can really help. I think realistically their is limited things that companies can do, however accepting that life isn't always easy for performers leaving family and friends for six months at a time, can help companies put this into prospective.
Should companies allow performers to take time off for important events such as weddings, funerals, graduations etc?
This is a difficult question really because companies have to provide the services that they have agreed. However it can be a very difficult time for performers constantly missing big events. When you work a 9-5 type PAYE job you have allowances for holiday etc however many performance contracts are self employed.
How soon should companies advise about their contracts for the following season?
Often when performers wish to return to a contract the following season companies seem to leave it until the last minute to advise of their contract renewal, why is this the case? Personally I think companies have a lot of things to consider and really need to decide what product they will be putting together for the following season before they can cast. However from a performers point of view you need the most amount of time possible to prepare your options. I don't think this is a situation that will ever change, however it does help for both sides to see things from the other side.
Should companies allow time for performers who are also studying?
This is a difficult question because schedules need to be adhered to. I am a perfect example of this as for the last few weeks I have been rehearsing all day and performing shows in the evening. My schedule has not allowed me to fit in any study time and this has greatly effected my emotional balance. I am currently feeling panicked and behind and not fully able to commit to anything, however the company I work for are very supportive of my course and have offered me assistance.
Should companies support performers in their studies?
I thinks companies should support performers who are studying. Anything anyone does to better themselves should be encouraged, also from a companies point of view that person studying may gain a skill that can help the company move forward.
Financial
Often performance contracts are self employed, should companies pay self employed persons holiday pay?
Companies have no legal requirement to pay self employed persons holiday pay. I feel it is an issue that sometimes causes problems for performers because if they require time off for any events they must take that time unpaid.
How do performers manage their finances when they often only work short contracts?
This is a question that is quite personal. Personally I save when I am working to cover the time when I am auditioning, however this does not make me very financially secure particularly when looking at the future.
Do many performers have pension plans?
During my research time I have found that many performers don't have anything like a pension plan as they can not afford to put money in regularly. Again this relates to the type of jobs that are worked and the unsteadiness of the industry. Google has shown me that there are companies who offer specific performers pensions however personally I couldn't afford to commit to a twelve month payment plan.
Social
How do performers feel when they are often unable to attend family events due to work commitments?
In my experience this is a very difficult issue for performers. On one hand I feel blessed that I am able to do a job that I love but on the other hand I miss so much of my families lives.
How do performers cope when they are often living and socialising with their work colleagues?
In my research it seems that many performers enjoy this side of the job. Living and working with like minded people is enjoyable and many strong friendships are built in this way. Personally I think this also relates to age, what you enjoy when you are younger is something that can be a problem when you are older and want different things from your life.
Can many performers be described as workaholics? How does this affect their lives?
Through my research I have seen that many performers would describe themselves as workaholics however do not see this as a bad thing. When you enjoy your work and it is described as a 'vocation' rather than a job it seems natural to throw yourself into it entirely.
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Possible titles
Looking at my work so far I am trying to compile a variety of possible titles and the directions they could head in. My problem is that looking into how performers manage to sustain a healthy work/life balance opens up so many doors;
Career Development
Where do performers turn for career advice?
Is age a factor when it comes to deciding on a career path?
How can performers continue to work professionally when they become parents?
Companies
How can companies help performers sustain a healthy work/life balance?
Should companies allow performers to take time off for important events such as weddings, funerals, graduations etc?
How soon should companies advise about their contracts for the following season?
Should companies allow time for performers who are also studying?
Should companies support performers in their studies?
Financial
Often performance contracts are self employed, should companies pay self employed persons holiday pay?
How do performers manage their finances when they often only work short contracts?
Do many performers have pension plans?
Can performers afford pension plans?
Social
How do performers feel when they are often unable to attend family events due to work commitments?
How do performers cope when they are often living and socialising with their work colleagues?
Can many performers be described as workaholics? How does this affect their lives?
Career Development
Where do performers turn for career advice?
Is age a factor when it comes to deciding on a career path?
How can performers continue to work professionally when they become parents?
Companies
How can companies help performers sustain a healthy work/life balance?
Should companies allow performers to take time off for important events such as weddings, funerals, graduations etc?
How soon should companies advise about their contracts for the following season?
Should companies allow time for performers who are also studying?
Should companies support performers in their studies?
Financial
Often performance contracts are self employed, should companies pay self employed persons holiday pay?
How do performers manage their finances when they often only work short contracts?
Do many performers have pension plans?
Can performers afford pension plans?
Social
How do performers feel when they are often unable to attend family events due to work commitments?
How do performers cope when they are often living and socialising with their work colleagues?
Can many performers be described as workaholics? How does this affect their lives?
Further research
I'm just setting up some further research, if you could take five minutes to complete my survey it would be gratefully appreciated.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F9JD62T
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F9JD62T
Thursday 7 March 2013
Combining thoughts
I have been researching, developing and writing in my journal like a woman possessed, however I haven't felt there was anything to blog about. Developing my line of enquiry is seeming quite a task and things seem to be fracturing off and growing into their own separate debate. I guess the question more is how do I combine all these developing elements and combine them under one title?
How can performers find a healthy work/life balance?
How old is to old when it comes to performing?
Do companies support performers when working away from home?
Can performers continue to work in a full time professional capacity when they become parents?
Can performers be described as workaholics?
What are the effects on a person and their family if they are a 'workaholic'?
How do performers cope when they often live and work with colleagues?
Where should performers turn when they need to seek careers advice?
Can performers turn to companies such as 'The Job Centre' or do they need industry specific advice?
Looking into these questions has lead me to various in depth discussion with colleagues and friends. I feel looking into these questions will give me plenty of scope for my writing, however how do I combine this into a title?
How can performers find a healthy work/life balance?
How old is to old when it comes to performing?
Do companies support performers when working away from home?
Can performers continue to work in a full time professional capacity when they become parents?
Can performers be described as workaholics?
What are the effects on a person and their family if they are a 'workaholic'?
How do performers cope when they often live and work with colleagues?
Where should performers turn when they need to seek careers advice?
Can performers turn to companies such as 'The Job Centre' or do they need industry specific advice?
Looking into these questions has lead me to various in depth discussion with colleagues and friends. I feel looking into these questions will give me plenty of scope for my writing, however how do I combine this into a title?
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