Five Top Resources from my Professional Practice

1. The Stage Newspaper

‘The Stage’ is the newspaper for the performing arts industry. It is without a doubt, my top professional resource as it features everything from what’s currently on at the theatre to the latest news and features, professional advice and of course the most recent job opportunities and auditions.

You can register with the stage online at www.thestage.co.uk, or subscribe to the newspaper which arrives weekly in the post. A subscription is useful if you happen to live in a house full of performers like me! I often read articles from the stage newspaper as it allows me to expand my knowledge of the industry I hope to build a successful career in.

I use the stage website 3-4 times a week, to update my diary with up-coming auditions and castings. This is essential for a self-employed dancer like myself and has provided me with one of my jobs already! The stage is a fantastic resource which, alongside my agent, aids me in sourcing the most relevant job opportunities available to me.

2. Contacts

Contacts is ‘the essential handbook for everyone working or wanting to work in the entertainment industry.’ Published by Spotlight annually since 1947, it is overflowing with thousands of listings of companies, services and individuals across all areas of television, stage, film and radio.

I was first introduced to the handbook in a meeting with Spotlight whilst I was still training at college. They highlighted the necessity of acquiring one of these books and I haven’t put it down since! It has provided me with all the information I have needed to get started in the performance industry. I have been able to find the contact details, and post my CV and photos to various agents as well as find a photographer to take my professional headshots.

Visit http://www.contactshandbook.com/ online to place an order for the 2010 handbook!

3. Pineapple Dance Studios

Pineapple Dance Studios is situated on Langley Street, opposite the tube station at Covent Garden. It feels almost like a second home to me, as I attended the performing arts school that’s takes place there every week from the age of fifteen.

The studio holds a large variety of classes in all kinds of dance styles such as, technical jazz, hip hop, classical ballet, cheerleading and pole-dancing! You can obtain a yearly membership or just pay as you go, enabling dancers to keep up their professional training in a welcoming environment.

I attend class at least once a week to improve and maintain my stamina, flexibility, technique and knowledge of current dance styles and trends. I always check the timetable to see what classes are available at:

http://www.pineapple.uk.com/

4. Facebook

Facebook is widely known as a social networking site, which is very easy to become addicted to! It is recognised as being a fantastic way of keeping in touch with acquaintances old and new, as well as uploading and sharing with the world you’re latest party snaps!

Despite its reputation, Facebook is a major professional resource for me as a performer. I have joined various groups set up for dancers which inform me of the latest auditions in every genre, as well as teaching vacancies and rooms available for rent in London. It has enabled me to look at the portfolio’s of various photographers that were recommended to me, and eventually find one that was suitable for me.

Whenever I am performing with other dancers, I always remember to add them as my friends on Facebook as it allows me to keep in touch with them and also converse about future auditions.

http://www.facebook.com/

5. Equity

Equity is ‘the UK Trade Union representing professional performers and other creative workers from across the entertainment, creative and cultural industries.’

I often check the Equity website at http://www.equity.org.uk/, as I believe it is invaluable to be a member of a union which strives to protect us as performers and that are constantly setting boundaries for our working conditions.

Being a member, entitles you to a minimum pay and also presents guidelines for your working conditions. They reserve your professional name, offer you legal support, tax and welfare advice, accident insurance and also a personal pension scheme. As a professional, it is important for me to be informed as to my rights within the workplace and be able to communicate with someone who can give me advice as to how I can manage these aspects of my career.