Looking back task 1a

These are some of my thoughts and reflections since starting the course, and the developments made, regarding what has been achieved through analysing fellow students comments and how their comments have helped me.

Reading people profiles and changes to their CV's has been enlightening. Although most did not make major changes, ( Eleanor admits to having re-written hers from stratch), the changes seem to make them happier with their new version.

We constantly grow and change as performers. We may view things differently and learn new skills that reflect in the way we perceive things and this is in turn may affect the way we write about ourselves.

Eleanor writes that she -
"prioritises my skill set to to how I wish to be portrayed as a performer" and she was told once do something everyday to further your career. A good practice for when you are feeling powerless or have lost momentum. You can take back control and do something that will help you towards your goal.

 She also mentions that she has shared her blog posts on Instagram and is going to see what affects this has. It will be interesting to follow this. Her bold colour choice works with her photo and it reflects shows maturity and confidence.

Lauren's image is strong and stands out and makes you want to read her text. She states that she thought about Jennifer and Eleanor ideas and comments when she updated her work.

Lauren commented on  my profile as she was interested as to why I described myself first and then mentioned professional engagements. I did this as a wanted a different feel to the profile from my CV. Also, the fact that I have worked as an adjudicator and my intention is to be an external speech and drama examiner  I will need a new one that highlights my academic qualifications as well  performance.

Jessica D uses the expression "Quality not Quantity" which is so important whatever stage your career is at.

Emily has two different CV's, which is usual in the industry in the beginning, and it made me smile when she mentioned her "normal" CV is the non-performance one. She also added an "about me" section. I agree with her that we need to "be specific" and that we are all unique. This is so true and your unique selling point is "you".

Henry's profile reads very well. He comes across as a motivated, talented and hard-working individual. His photography is exceptional and the survey he is going to carry out with regards to his audience thought's shows he doesn't just perform for himself but cares about how it affects others.

Jenifer realises her didn't have much information so she added relevant facts to flesh out hers.

Taylors was fascinating. How many performers get to work in a travelling kids circus!

Kirsty has a "chatty" style which makes her seem approachable. It isn't overly long and  keeps to the point.

Jessica S profile changed from 7th to 25th Feb making it shorter and "punchier " but still contains all the necessary information.

Ronna reminds us of the ethical considerations and uses a watermark presentation of dancers on her re-worked versions to make it more individual and stand out in a sea of information.

Dominque Davies has just put up a new blog with her CV and profile. She describes "making her piece of paper become a person". I think that is a excellent method for approaching a CV or profile. It needs to be real. It reminds me of the scene in "A Chorus Line" film when the director asks them to tell him something about themselves and  he becomes angry because they are affected and try to impress him. He wants honesty from them. Who they are. Acting is truth.

Promodos profile mentions " conscious effort to find some connections." Such good advice. I do believe that we can make our own "luck" by trying harder. It's funny how the hardest workers always seem to be the "lucky" ones.

Because we have been sharing thoughts in our blogs it feels that we comfortable with the process of reading each others profile, commenting and tweaking them to improve our own.

All the above helped me to reflect and develop my own CV and profile. Lauren's comment on mine was useful and am sure all of our CV's and profiles will be considerably different by the end of our course. I will be updating mine as I need to have some more photographs taken as I am going to be working in other aspects of speech and drama.

The changes made and the explanations as to why they were made were insightful. Adapting your current CV to a professional profile helps to see yourself as other see you. You only have one chance to make a good impression.

Shared thoughts, shared knowledge, shared success.