Unit 2 activity 1

Unit 2 Task 1

Research the roles, skills, and attributes of a performer

Mirava Vekaria

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star

leading role in productions. Usually those who have achieved a level of prominence and popularity. Stars often play a central role in various performances, such as films, or stage shows.

enrolling in specialized training programs or conservatories known for their focus on the performing arts. Programs like those offered by The Juilliard School, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), or Berklee College of Music are highly regarded. A star role is one of the most difficult roles to get as there aren't many stars in a production, especially for those less known. Networking is crucial. Attending workshops, auditions, taking other roles, such as an extra, and getting in touch with others who work in the industry can boost your career.

Stars in the entertainment industry have lots of different opportunities, like going on tours, acting in movies, getting endorsements, and working on collaborative projects. But being a star also means having a really busy schedule with long hours, especially during filming, tours, and promotional events. The life of a star isn't always as glamorous as it seems. They have to deal with being in the public eye all the time, and their personal lives often become part of their public image. This constant attention requires them to balance being true to themselves while managing how the public sees them. Additionally, because of the nature of their work, stars often have to travel a lot for performances or promotional events, making their lives even more hectic. As an example, working as a star in a movie usually means having the most screentime, which feeds from more time on and off set. This includes more time in front of the camera, and more time off camera learning more script. Although the extensive work hours, stars are usually the highest paid. It can be based from popularity as well.

Stars often collaborate with a diverse group of performers, such as backup dancers, musicians, or ensemble actors. The ability to work harmoniously with others is crucial for creating a unified performance. Building communion, as Mr. Holdsworth says, with fellow performers contributes to a more authentic and engaging experience for the audience. Stars can play a role in fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere among the entire cast. A cohesive team dynamic improves the energy of the performance. Stars usually have the most screen time so it's important to work closely with directors to bring the artistic vision of a production to life. Understanding and effectively implementing the director's guidance is essential. Not only does this create a successful production, but building a good relationship with the director plays a huge role in networking and resulting in more star roles. They collaborate with directors to develop and refine their characters by building from their proposed circumstances. Stars need to be adaptable and responsive to the director's feedback during rehearsals and performances, contributing to the overall cohesion of the production. They also have to communicate with the production team, including stage managers, costume designers, and technical crews, to coordinate costume changes, lighting cues, and stage setups. Clear communication between stars and the production team is essential for the seamless execution of technical aspects, ensuring that the performance runs smoothly. Stars collaborate with the production team to address any challenges that may arise during rehearsals or performances, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills. As an example, a star may need to run tech rehearsals with the team to make sure the costume works, where lighting moves, etc..

Stars in music and theatre often require exceptional vocal abilities to captivate audiences during performances. Various roles have various backrounds so skills such as executing an accurate accent that matches with the role shows adaptability. Physical prowess is crucial for actors and dancers, as they need to execute choreography or perform actions convincingly. Stars must possess the ability to interpret scripts, characters, or musical pieces authentically, bringing depth and emotion to their performances. They are involved in planning their schedules, rehearsals, and promotional activities. This includes managing time effectively to balance various commitments. While experienced, stars still need to respond to the direction of directors and choreographers to ensure the successful execution of the overall vision. Even in a leading role, stars often collaborate with backup dancers, musicians, and fellow actors. Effective collaboration is crucial for a seamless and engaging performance. Building communion with their co-stars includes using modes of communication, as an example- mental mode and facial expressions. A great actor goes beynd the proposed circumstances and supports their gestures with logic of action and can match their tempo-rythm to their performance. A great actor becomes the character with phsyco-physicality.Stars must exhibit a high level of professionalism, including punctuality, reliability, and a positive attitude, to maintain their reputation and relationships in the industry. The ability to adapt to different roles, genres, or styles is essential for the versatility demanded in the entertainment industry. A star's ability to connect with the audience through charisma and stage presence significantly contributes to their success and popularity.

Definition

Qualifications, training routes, and strategies

Employment trends and working conditions

Interrelations

skills

The person responsible for the overall creative vision of the show. They have to bring the different elements of the production together to produce a succesfull final production.

Production team: (producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, composers, designers, and crew members) to balance their creative vision with the practicals of filming, working within time and budget constraints while striving to create the best possible performance. They will have to have meetings with the design team at various stages during a production. Performers: Direct the performers and help them develop their characters in rehearsals ahead of the final performance

Employability skills/personal qualities

Employment trends/working conditions/lifestyle factors

Skills

Collaboration with their team to work effectively with them and put ideas together to create their vision Communication be able to communicate their vision, provide clear instructions and constructive feedbackPlanning/organisational skills to manage their workload. This skill is crucial for handling multiple projects, coordinating staff, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with their goals

Adaptability and Flexibility to be open to change and able adjust to new circumstances and challengesLeadership to guide each role Resilience to bounce back from setbacks and remain focused under pressure

Interrelations

Definition

Employment trends in the directing profession may vary based on factors such as industry demand, technological advancements, and evolving audience preferences. Working conditions for directors can range from long hours on set to extensive pre-production planning and post-production editing. Being a director often requires a high level of dedication, creativity, and resilience. Directors may need to balance their professional commitments with personal life, and the nature of the work may involve periods of intense focus and demanding schedule as they would be need to direct all the roles of the production such as actors, extras, dancers, etc.

Dancer

an artist who uses their body for creative expression, moving to music to communicate emotions and stories to an audience. There are various types of dancing roles such as dance choreographer, back up dancer, solo dancer, etc.

Dancers often pursue formal training through dance academies, schools, or degree programs in dance. Examples include the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance. Many professional dancers also gain experience through workshops, masterclasses, and participation in dance competitions.Continuous professional development can involve further specialization in a specific dance style or ongoing training to stay updated with industry trends. Being a dancer involves self work and improvement. For instance, dancers must sretch regularly to maintain flexbility.

The lifestyle of a dancer often involves a balance between intense physical training, rehearsals, and the need for rest and recovery.Travel may be a significant aspect, especially for touring performances or gigs in different locations.Dancers often need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support their physical well-being. Maintaining a strong, healthy diet, stretching and working out reguraly, but taking care of their bodies at the same time is included in the lifestyle of a dancer.

Key technical performance skills for dancers include musicality, expression,, technical proficiency, creativity for choreographers, stamina, strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, mobility, spatial awareness, posture, weight placement/transferance, timing, pace, rythm, etc. Practical skills such as planning, responding to direction, and collaboration are crucial for dancers to work effectively with choreographers, directors, and other performers. The relationship between a choreographer and dancer is very important as every dancer and creator is and works differently. A choreograoher needs to understand a dancer's ability, their strenghs/weaknesses, way of learning (visual, auditory, kinseathetic) and vise versa. Employability skills and personal qualities needed to succeed as a dancer include physical fitness, stamina, perseverance, motivation, discipline, communication, interpersonal skills, creativity, resilience, confidence, self-belief, and adaptability. Dicipline includes presentation and wearing the correct attire. As an example, hair tied back, correct footwear, correct dancewear, no jewellery. Dancers must be able to interpret and convey the emotions, themes, or narratives embedded in choreography by the director and choreographer. This involves understanding the intention behind movements and expressing them. Having the willigness to experiment and try new things out suggested by the director or choreographer is not only an employability skill, but also helps improve yourself and make you a well-rounded dancer. When working along other dancers, it is important to be in sync as a one, this is especially important when part of an ensemble. An example of this is the Rockettes. Syncopation with one another is a crucial skill to become a Rockette

Employment as a dancer can be project-based, with gigs ranging from live performances to music videos, stage shows, and more.Working conditions may vary, with some dancers experiencing irregular schedules, long rehearsal hours, and physically demanding routines. As shown in the Rockettes video, what is shown on stage is very minimal compared to their work behind the production- as an example, they are responsible for their own hair and makeup. The growth of dance in multimedia (film, television, online platforms) has expanded opportunities for dancers beyond traditional stage performances. To maintain logivity in the industry, dancers must take care of their bodies by resting and cure when needed, having a healthy diet, warming up, cooling down, and taking appropriate measures that ensure they dont wear their bodies down.

Qualifications and Training Routes:

Lifestyle factors

Employment trends and working condition

Skills, Qualities, interelations

Extra

Extras are often background performers who fill scenes to create a more realistic and populated environment. They typically do not have scripted lines or a significant role in the storyline but contribute to the overall atmosphere and setting of a scene. Extras may be used to portray pedestrians, bystanders, party guests, or any other background characters needed to enhance the visual context of a production. They play a crucial role in creating a naturalistic world.

Physical agility is crucial, as extras often need to move and position themselves as directed, maintaining consistency across multiple takes. Adaptability is another key skill- extras need to seamlessly adjust to different settings, scenes, and roles. While extras typically don't have scripted lines, interpretative skills are essential for understanding the atmosphere of a scene and responding appropriately. Professionalism, like punctuality and the ability to follow directions, is very important. Extras interact with various other roles on set, including other performers and members of the production team. Collaborating with fellow extras is essential to create a cohesive and realistic background for scenes. Interacting with directors and the production team is critical, as extras need to understand the vision of the scene and follow instructions for a successful shot. Effective communication and the ability to take direction from those in charge contribute to a positive working relationship with the entire cast and crew.

17-year-old Megan Fox playing a club dancer in the 2003 Will Smith and Martin Lawrence cop caper. Four years later, the film's director Michael Bay would cast her in Transformers, and the rest is history.

Being an extra doesn't typically require formal qualifications, making it an accessible entry point for individuals interested in the performing arts, although education in drama would be beneficial. Taking basic acting classes can provide insights into on-set etiquette and expectations. Many extras find opportunities through casting agencies or by participating in open calls. The lifestyle of an extra often involves flexibility with schedules, as shoot times can vary. While employment as an extra may not be consistent, it provides valuable on-set experience and opportunities to network within the industry. They are needed in various productions, including films, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. They should be flexible with their schedules as shoot times can vary. Although they don’t get paid as much as the larger roles as well as less recognition, working as an extra can provide a start to a great career as it gives you past experience and allows you to network.

Qualification, lifestyle, employment trends

The role of an extra is a great start for those who want large roles

Skills, Qualities, interelations

Singer

Singers play a vital role in the music industry, bringing songs to life through their vocal talents. They perform in various settings, including live concerts, studio recordings, and other musical productions.

Formal education options include obtaining a degree in music or vocal performance from renowned institutions such as Berklee College of Music, The Juilliard School, or the Royal Academy of Music. Alternatively, private vocal lessons with experienced instructors, like those offered by renowned vocal coaches Seth Riggs or Melissa Cross, provide personalized training. Workshops and masterclasses, such as those organized by the Grammy Foundation or VocalizeU, offer additional opportunities for skill development and exposure to industry professionals. Practical experience gained through local performances, open mic nights, and talent competitions also plays a crucial role in a singer's training. Continuous professional development can involve courses like the "Berklee Online Vocal Technique" program or collaborative songwriting courses to refine artistic capabilities.

Singers can find opportunities in various genres, and their working conditions may include irregular hours, especially during performances and studio sessions.The lifestyle of a singer involves touring for those in live performances, leading to a nomadic lifestyle. Success in the music industry often means being in the public eye, impacting personal privacy due to public exposure.

Key performance skills include vocal range, pitch, rythm, and the ability to convey emotions effectively through singing, projection, etc. Physical skills, including breath control and posture, are essential for sustaining notes and projecting the voice. Interpretative skills are crucial as singers must convey the emotions and meaning of song lyrics, establishing a connection with the audience. For practical skills: They must plan their practice schedules, performances, and promotional activities efficiently. Responding to direction as singers often collaborate with music producers or directors who guide them on interpretation and delivery. Effective collaboration, both with other musicians and production teams, ensures a cohesive musical performance. As an example, they must have awareness of their accompaniment, practicing with them regularly. Employability skills such as versatility in different genres, professionalism, and stage presence contribute significantly to a singer's success in the industry.

Collaboration with fellow musicians, backup singers, and instrumentalists creates a well-rounded musical experience. Not only other singers, but also dancers. As an example, singers on tour may have backup dancers, which means practicing choreo with them so everyone remains in sync. Practice must also include the accompsniment. Working closely with directors and production teams is vital for realizing the vision of a musical performance or recording.

Skills

interrelations

Qualifications and training routes

Lifestyle

Definition

Various other roles

- Guest star famous entertainer making an appearance in a show Not a regular in the showSupporting performs a role in a play or film that has a substantial part in the development of the story and relationship with the lead actor(s).Featured extraAn extra who gets a little more screen time Does something significantExample: spills a coffee on star, delivers a newspaper Chorus perform vocally in a group as opposed to those who perform singlyStunt double to perform stunts on behalf of an actor, rather than the actor doing it themselvesSwingan offstage performer who only goes on if someone in the ensemble is unable to do sodoes not cover principal roles in a show

Standby standby in the event that the actor is unable to performDifferent to a swing because standbys only cover one role-Featured ensemble member An individual part in an ensemble performanceCircus performerAcrobats Jugglers Fire performers Fire dancers Fire jugglers Stilt walkers Living statues Glow performers Aerial dancers

DR Honey Kalaria

Case study

Honey Kalaria is a professional dance artist, choreographer, media presenter and mind-body-soul expert, offering online training and coaching to global audiences to help develop their creative hobbies and performing arts careers, providing education & inspiration through an online news site called "Power Of Creative Arts" and empowering audiences through interviews she conducted called "Keys To Life Mastery". Honey has been nominated as one of the top three Asian business women in the UK, and possesses a Masters Degree in Public Relations and an Honorary Doctorate of Arts with a number 1 bollywood workout video. She is the founder of Honeys Dance Academy, which ran 20 centres in the UK and had been voted as UK's leading Bollywood Dance School since it was launched in 1997. This dance school is what kickstarted my passion for performing arts at age 7. Because her experience and expertise, she is approached regularly to provide consultancy, training and business mentoring to those interested in performing arts and creativity. She has contributed greatly to charity- I had the oppurtunity of working alongside her in around 20 charity events.

relations/ networking:

She has worked alongside Gareth Gates, Beyonce, Craig David, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. Her networking and marketing skills have played a huge role for these oppurtunities

Her dance associated roles:Raised in the UK, she began her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer and choreographer. She gained recognition for her work in various dance forms, including Bollywood and contemporary dance. She is known for promoting Bollywood dance in the UK. She has trained many dancers and conducted workshops to spread awareness of Bollywood dance styles.Her acting associated roles:In addition to her work as a dancer and choreographer, Honey Kalaria has also acted in several Bollywood and British films. Her acting career has added to her prominence in the entertainment world.Public/community interactions:Honey Kalaria is known for her support in various charities. She has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly those related to health, education, and women's empowerment. She has supported initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls, both in the UK and in India. This includes projects that focus on education, skill development, and economic independence for women. She has also been associated with health-related charities and initiatives. This includes campaigns to raise awareness about diseases and health issues, as well as efforts to provide medical support to those in need.

Acheivments

• Presented with The Best Bollywood International Artist Award for role in Bollywood film - Indian Babu directed by Lawrence D'Souza
• Invited as an Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh Award to give speeches and present awards at St James Palace, Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace
• Broke Guinness Book of World Records by getting the largest number of studio audience to perform to a Bollywood dance routine
• Finalist for The Woman of the Year Award category for The Asian Achievement Awards
• Her Music Video Time 2 Dance was voted as no 1 in Zee TV Music Channel
• Honey Kalaria's Bollywood Workout fitness DVD went to no 1 in the mainstream fitness charts
• Nominated as one of the top 3 Asian business women in the UK
• Received Special Award of recognition for Contribution to Women in Society from Tessa Jowell
• Nominated as one of the top 3 Asian personalities in the UK in the Media and Culture category for Asian Voice Awards
• Voted as a Local Hero to represent Redbridge for a UK wide Community Contribution Exhibition
• Received an Award for promoting Indian Performing Arts in the UK from the RCA (Redbride Cultural Association)
• Founder of Honeys Dance Academy - the leading Bollywood training institution in the UK
• Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Zest, She, New Woman, Company, Essentials, Health & Fitness, OK! Magazine, Woman’s Own, Radio Times, Girl About Town, Angel North Magazine, Spirit & Destiny, Travel News Magazine, Dance Expression, Dance Today…

Print

Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Zest, She, New Woman, Company, Essentials, Health & Fitness, OK! Magazine, Woman’s Own, Radio Times, Girl About Town, Angel North Magazine, Spirit & Destiny, Travel News Magazine, Dance Expression, Dance Today…NATIONAL PRINTNational Print Media Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Independent Review, The Times, Daily Express, Sunday Express, Daily Mail, Daily Mail Weekend, Daily Mirror, The Sun, Evening Standard, Metro, Time Out, The Stage, Teletext, Press Association….ASIAN PRINTClickwalla, Red Hot Curry, Garavi Gujarat, Gujarat Samachar, Eastern Eye, Movie Magazine, BBC Asian Network, Asian Leader, Asian Voice, Snoop, Asian Times, Sunrise Radio, Club Asia, Asian Woman, Asiana, Desi, Des Pardes, Occasions magazine…. TELEVISION & RADIOBBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, GLR, London Today, Sky, BBC2, Wedding TV, MTV, Zee TV, B4U, Sony, MATV, Venus TV, BBC Radio, BBC World News, Sunrise, Club Asia.… Honey Kalaria’s "Time 2 Dance" music video was voted as number 1 on Zee Music when it was released. The album of ethnic dance funk fusion with addictive melodies and irresistible beats was created for entertainment and to inspire people to dance. The Bollywood music producer who composed and created the music was Bappi Lahiri who was also featured in some of the tracks. The music can be used to practise the dance and fitness program exercises.

Works cited

BBC Bitesize. "Tips for Acting Auditions." BBC, https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zhx3pg8/revision/1.No Film School. "5 Things Every Director Should Think About While Working with Actors." No Film School, https://nofilmschool.com/5-things-director-should-think-about-while-working-actors.Skills You Need. "Employability Skills." Skills You Need, https://www.skillsyouneed.com/general/employability-skills.html.National Careers Service. "Actor." National Careers Service, https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/actor.Collins Dictionary. "Co-star." Collins Dictionary, https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/co-star.Berklee Online. "Careers in Music: Roles - Backup Dancer (Concerts and Tours)." Berklee Online, https://online.berklee.edu/careers-in-music/roles/backup-dancer-concerts-and-tours.City Headshots. "Types of Acting Roles." City Headshots, https://www.cityheadshots.com/blog/types-of-acting-roles.Backstage. "How to Make a Living as an Extra." Backstage, https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/make-living-extra-380/.Dance Magazine. Circus uncertainty https://www.circusuncertainty.com/Refinery29. "35 Celebrities Who Were Once Extras." Refinery29, https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2014/06/67851/celebrities-who-were-extras.Music Gateway. "The Different Vocal Techniques for Singers." Music Gateway, https://www.musicgateway.com/blog/how-to/the-different-vocal-techniques-for-singers.Ilford Recorder. "Bollywood Dance School Founder: Honey Kalaria’s Humble Goodmayes Beginnings to Stardom." Ilford Recorder, https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/21212495.bollywood-dance-school-founder-honey-kalaria-humble-goodmayes-beginnings-stardom/.iDance.net. "Honey Kalaria - Online Dance Instructor." iDance.net, https://www.idance.net/en/instructors/7462-honey-kalaria-online-dance-instructor-bollywood-bhangra-70-lessons-online.Yumpu. "Choreographer Artistic Director Performing Arts Honey Kalaria." Yumpu, https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/8286455/1-choreographer-artistic-director-performing-arts-honey-kalaria.