Quick to think "The Show Must Go On!"

Creativity in Live art performances.

            The lights go out, a hush runs over the audience, slowly the curtain rises, and then you remember this is an outdoor theatre in July! Summer theatre performances are great ways for the family to enjoy culture. There are many shows and festivals that take place all over the country. However, it takes creative thinking to keep performers in top condition.

            In Arts beat, Daniel Wakin discusses a performance review on the Virginia production of Sweeny Todd. With the summer heat wave, it is difficult to keep the actors hydrated. Thanks to the technicians who raided the stores for Gatorade, the leading ladies and gentlemen, were able to handle the heat of the performance. Gatorade, not only used for basketball players but performers, as well.

            The Tech teams were also creative enough “to use condoms to cover the microphone packs.” The sweat would short-circuit the microphones in the middle of the show. Finally, they would also double microphones the actors just in case one went out in the middle of the performance. The singers were also given ice packs to keep under the costumes. This helps the body temperature not rise quickly. The positive side to the heat wave is that the singer’s voices were in top shape.

            The entertainment industry is a fast-pace business. The technical and back stage team has to be just as creative as the characters on stage. In a live theatre situation, it is important to be flexible and think quickly to save a show.  In developing this job into a business, quick thinking is an asset to any employee. Weather is one risk factor that people will not have control of, but the show must go on. With an imagination and a goal to succeed, the entertainment industry can be one to fully enjoy.

For more information go to:

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/

The insight on Music Industry creativity

Fame: not just a microphone

Ask any little kid what they want to be when they grow up and you will receive answers such as, “doctor, veterinarian, firefighter, and the most popular I want to be FAMOUS.” What children learn as they grow up is that a career in the arts can be more than just singing on a stage.

In researching the industry, most famous actors and musicians have a plethora of people surrounding them. With the support, of fans and publicity, one of the most needed factors in a music career is a fantastic manager.

With the ever-evolving society, the industry changes just as quickly. Music managers are key to booking and keeping relationships with the artist, as well as, keeping a “revenue streamline”. It is helpful for artist and managers just starting out, to be creative. Most new talent does not have a large fan base, so there have to be cheap and creative ways to help them. In a video interview with Aimee Berger, she also discusses creativity in venue booking.

Artisthouse Music.com interviews Berger who is the “founder and President of Alternative Venue Entertainment.” Aimee Berger has been successful in helping artist use ideas such as school campus and other areas of performing to help get started. In the interview, she discusses a band using the Internet to get their songs out to an audience. Berger believes “that most labels will take on clients who already have a good market and fan base.” These are the artists that will make it farther in the business. Labels are not the key to creativity in marketing. If the artist and the manager have a good idea going in, they will have a longer lasting career.

Interestingly, Aimee Berger pushes having goals. Most musicians should want to get their music out to as many listeners as possible. They will also want to establish relationships so that people will remember the artist’s brand. To become famous is not easy it takes hard work. To learn about any art form is to learn all of the elements that help make it possible. All artists need people backing them up. And, that back up need to be just as creative to help any artist establish a career.

To find out more: http://www.artistshousemusic.org/

Equity Negotiations and Disney Magic

            A Professional Interview

When people hear the name Disney, what are some of the first things that come to mind? The vacation spots, movies, theme parks and best of all Mickey Mouse are all the first choices. The idea of Mickey represents many things to different people. Mickey Mouse is not only the park icon but also the ideal of entertainment. He leads out the parades lets children dream with him in shows, and loves everyone who comes to visit.

            The entertainment of Disney is what keeps the dream alive. Entertainment comes in all forms. Performing along side our character friends, are Equity professionals. I was able to interview and equity stunt man with Disney. (Whose name will not be mentioned for privacy). This man has worked with Walt Disney for almost 20 years and has performed in shows such as Tarzan Rocks, Festival of the Lion King, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and more. In the interview, I was able to learn about the stunt role and some of their negotiations.

            The stunt people for Disney are paid by contract. Each show offers a different contract. According to the performer, “ The contracts are a year long. Each year you have to be offered a contract, and then there is the possibility of negotiation.” Interestingly, each show is in the actor’s Equity, but the stunt performers do not have to be part of the Union. If they choose to, they must perform over a year to buy their Card. Most of the contracts are set for what the performer will be paid, but they are able to negotiate pay raises. “In most cases, the pay stays pretty solid, there is not a big change. There is not much leverage from where they stand” But it is still worth it to ask. And, obtaining a contract is a goal in itself.

            Like any smart performer, it is good to have a BATNA or a back up plan. Many of the Performers learn multiple shows or hold jobs in other cities. This can help or hurt the performer. Most of the time the other jobs are not good leverage for negotiation but for keeping the career alive.

            The Disney Dream lives through the hearts of its performers. The heart inside reaches out to those watching, keeping the magic alive and the desire to return to the child hood dream over and over again.

           For more information go to actorsequity.org

Warner Music Sold in 2011

Warner Music Sold

According to the New York Times arts blog, Warner music was sold for 3.3 Billion dollars. This label owns bands such as Madonna, Bruno mars, Green Day and many others. In the “Pop cast” played, Bruce Hedlem interviews New York Times music writer Ben Sisscario for his views on the sale.

Sisscario claims that most labels sold like this, are sold for two reasons.

The first, the investor believes that the music industry has “hit rock bottom.” With the advancement of ITunes and piracy, most investors are working on stabilizing the music community. These investors can step in and help make money off of the label. The second reason Ben Sisscario claimed was buying the label for vanity’s sake. Many wealthy people like to purchase record labels, so they can hang out and have their pictures taken with celebrities. The two reasons were discussed, but a conclusive answer was not reached, as to why this Warner music was purchased.

            A Russian gentlemen, by the name of Len Balvotonic, purchased Warner Music. He became wealthy the old fashioned way through oil and aluminum. With this type of background, many are wandering what the plan is for Warner Music. Most know that Balvotonic was friends with the CEO of Warner for many years and was also one of the investors on the board sense 2004. People claim that his next move is to buy EMI. The very small music label that took a big hit with the economy. If he purchases both labels and merges the two it could mean big things for the industry.

In the interview, Ben Sisscario also discussed the post label era. With a merger of EMI and Warner music, many small bands could take a hit by losing their record label. Now days with so many ways of getting music out, such as ITunes and Facebook there are ways for small bands to keep going in the industry.

The goal of Warner is also to continue making money in a “post label era.” Warner had signed 360 contracts with Madonna and Jay Z. Now involving  the name in more than just a label. They will also be involved with music sales, concert tours, and more in the lives of the artist. The goal is for the label to stay in the game of the advancing music industry and to see what new ways these investors can generate income.

To find out more go to:

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/popcast-the-sale-of-warner-music-lady-gaga-and-more/

            

Survey Says, Arts degree?????

The Career of an Artist

            Is obtaining a degree in the arts the best move? Growing up with a passion for the arts can be tricky. Most people, who love this industry, will spend years in a studio. Once grown, some decide to move to a local arts town, New York, Los Angeles, and try their luck at auditioning, while others will decided to continue on an educational path. Many will go to college and end with an arts degree. Is one move smarter than the other?

             Arts Beat, the New York Times blog, shows the results of a national survey.  The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project is the survey performed by Indiana University. It shows relevant data of

 graduate artist with degrees. The conclusions were not shocking with the economy at the present moment. According to the 2010 online survey,

92 percent of alumni who want to work are doing so (the unemployment rate for April in the United States was 9 percent), while two-thirds said their first job was a close match for the kind of work they desired. Fifty-seven percent are working as professional artists, but don’t be surprised if your bedroom doubles as your office. More than 6 in 10 were self-employed since graduation. Working or not, 9 out of 10 reported they were pleased with their art training, and three out of four would attend the same institution again (Cohen 2).

This survey was not the biggest random sample but it included all artists of all different ages. It can show many things. First of all the economy right now plays a big role in all job types for those right out of college. Weather the degree was in business, political science, or the arts job markets right now are only employing those with experience.  And 22-25 year olds right out of college have the skills but not the current experience that professionals are looking for.

It also shows that a job in the arts can be limited. Most artists know this.  It takes a lot to inspire others with creativity that comes from the inside. It can be done. Many choose the field of entertainment. Opening up doors for a job with securities and income. Along side the choices it is a possibility for education to continue with an arts degree, merging an artist into the business world. This can open up many doors to, as long as people are willing to keep an open mind.

With personal experience I have found it is possible to have a job in the arts. Is it a dream job, not at the present moment. With time, hard work and imagination any job can become a dream job. The survey shows facts but not what inspiration and hard work can do. An education is always a step ahead in the long run. With an education even if a person starts with an office as his or her bedroom, they can end up as the next Bill Gates.

Are We Born To Run?

Are We Born To Run: Christopher McDougal

Business Storytelling is imperative to advertising and branding. What we have learned about branding is that, it is important to get people to trust you, and to trust the product being sold. Most people just want something to believe in and to be apart of. If they find a product that relates to a feeling or empowers nostalgic emotions then that company has done its job.

The requirement for branding is passion. Passion holds a key in relating to others, gaining trust and showing people that you care. If the market behind the product obtains passion, then the market audience is soon to follow. In learning about passion I listened to Christopher McDougal tell his story on Ted.com.

            Christopher McDougal's speech entitled, Are We Born To Run, was inspirational. He reached the heart of his audience by telling the story of an Ethiopian woman in the New York marathon. The woman was up against Olympic gold medalist and the world’s fastest runner, and all she had to give was desire. As the race began she stayed with the competitors, in the 22nd mile the Olympian began to get injured. She pulled back and the women pulled back with her encouraging her to move on, they moved on together for a short time. When the injury flared up again the Ethiopian women tried to help, she was told to go ahead and with that encouragement she won the New York City marathon.

            McDougal claims that the compassion of this woman came from the freedom she found in running.  Ironically, running is originally what humans were created to do. It has evolved the heart and mind so we now have the technology and inspiration that makes the world we live in today. So, what happened to running, why did it become a chore? Now days, when running is talked about, the first story you hear is of injury. Why, because “thinking” man has forgotten to include it. Marathon running is all about the shoes, and the best time, and how to accurately train and run. The sport has lost its youthfulness and freedom. McDougal is not only inspiring his listeners to run and be healthy. He is reminding them of a lifestyle that can help the human race. He also refers to humans as a pack, giving reasons that we were meant to run together. Examples, to learn from the elderly, to have the strength of the youth and the children growing and learning from experience, will make our culture stronger.

            Entertainment is the same way. It started as out door theatres and acting and singing for celebration. In the business I would like to open. It would be incredible for people to sense community. To learn from those that have been around, and accept those that are strong, and to need the young and inspirational, is what defines community. Empowering trust and passion in whatever the person is experiencing. So we should go back to running for freedom and happiness, and back to art for beauty and celebration.

Found at: http://www.ted.com/talks/christopher_mcdougall_are_we_born_to_run.html

The Show Directors and Choreographers Society

Trade Association Review

In starting graduate classes at Full Sail University, I have a goal. My dream is to become a show director or talent-casting agent. With this job, I can remain in my love of performance, and tie in the business aspect. It is good to research and understand the industry. In discovering trade associations the one that best begins the path is the stage directors and choreographers society. This union will give information as to what I will need to run and participate in a company.

            The SDC brings prominent stage directors and choreographers together; to make sure their rights are protected as they work on each show. The goal within the association is to educate and build the society for future generations. The authority is the same as any other theatre unions Broadway, off Broadway etc. This well known society has set up an online page showing all directors and programs that are important to the community. This helps any reader begin to trust and desire to become apart of this organization. In reading, the history and mission statement I have learned so much about SDC.

The Society began over 52 years ago in 1959 with Shephard Traube as president. He began the SDC “when Bob Fosse withheld his services on a production of Little Me”  (SDC P 1). It has grown stronger over the fifty years by gaining rights for directors and choreographers in the union. The society itself has protected many well-known shows engaging more directors and choreographers to join the union. As previously stated, with protecting directors it also gives back to the community.

According to the member services “Getting Involved” page on the website explains all the ways the association gets involved with the community. The one main group breaks into smaller groups for getting involved. Each group comes up with the creative names and ways to help out the community. For example, “Americans for the Arts” is a nonprofit organization creating ways for everyone to participate in the arts. Also, “Advocacy for the Arts” is an organization that legalizes education for directors and other performers. Creating ways that artists who were not able to be in school now can. These are just two of the many groups that the stage directors and choreographers society bring together.

This organization is one that I would one day love to join. A future as a show director and choreographer is a great dream. But one that is also able to give back to the community and share and protect artist is one to consider. There are usual fees and rules but there is in any organized community. Support of the association would be a great idea for any future endeavors.