Entering The Industry

Naively; I believed a placement would be relatively simple to arrange, yet this was a much more difficult task than planned. As someone who is eager to explore the Creative Arts industry I was passionate to gain a placement that will strengthen my understanding of the sector. I wanted to transfer the drama skills I have learned to those which will make me an employable candidate in Arts Management.  In evaluating my experience in The MAC, I will use Gibb’s reflective cycle within my chronological subheadings to clearly analyse the search, application process and initial meeting.

Finding an Appropriate placement

Frustratingly, after having emailed and telephoned a number of companies; many were unable to offer me placement. I prioritised seeking out companies which relate to my area of interest, which was finite and limited. After applying to too many companies at once, I felt confused as to who I contacted and when.  Even though I eventually obtained a placement in The MAC, I recognised how competitive all aspects of the Arts Sector are.   My timely and enthusiastic responses maintained a polite etiquette when enquiring about placement. This process felt exhausting and momentarily stressful as the deadline drew closer. I felt frustrated as I could have contacted theatre companies earlier yet I changed my placement, wanting to experience a diverse arts management role. Due to the well-established reputation of The MAC, I communicated clearly and presented myself professionally as the industry is small and tightly connected. If repeating this process, I would decide the direction of my placement earlier and contact companies face-to-face if possible; receiving an immediate answer and presenting my professionalism in-person.

  

Creating a CV and Cover Letter

Creating a professional CV and cover letter was essential in the competitive application process for The MAC.  Contacts Elaine and Linda eventually offered me placement. I was unfamiliar to cover letters; however using Innes’ Brilliant Cover Letters, I was able to highlight my suitability towards this placement as,

“It is the ideal opportunity for you to succinctly summarise and re-emphasise the skills and experiences you have highlighted in your CV, whilst also giving you greater latitude to express your personality. It can help to focus attention on your strengths and distract attention away from any weaker points.”^[1]

^[1]  James Innes, Brilliant Cover Letters. 1st edition., Pearson Business, EBSCOhost, 2010 .p. IX- X. URL: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat02616a&AN=qub.b22136150&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 2 November 2022.

I felt conceited endorsing myself, wanting my application to remain humble. Having to be concise and condense my work experience whilst portraying my eagerness to The MAC was challenging. I felt intimidated by the formality of these documents; yet ecstatic to share my passion for the Arts Industry.  In notating my relevant experiences, I felt confident in the first impression I submitted. It was difficult deciding what information was more or less relevant to this placement as I didn’t know what my employers were specifically looking for. I believe the Cover Letter,

 “creates the first impression which is the one by which most people judge. An impressive letter can overcome the odd weakness in a CV.”^[2]

^[2] John Clarke. The Right Way to Write Your Own CV. [Rev. ed.], Right Way, 2001. EBSCOhost, URL: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat02616a&AN=qub.b15644753&site=eds-live&scope=site Accessed 10 October. p. 112.

Due to the competitive nature of the placement, I was specific regarding my needs and interests, hyperbolised my knowledge and research of The MAC and stressed the effort and commitment I am willing to provide. I could have incorporated more information regarding upcoming projects I would like to be involved In yet I feel I accurately highlighted the skills and qualities I can utilise in my placement.

Our Initial Meeting

In our meeting, Elaine and Linda were clear about my placement being focussed primarily in the Creative Learning sector; discussing important dates.  The responsibilities I would take care of include administration, workshop preparation, maintaining resources and attending relevant meetings.  As The MAC features exhibitions, festivals and productions I am hoping to filter between these events for a wider learning experience. I felt comfortable communicating with Elaine and Linda, yet anxious to create a professional in-person impression. Upon meeting them, I composed myself confidently, communicated clearly and ensured I was respectful and enthusiastic whilst discussing my placement.  I felt quite nervous and overwhelmed, however I remained composed and ensured I was talkative when discussing my areas of interest in Creative Learning.   

Timing this placement to coincide well alongside other modules was most concerning and anxiety-inducing as both must remain well-kept even if I maintain a heavy academic schedule. This issue was resolved by making clear my availability with the employer. I felt exhilarated discussing how I could contribute to The MAC in sharing my skills towards creative projects, becoming aware of the invaluable impact creative learning has on school children. Elaine emphasised the flexibility of this role and how creativity in arts management is the basis for organizations to succeed in this industry, emphasised by reading The cycle – A practical approach to managing arts organizations by Kaiser and Brett.  They note that,  

“When arts organizations develop new works, forge new collaborations, mount impressive festivals, engage world-class artists, or develop large-scale educational networks, these programmatic breakthroughs often gain— or regain— share in a saturated marketplace.”^[1] 

^[1] Michael M. Kaiser, and Egan E Brett. The Cycle : A Practical Approach to Managing Arts Organizations, Brandeis University Press, 2013. p.7.  ProQuest Ebook Central, URL: http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qub/detail.action?docID=1170378. Accessed 21 October 2022.  

We discussed the MAC’s charity work, emphasising the difficulty of surviving in an underfunded industry which can only be saved by creativity and unique expression of artistic directors; as

“If the work is performed with quality and conviction— even if it is not for everyone— the organization has transformed the conversation. That organization has become impossible to ignore.”^[2]  

^[2] Michael M. Kaiser, and Egan E Brett. The Cycle : A Practical Approach to Managing Arts Organizations, Brandeis University Press, 2013.  ProQuest Ebook Central, p.7. URL: http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qub/detail.action?docID=1170378 Accessed 21 October 2022.

Kaiser and Brett reemphasise Theatre’s purpose; to initiate a conversation and allow target audiences such as young people in Creative Learning to develop their knowledge or change their perspective. Although I was anxious, I asked practical questions concerning a consistent schedule. I could have prepared more insightful questions, giving my employers a clearer picture of my own ideas within Creative Learning. Therefore in the coming weeks, I will be proactive in my placement, prevent myself from becoming overwhelmed and ensure I consistently display a focussed work ethic and inviting persona. Overall, The MAC thus far have been helpful and inviting towards my ideas, and I am excited to take advantage of this opportunity.

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Bibliography

Alastair Macnab Architects, MAC Theatre Belfast, 2021. URL: https://am-arch.co.uk/mac-theatre-belfast/ Accessed 15 November 2022.

          Clarke, John. The Right Way to Write Your Own CV. [Rev. ed.], Right Way, 2001. EBSCOhost, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://Innes, James. Brilliant Cover Letters. 1st edition., Pearson Business, EBSCOhost, 2010. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat02616a&AN=qub.b15644753&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 10 October 2022.

Innes, James. Brilliant Cover Letters. 1st edition., Pearson Business, EBSCOhost, 2010. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat02616a&AN=qub.b22136150&site=eds-live&scope=site. Accessed 2 November 2022.

          Kaiser, Michael M., and Brett E. Egan. The Cycle : A Practical Approach to Managing Arts Organizations, Brandeis University Press, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qub/detail.action?docID=1170378. Accessed 21 October 2022.

The University of Edinburgh, Gibb’s Reflective Cycle, 2020. https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/gibbs-reflective-cycle Accessed 10 November 2022.