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What Is My Practice?

Since the age of 3 I practiced Musical Theatre with local dance schools, taking IDTA, ABRSM and LAMDA exams which Is where my love for performing began. It was never really a conscious decision to audition for professional training, more of an obvious pathway for me that I never really questioned. I went to The Urdang Academy for my Foundation Course and then went to Bodywork Dance Company for 3 years to complete my level 6 Diploma. During training, I took part in many college performances Including musicals, straight plays and dance performances.  It was also during my training that I completed my first professional jobs in the pantomimes of Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk.  

If you had asked me "what is your professional practice?" before beginning this course I would have been absolutely certain that I have the answer... Musical Theatre, surely. That's what my Diploma says, that's what I have trained in so that's what my practice is. However, after reading the Module ACI3611 Handbook and looking over other students blogs It really has me questioning whether I know the full depth of what makes up my practice. I decided a good way to start the module is by exploring my idea of what my practice is. 

What are my influences? When and how have I developed the knowledge I have today and what connections have been made along the way that have helped me grow?

 I decided to map out what I believe my practice is using a Spider diagram. This exercise has definitely opened my eyes to how many different aspects of my life have contributed to my practice today. I'm sure as I progress with the course this will begin to change and develop further and I'm excited for the process. 

What I find interesting is that although my experience is entirely based around the three elements of Musical theatre (Acting, singing and dancing) my knowledge expands way beyond this. I have not only learnt to act dance and sing but, I have learnt communication skills, expression, storytelling, discipline, to listen, to react. Transferrable skills that I believe shape me as a person as well as a performer. 

 


Comments

  1. Ellie OwenFebruary 11, 2021 at 8:37 AM

    Hi Shauna,

    I really enjoyed reading your blog, and found the idea of creating a spider diagram of your practise really beneficial. I've definitely learnt from this and think that by me doing the same will allow me to explore different areas in my practise which I haven't reflected on before.

    Ellie x

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    Replies
    1. Shauna KimberleyFebruary 14, 2021 at 9:44 AM

      Yeah it massively helped me! It was weird because it began as such a small spider diagram and then I kind of just wrote whatever words came to mind and it really has made me realise there's a lot more to it than just singing dancing and acting haha. definitely give it a go!

      Shauna x

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  2. Laura VyasFebruary 11, 2021 at 8:58 AM

    You’ve got such a good understanding so early on in the course! It’s a great way to start ! You’ll breeze through ahha!

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  3. Sally SharpFebruary 11, 2021 at 1:31 PM

    This looks great, I started something similar but by no means so comprehensive. A great way to start reflecting on what has influenced you.

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  4. Niamh Eccleston-TuohyFebruary 13, 2021 at 3:26 AM

    Hi Shauna, great blog! I love the idea of doing a spider diagram to get your thoughts clearly in front of you. I may try something similar as I currently have so many thoughts going round my head whilst trying to process all the Module one information at the same time x

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    Replies
    1. Shauna KimberleyFebruary 14, 2021 at 9:48 AM

      Yes its so good to get them down on a piece of paper so you can sort through your thoughts! I was the same which is why most of my spider diagram is random words that float around in my head when I think of my practice. if you do try it I'd love to know what you discover so let me know if you blog so I can keep updated!

      Shauna x

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  5. Sophie BurrowsFebruary 17, 2021 at 9:03 AM

    Hi Shauna,

    Love this blog and finding out out more about you! You have really inspired me to think about my own practice in more depth, as a recent graduate I was worried that without actual job experience how can I know what my professional practice is, but you are so right that it starts from the beginning and it’s everything you have been influenced by and learnt along the way. You have inspired me to think more about my influences and begin some of the study activities in the handbook to start my description of my own practice.

    Sophie x

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