SoundGirls.org: The last year has brought unprecedented obstacles to how and where we work. The landscape has changed drastically, and the future can feel overwhelming. We are placing a higher value on resiliency and adaptability not just to survive but to pivot and thrive while throwing new information about the pandemic. Events are booking, canceling, rescheduling, postponing, and that is stressful. We reward people and companies that can look at their options and pivot quickly.
7 comments:
I think the main take away from this article is what a lot of us have been thinking and talking about: our industry has been extremely affected by the pandemic, and being flexible in finding work (whenever you are looking for it) is going to be inherently different than that process would have been pre-COVID. Being flexible is something we all have to do now; it is crucial to all of our well-beings and ability to move past the pandemic as soon as possible. And, as this article talks about, that can mean a wide variety of things. Particularly, jobs in new areas of entertainment and even learning new skills either via a job or classes can be a step towards flexibility in someone’s job hunting and plans. We are talking about people’s livelihoods and it is well worth mentioning that finding work is incredibly difficult right now; taking classes is an excellent way to learn new skills but for some that is simply not an option because they need to fully focus on earning an income that supports them.
I think we'd all, or at least I would, like to believe that by the time I graduate Covid will no longer have a hold over theatre and the entertainment business as a whole. But realistically that's not looking like it will be the case. Covid procedures and the general economic and industry impact will probably be visible and even still prominent by the summer of 2023 so lateral career movement is something I should start considering now. I'm lucky enough to not be a professional currently in that turmoil and rush to find places where my skills are applicable because it gives me the time to analyze what's left. Or at least, what's left and still readily hiring to allow myself to pick up and learn skills that will make me a versatile and hireable candidate. Having this time to see what jobs are available and hiring, what things make you employable to them, and finding where I have the time and resources to learn these skills is a worthwhile and advantageous thing to be doing right now to allow that spread of potential jobs Freire is talking about.
I have never been very good at stepping outside my comfort zone and doing what I feel like I'm good at doing. Obviously, I can't stay in my little box forever, but going way out of the way would really throw me off. I got into theatre by accident and I stayed because it seemed like a decent way to have opportunities to step out of my comfort zone while also being pretty regimented in the general way that things are done (in a similar way that is described in the article "Acting with Autism" earlier this week). Covid really threw a big honkin' monkey wrench into all that. Being a student still, I am fortunately not as affected as working professionals; my livelihood wasn't thrown entirely whack by the pandemic. However, it has definitely got me thinking about how else to employ the skills I know I have in either different parts of the industry or in different industries altogether.
This year has really flipped everything upside down... This article was very refreshing to read and is a good reminder that we are all going through similar struggles! We have all experienced crazy stress and uncertainty in many facets of our lives and it's been difficult. It seems like the best thing to do right now in "stay busy" just keep yourself entertained until life goes back to normal (whatever normal means) I agree that the pandemic has pushed everyone to be more adaptable and learn new skill sets that we most likely wouldn't have pursued otherwise! It's finding the bright side of the situation, although it can feel a little naive at times to be optimistic in a crappy situation. Having to cope with change is challenging and takes a lot of time to reflect on and understand. I know that I've had a rethink my relationship with theater, lighting, and what I am passionate about. I am grateful to have found other outlets that have sparked new interest and allowed me to gain new skills. I've become more social during the pandemic??? Strange to say but the isolation has made me reach out and connect with more people! I guess when you lose something (like the ability to take classes in person) you start to see that you might have taken that for granted. It's a good life lesson and being adaptable is a great skill that everyone has had to work on this past year!
I’m really happy Friere was able to find work in theater in this really difficult time. I’m just not sure exactly what advice she's giving us besides, “step out of your comfort zone.” This article is a little weird because Friere almost thanks the pandemic for offering her “more opportunities to work and train than I have in years.” It reads almost like a self help book. Just believe in yourself, broaden your horizons, and you can be just like me. It's pretty common knowledge that even in non-COVID times, jobs in theater are difficult to find. Now it seems almost impossible. It's hard for me to believe that the key to finding a job when barely any are available is simply looking harder. There really are just fewer jobs for the same number of people. Trying to claim that if you just open yourself up you will be able to find work just doesn't seem like a reality for a majority of theater makers.
This year has really flipped everything upside down... This article was very refreshing to read and is a good reminder that we are all going through similar struggles! We have all experienced crazy stress and uncertainty in many facets of our lives and it's been difficult. It seems like the best thing to do right now in "stay busy" just keep yourself entertained until life goes back to normal (whatever normal means) I agree that the pandemic has pushed everyone to be more adaptable and learn new skill sets that we most likely wouldn't have pursued otherwise! It's finding the bright side of the situation, although it can feel a little naive at times to be optimistic in a crappy situation. Having to cope with change is challenging and takes a lot of time to reflect on and understand. I know that I've had a rethink my relationship with theater, lighting, and what I am passionate about. I am grateful to have found other outlets that have sparked new interest and allowed me to gain new skills. I've become more social during the pandemic??? Strange to say but the isolation has made me reach out and connect with more people! I guess when you lose something (like the ability to take classes in person) you start to see that you might have taken that for granted. It's a good life lesson and being adaptable is a great skill that everyone has had to work on this past year!
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