Performing Arts/Entertainment Services

 

The Royal Opera House:

The Royal Opera House is a building that was built in 1858, in Covent Garden, which is host to mostly ballet and opera productions. The main service they provide are highly commended performances, however they do offer a wider range of other services. They have work experience placements where young people are able to gain more experience in a particular backstage field. This gives people the chance to further their knowledge in a selected area. They also have an apprenticeship scheme, providing services of work and opportunities for employment. They currently run primary school dance workshops with children in year three, offering them the chance to learn ballet. 

Musicians Union:

The Musicians Union is an online company that provides an agency service for over 30,000 musicians. They negotiate on behalf of musicians for work and to employers. They update their website regularly with information on auditions, and work that is available for musicians. They have employed a number of officials who help professional musicians, however the company caters for all ages. They can help tackle issues such as, song writing, recording, and composing.

Spotlight:

Spotlight is a casting agency that was founded in 1927. They help performers to get auditions.
They also publish the handbook Contacts, which provides contact information for 5000 companies working in the entertainment industry. I emailed this company and here is the reply that they gave me.

Equity:

Equity is a trade union that supports performers in the entertainment industry, which was set up in 1930.There are 5,000 members who are able to access information to help them prepare for the
entertainment industry. They offer talks to people in the main offices who are able to help as they have knowledge and experience of what they are offering. They campaign and are able to take forward matters to parliament which their members feel strongly about. Their main business is to negotiate minimum terms of employment on behalf of their members. I emailed Equity, and the above photo is what they replied back with, and below, is the document that they sent me.

National Theatre:

The services provided by the National Theatre are high standard theatre performances. They also provide 'NT Learning', which are session on how the National Theatre operates, allowing all ages to enjoy the experiences that they have to offer. They also give schools special opportunities, allowing children to access theatre.  

The Stage:

The Stage provide a newspaper that is published weekly, which has casting and audition information in it. The company have also created a website so more people can keep up to date with listings. It began in 1880, and is currently being run by one of the two founding families. 

Cast Agents:

Cast agents are companies that select people for employment in the entertainment and performing arts industry. They tend to work for the producer and directors. The agents are often given a list of things to look out for when scouting people. The list may include: Age range, gender, 'Types' (e.g. athletic, business, alternative), skills (e.g. playing an instrument, dance, sing). It is the casting agents responsibility to find the best person to fit the 'breakdown'. They will schedule the talented person for an audition and oversee the audition, but they wont give the final say on whether the person has the job or not.

Agents:

Agents are people who find jobs for people in the performing arts and entertainment industry. They will set up auditions for their clients. Agents will have more experienced performers in there books. They will go about getting their clients jobs by promoting interest in their clients. They need to know what their clients can and cannot do, so as to get them the best job possible. 

TIE:

Theatre-in-education is a type of performance that is there to educate people. Usually used in schools, it is perhaps used to bring the curriculum to life, and bring theatre to those who might not be able to go and see it due to finance issues. It was originally created by the Belgrade Theatre company, in the 1960's.