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Research Skills
Research Skills
In order to maintain currency in the ever changing entertainment industry, you must continually engage in research related to the industry. It is very easy to fall behind with current trends and technology which may result in someone else gaining employment over you. To successfully engage in research you should be proficient in the following:
identifying and accessing relevant information
questioning techniques to obtain information
validating information
interpreting and using information
sorting, summarising and presenting information
DISCUSSION
Look at the further explanations of these points below and discuss with the class how you might go about employing each of these research skills.
Identifying and Accessing Relevant Information
Identifying and Accessing Relevant Information
Before researching, it is important to clearly understand what information is needed.
You should:
Identify the purpose of the research (e.g. performance style, technical requirements, safety considerations)
Decide what type of information is required:
Historical context
Technical specifications
Industry standards
Creative influences
Access appropriate sources, such as:
Scripts, scores and production notes
Industry textbooks and reference guides
Reputable websites (theatre companies, professional associations)
Videos of professional productions
Interviews with practitioners
Teacher-provided resources
Example
When designing lighting for a musical you should research:
The period and style of the show
Common lighting conventions for musical theatre
Safe use of lighting equipment
Questioning Techniques to Obtain Information
Questioning Techniques to Obtain Information
Asking effective questions helps focus research and leads to more useful information.
Using open-ended questions (how, why, what)
Refining questions as understanding improves
Asking questions of teachers, peers or industry professionals
Examples of effective research questions:
How does lighting support mood and storytelling in theatre?
Why is this costume style appropriate for the time period?
What safety procedures must be followed when operating sound equipment?
What skills are required for this performance role?
Validating Information
Validating Information
Not all information is reliable or accurate. You must learn to check the credibility of sources.
Consider:
Who created the information?
Is the source reputable or industry-recognised?
Is the information current and relevant?
Can the information be confirmed by another reliable source?
Valid sources may include:
Professional theatre companies
Educational institutions
Industry organisations
Published scripts and manuals
Multiple sources that support the same information
Example:
If researching stage combat techniques, students should prioritise:
Certified stage combat organisations
Safety manuals
Teacher guidance
rather than unverified social media videos.
Interpreting and Using Information
Interpreting and Using Information
Research is only valuable if it can be understood and applied to practical work.
You should be able to:
Interpret information in your own words
Identify key ideas relevant to your task
Apply research findings to improve creative or technical outcomes
Make informed decisions based on research
Example:
A student researching vocal styles:
Identifies characteristics of the genre
Adjusts vocal tone and technique accordingly
Applies findings in rehearsal and performance
Sorting, Summarising and Presenting Information
Sorting, Summarising and Presenting Information
Research information must be organised and communicated clearly.
You should practise:
Sorting information into categories (e.g. design, performance, safety)
Summarising key points rather than copying large sections
Presenting information clearly using:
Written reports
Design folios
Oral presentations
Rehearsal journals
Visual mood boards or diagrams
Example presentation formats:
A short research paragraph explaining design choices
A technical cue sheet informed by research
A presentation outlining stylistic influences for a performance
Why Do Research Skills Matter in Entertainment
Why Do Research Skills Matter in Entertainment
Developing strong research skills helps you to:
Work safely and responsibly
Make creative choices based on evidence
Communicate professionally within a production team
Meet industry expectations and standards
Support practical work with informed decision-making
Sources of Information
Sources of Information
The following is a list of sources of information that can be used when gathering current and emerging information on the entertainment industry:
colleagues and manager/supervisor/team leader
career advisors, job networks and recruitment agencies
experienced industry personnel
industry bodies and professional associations
trade shows and other specific events
internet
journals, newspapers, newsletters, magazines, textbooks, etc
internet
libraries
participation in industry events and activities
training courses
potential employers
unions
government agencies
workplace manuals
Task: Sources of Information
Task: Sources of Information
In pairs, identify one union and one journal that you could get access to in the entertainment industry and outline what each of these would offer you (eg. a journal may keep you up to date with current trends, a union may advocate for you as a professional in the industry). Share you thoughts with the class.
Some Current Issues and Trends
Some Current Issues and Trends
Some ongoing current issues and trends that can have an impact on the entertainment industry include:
■ government initiatives
■ changing nature of the consumer marketplace
■ funding
■ public liability
■ risk management
■ Work, health and safety (WHS)
■ emerging technologies.
Task: Emerging Trends
Task: Emerging Trends
Identify other emerging current issues or trends and how they are influencing the entertainment industry in Australia and globally.
Discuss the implications of these current trends for entertainment industry workplaces, individual work practices and the delivery of service to the consumer.
Explore the PCW's Australian Entertainment and Media Outlook 2022-2026 website (left) examining the forecasting report.
Identifying Trends.pdfIdentifying Trends and Effects on the Industry
Identifying Trends and Effects on the Industry
Work through the information in your workbook (pages 12-21) and complete the questions to discover some trends in the industry and what effects they have caused.
NOTE: The last activity we will complete on our excursion to the theatre later in the year.
Research Task: COVID
Research Task: COVID
The previous activities touched on a few effects on the industry but the entertainment industry can be affected in many ways by many internal and external factors. For instance, COVID was something unexpected that hit the world and significantly affected every industry but paricularly the entertainment industry with widespread lockdowns, performers getting COVID and having to isolate, audience members wanting refunds in cases where they couldn't attend due to COVID and much more.
ACTIVITY
Work in a group of 2 or 3 to create a Google Slides presentation which outlines how COVID has affected the entertainment industry in many areas. Remember to include performers, audience, organisers, venues, support staff and even other local businesses as well as any other aspects you can think of. Finish off your presentation by suggesting some ways that we may be able to safeguard the industry from this kind of global event in the future. You should use at least 3 different sources in your research which should be sited at the conclusion of your slides.
This presentation will be presented to the rest of the class and discussed. I will be looking for how well you research this area and your ability to see the entertainment industry as a broad field requiring the involvement of many people and services.
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