My Instance and Kolb's Cycle.

My Observations and Experiences of the Four sections of Kolb’s Learning Cycle


I am basing my observations on recent experience in the tour production of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers “(to be abbreviated to YDBMF). I feel it ideally demonstrates use of the cycle. Indeed I am delightfully surprised that part of my recent working practice fits so closely to such an important and recognised model.

Concrete experience: Once being offered the part in YDBMF as the lead, Barbra Streisand, I knew this was where the real work began. I had 18 solo songs to learn which were mine alone, let alone the dance and movement to go with them. I started learning the words, song by song, and memorising the movements accordingly. 18 songs in one week is by no means an easy task and so rehearsals did not stop in the studios. I researched the music on You Tube as there were some were totally unfamiliar. In order to get the style required for these clever melodies, I made sure I listened and performed them over and over again. I also decided that I needed to look at the performances of the songs on video or by the use of the internet so I could also learn the context in which the songs were set.


Reflective Observation: I feel that my reflection of rehearsals in some ways could have been managed far better. Even though I only had a week to learn all that material (it really was a brain overload!) I found that I had learned most of the first act, yet only sketchily knew the second, causing me to panic occasionally, knowing that at the end of the week, a full run of the whole show was required of me. I also think we did not have enough time with the director and musical director so the whole cast were unsure of what was required in performance. I enjoyed the challenge as it tested me thoroughly and with a dry run at the end of the week, it proved that I had learned more than I thought. The rest of the cast were great fun to work with and we all bonded really well together. This helped immensely with the learning of lines, songs and moves as we were all confronted with the same demanding deadline and thus supported each other accordingly to achieve our joint goal. This fits in with Kolb’s idea of reflective observation as each night and for weeks after the rehearsal period, I looked at what I had achieved ( or not) and how I still needed to look at my performance technique but also what I could learn from this experience and build on it in a future similar rehearsal process.


Abstract Conceptualisation: When looking at the Kolb cycle, this instance on tour really relates to the concluding and learning from it as a person I realised my limits when it comes to being overloaded with lines and songs. Yet as a whole I was proud of what I managed to achieved in such a short space of time. The research I had done regards to Barbra herself and her songs proved to be incredibly rewarding both as a learning experience and from the point of view of a performance delivery. I also learned about the experiences of other cast members, their previous roles and different life skills they had gained as they were all older than me and had much more professional performance experience. The intense week I went through will always remain with me but it enabled me to learn so much and prove to myself that I am still a performer which is what I know and what I love. I certainly will take a huge amount away from this production - from gaining new contacts, enlarging my repertoire, as well as now having new gained confidence in the ability to master 27 complex songs and 92 pages of dialogue in a week!


Active Experimentation: Since YDBMF I have reflected on my approach to dialogue learning, and because of this, I am now far quicker when sight reading and learning material for the first time. It has given me the drive to push myself even further and because of this, I have become more focussed and driven into doing this as my chosen career. I have used the new contacts I have made and learned more about them and their past experiences which has enabled me to be seen by others, improve my networking options and to grow as an individual. I have also become a stronger performer since this experience and it has given me confidence but mainly allowed me to learn not to panic quickly when given a new, sometimes daunting task. So, as a result, my rehearsal approach is far more laid back .This has made me a calmer yet more mature performer to work with. This all fits in with the “planning and trying out” section (Active Experimentation) of Kolb’s cycle and has now encouraged me to look actively seek performance opportunities in gigging, singing in clubs and giving solo performances at different venues. This active experience has highlighted an area of development for me. It has shown that I have great strength in this area which previously I had underdeveloped.

Links of Interest

Links of Interest



I have always been very lucky in life that I have always been given as many opportunities as possible to try lots of different hobbies and interests. As an individual I am bubbly and always full of energy and upon reflection most of my interests definitely highlight this side of me.

The Adrenaline Junkie KT

Anything high, fast and challenging and quirky really interests me. I love pushing myself mentally and physically and pushing my boundaries. The human body on a whole fascinates me in how it can learn and cope with almost anything thrown at it.

Scuba Diving, Bungee Jumping, Ice Skating and Skiing to name a few, enable me not only to learn new things but to gain new experiences underwater, on land and in the sky. All are very different visually and each skill enables me to experience a range of cultures and life skills. They all have an emotional learning side as some test nerves and feelings which I feel allows me to develop further as an individual, which in time helps me deal with the challenges that adult life throws at you in the modern world we live in. Although I can motivate myself to a certain level I sometimes like others to give me that extra push. I find sports and dance enable me to do this which then benefits me keeping fit and in shape for the professional world of performing arts.

The Creative and Expressive KT

On another level I realise although I’m full of energy and life sometimes calming and stress relief interests help develop you and educate you further as well. My relaxation interests although still require a certain amount of dedication I have found them to be very therapeutic to take part in. These interests include costume design, cake baking and interior design. These three interests require different sets of skills, all of which I find relaxing yet challenging in a different way. As an individual I take pride in my high standards which I set for myself and I am not ashamed to admit I am a perfectionist. Maybe this is why I have these types of interests as there is a still a certain element of control to them. Drawing, painting and designing and then seeing the final product seeing whether it be a costume, cake or room being completed gives a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. I was always told art wasn’t my thing at school yet now it is something that comes naturally as with practice and a natural creative eye it has become a part of who I am.

Here are a few recent completed projects that my interests have been a part of which I am particularly proud of.

Cats

For my mother’s 35th Anniversary Show in the summer I decided to choreograph and produce “Cats” as a show number. It lasted 7 minutes in total and all the costumes and props in this picture were designed and made by myself. It took a total of four whole days to complete but I am sure you agree it was really worth the effort as they all look amazing.


My Parents Bedroom

                      Before                                                                            After


After having the same room style for 25 years my father asked me to surprise them by decorating their room for them whilst they were away on holiday. It took two whole weeks which was almost day and night as I did everything apart from skimming the walls! (Something I haven’t mastered yet). My choice was a floral design with a modern twist so it was up to date yet I knew my mother would hopefully like the choices.


On return they absolutely loved the room and this for me was a great achievement as this was my first huge design project from beginning to end. I’ve certainly learnt from this experience and it has left me thirsty for more!

Cakes

I designed a surprise cake for my friends 21st birthday a few years ago and since then my cakes have become a hit. I now in my spare time make them for relatives, friends and customers who wish for something special. Depending on the type of cake depends on length in making it. Normally 3 hours is average.

The pictures show some of my past creations.

All of my interests whether they give me an adrenaline fix or a warm glow inside I feel all relate to the performing arts in some way. I can hear you thinking how does bungee jumping and making cakes come into that. Well I believe all of those skills reflect who I am as a performer and not only that enable me to be a better performer because of them. Testing my nerves, showing my high standards and producing something of a great quality all links in with how you market yourself and perform at auditions or on stage.

Kolb's Learning Cycle

A. Concrete Experience

Today we went to the Cat Hill campus at Middlesex University and looked at the Learning Cycle process by David Kolb (see diagram). We were given extracts from an anonymous peer's blog, which we separated into the relevant stage of Kolb's system.

 B. Reflective Observation

At first we were slightly bemused and unsure of the process. By dissecting the text and applying it to the cycle it enabled us to fully understand the diagram.

1. We felt the concrete experience was the easiest section to understand. Our understanding of this section is now "a previous personal experience that has happened". 

2. The Reflective Observation of the text was another easy part to analyse, understanding it to be reviewing the event or experience.

3. Abstract Conceptualisation

This was a difficult section for us to decipher. We had difficulties differentiating between active and reflective as many tend to cross over.  We simplified the term to developing  an understanding by seeking information or forming new ideas.

4. Active Experimentation

We made a mistake in our cut and paste exercise with this section. Upon reflection we then realised our sentence should have been placed in the Abstract Conceptualisation.  To make this section more understandable we referred to it as "trying out new ideas and learning from experience".

 C. Abstract Conceptualisation

After our initial task we then asked to develop our text. We were asked to fill in any gaps of the cycle that were missed by our blogger's text. For example we had nothing in the Active Experimentation section, we would empathise with the blogger and create our own excerpt.

D. Active Experimentation

To put our experience into practice we will write an essay about identifying instances when we have seen ourselves in each of the stages of Kolb's learning cycle. We will also write our learning diaries (and edit our blogs) accordingly to fit with this new learning cycle.  

People I Admire..........

All of the follwoing are inspirational in their on right and regardless of what each has achieved for me they have enabled me to gain a clear focus as to where I want my life to go and how sometimes you have to fight against the norm in order to get it.

1. Barbra Streisand
This woman for me is truly sensational and a very inspirational figure in my life. Her career has spanned decades and has she has been lucky enough to achieve so much in almost every performing arts genre. Not only has she been in the limelight she has over the years cleverly developed her roles off screen and out of sight. I think as an artist Barbra has challenged the norm but not adhering to all the general rules of what people should look like, how people should act, and what roles in life should be undertaken if you are male or female. Barbra has pushed the boundaries with her talent yet recognised those who have helped her to get to where she is. Her determination and passion for the arts is amazing and this was shown the other evening in her laid back approach to her interview with Jonathan Ross on BBC1. She was very humble and calm which for me, a lady of this calibre is a true inspiration to all performers everywhere. So at the moment for me to have the opportunity to sing Streisand songs is a dream come true whether it be at big theatres or small theatres I feel this is a chance in a lifetime to tell others through song and dance about this marvellous loved "Greatest Star".
I have learnt from her that determination with a little bit of quirkiness can go along way. It's about also how you market yourself and network so you make sure you are out there in every format possible. Demos and voicereels help as well as live gigs and shows where possible. Sometimes if you aren't lucky enough for the good old West end jobs to fall at your feet you have to go and find them and make it happen, doing whatever possible within reason to achieve your goals.


2. Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz and Jason Robert Brown

As musicians go, these three in the 20th & 21st Century are worth their weight in gold. All three have had an influential change on Musical Theatre.

Sondheim's complex tunes with awkward phrasing has created some of the world's greatest musicals of all time. Not only that his music is being re-born with new versions both on Westend and Broadway but on screen aswell. His impact on theatre as a whole always has me gripped to my seat as I find his music challenging but in a wonderful musical sense rather than in difficulty to learning it. Sunday in the Park with George is a wonderful score which has such melodic tunes whilst normally sending a accompanist in overload. A musical genius amongst the greatest who have lived enabling more musicians to test their boundaries of music and skills enabling the theatre to progress to what it is today. 

Schwartz has recently had the most success with WICKED which is famous around the world for telling the story of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. With amazing, dynamic songs and wonderful dialogue this show has encaptured the world by storm.Schwartz with his music has pushed female vocal demands to a new level with chest belt numbers rainisng the roofs of packed houses all over the globe. A simple concept but by no means a difficult score to tackle with a very powerful atmospheric feeling to it again modernising theatre bringing it alive for the 21st century theatre goer. I know those that adore Wicked are looking forward to his next triumph in the land of musical theatre.

Jason Robert Brown
Having personally being lucky enough to watch him play live in London this is one man that I expect can wear down piano keys like a pair of pointe shoes. As a pianist he is phenomenal. Coming from a musical background I know my grandmother a concert pianist in her time would have loved how his fingers barely stopped moving for 3 whole hours. Three changes of shirts proved how his sweat and perspiration was passion and nothing else. He reminds mind of Sondheim and Schwartz with his clever melodies and atmospheric ability when it comes to creating his individual sound. Full of energy and vibrance, his work over flows with a true star quality with everything he writes and plays. Not only can he play he can sing too with a great natural ability he clearly deserves a place here for his determination and passion for the arts as we need more new musicals that have this edgy up to date quality about them although don't get me wrong the classics are still fabulous as well.

These three individuals have taught me it's okay to push the boundaries and try something new. Ok so dying your hair is different from creating interesting melodies but change is a good thing and upgrading yourself to be noticed and recognised for your skills helps promote yourself within the business. As I love their difference in styles I have a wide selection of their music in my repertoire most of which shows my ability to its full potential and I am lucky that with my musical ear I can achieve their complex music. They have also encouraged me to look at other talented songwriters that don't always feature so heavily on West End or Broadway, this search has led me to come across some great music which I can almost guarentee no one has attempted or used before in an audition, always allowing to be heard as myself rather than comparing me to the five hundred other On My Own's that have walked in earlier that day.

3. My Parents

This may come across as seeming very trivial yet sentimental but both of them have always been an inspiration to me as well as enabling to see what a lot of hardwork can amount to over the years.
My mother a fully qualified principal of a dance school and my father a maths teacher by day and a pianist by night gave me all the wonderful gifts i.e talent and balanced upbringing enabling me to be who I am today. Neither forced me or pushed me hard in the way of performing arts but with influences being at home and me not being able for eyesight reasons to have careers in medicine, banking, and other areas due to safety etc, the arts cared and supported me for being a little different. Both have worked all there lives to get a better life for themselves and have certainly worked through experiences of thick and thin. Both make me incredibly proud, and for me to say they are mine. Full of life and energy at both 61 years of age I only hope that I can achieve atleast half of what they have so far in their lifetimes and more.It's clear that the two of them have rubbed their skills off on me both as a performer and as a educator that I now follow as a career. Meeting them both you would immediately see where I take after each of them. However with their determined natures, passion and drive linked with skill and dedication they truly are a pair I will admire forever. I'm lucky that they support me with everything I do as I realise some others in the industry aren't as fortunate as I. Yet I am grateful they have taught me self worth as well as not taking things for granted, as you never know "when the tides will change". Friends and family comment on what a remarkable pair these crazy two are but for me I am just truly grateful that they are mine and they are able to share my life experiences with me in the world of the arts.

5 Top Resources (Personal)

Okay so below please find my top 5 resources that I now use on my performance side of life.

Equity

This website and union for me is great. Not only does it protect me as a performer I can ask any relevant question to do with the industry and I will get a response. They are a great organisation to be with and they certainly look after all your needs as a performer.From rates of pay to workers conditions this union helps fight for what performers should be getting and how they should be treated. It gives great careers advice and enables you to open doors if you feel like you've got to a dead end. Yet you must be a member so for advice when you most need it I recommend it!

The Stage

Both the newspaper and website is something I truly believe no performer should live without. This great service is not only a guide for what is going on in the industry but gives you accounts and interviews of other performers and how they have got to where they are today. It is a great informative service which I certainly would miss if it didn't land on my doorstep every thursday! It also lists auditions as well as lists of great contacts, courses, events, shows, reviews and what is happening in theatreland and TV every week. It also gives performers the opportunity to give something back to those who have yet to achieve their dream so also gives hope and a light at the end of the tunnel making people understand the industry is tougher than on first glance.

Spotlight

This resource really is vital I feel in the industry especially if you are a graduate or someone who hasn't been lucky enough to walk into a job on leaving college or has had a dry spell for a while. Most people in the business use this portal of some description. I use it from both sides of the work I do both as a performer but also as an agent aswell. Castings are presented to me daily on here as an agent and not only does it allow me to submit my clients for work but allows me to see for myself what is really on offer or what is about to come to the UK. Its quick and easy to use and very informative. The books that are also sent out enable casting directors to find easily what they are after aswell as enabling agents to see what other clients are similiar to what they have on their books. So for information, comparisons, photographer information and to seel yourself as a performer this is an important part of an actor's etc life.

Facebook

Now although this is used for pleasure aswell as business social networking has become a part of everyone's lives in some shape or form. Although the majority of the users around the world use it to be nosy et I use it not only for that but as a way of keeping in the loop with other performers and teachers like myself. Auditions are posted online and also groups are added on supporting different events. It enables me to learn whilst socialising with people who have similiar of different interests to myself. I have many friends on facebook in the US so I am regularly updated on up and coming shows on the other side of the pond. Aswell as having friends in Europe in the same loop. Facebook although can be annoying and sometimes a personal intrusion into your life story (advice: don't write on it if you don't want people to comment on it) also has many benefits I feel to everyone in the world no matter what your profession or interest is.

YouTube

This is a fantastic resource if you need some creative input or ideas. Everyone has a creative side and whether it be videoing yourself singing in front of the tv or a royal ballet class this is a nother great resource in which you can venture further a field and see what the rest of the world is upto.

I love using it for learning about new styles and techniques of performance or simply how to learn a new hip-hop step. People may think that is weird and in some ways I can also see how people can self teach themselves and it end up being no benefit to them. Yet for myself as a performer I think it gives you something to aim for. If the Americans can do atleast 6 pirouettes at once then why can't we? How does their training differ from ours? etc So that's why I think this is beneficial to all those that watch it for an educational reason as if we can be in anywhere in the world and learn from people 1000's miles away then surely the human race has to be better off?!

Let me know what you think?!

My 5 Top Professional Resources.

This I found was quite tricky as for being both a performer and someone who is lucky enough to have their own business depending on which side of the coin I am on makes me use different resources in order to aid me. So I thought I would show 5 resources for the two types of the business I am involved in and hope that enables you to see the differences but also the links between the two worlds(as such) I operate in.

Business first! (hehe)

BUCKS CC LEA

For me this is a vital site. Baring in mind I not only run a theatre company for kids I am an agent aswell I have to be upto date on the laws and practices in regards to children's performance and employment.  Using this site and visiting it daily enables me to download the required forms but also refer casting directors to the site so they can see under what terms they are employing the children aswell as being able to see important times etc that different ages are required for. Helpful and full of information this resource also allows me to have a good relationship with our local LEA as this helps when needing to licence children quickly but also showing them that we comply within their guidelines.

ISTD

This is the examination board we use for the dancing school and company. They provide a wonderful syllabus service for both youngsters to adult. It also enables me to keep my qualifications up to the correct standard as well as learning about child development and what is happening in the dance world. It keeps me in touch with other dance teachers and performers alike and is also a place where news is updated etc in regards to the industry.Not only does ISTD offer qualifications it enables you to hire their studios, go on their courses, study full or part-time vocationally and also is a government recognised body. For both the dancing school and my company this enables parents and students to understand their training aswell as the standards they need to be working at and what they should be aiming for.

Performing Arts Colleges Websites

Here are a few links (not all) that I use.

Italia Conti

Performers

Royal Academy of Music

SYTS

Laine Theatre Arts

Although I could add these for hours above is a selection of both 11-16 yrs education, 16+ and 18+ in regards to the professional vocational colleges my students and parents aspire to get their children into. I recommend these to both parents and students who feel this is the direction in which they wish to take. Not only does it allow them to see what is required and obviously in some cases it is the glossy version. It enables me to see the current standard and intakes of what each college is after. It also allows us to see the graduation destination potnetial and what past students are currently now doing in the industry. These websites also enable me to judge the market place and look at my own company and reflect upon how it can be improved and changed to work with the current market place and with what I am aiming to achieve personally in regards to business growth etc.

Sheet Music

This is always a very useful source as whether it would be for auditions, class, general pleasure or for research purposes I can almost guarentee everytime I look on here or reccommend it to a student that they will find what they need. It's an extensive library that is reasonable and cost effective as well as being easy to use 24hrs a day, seven days a week. Both business and performance wise this site and others alike are a crucial resource to what I do as you are able to check whether it is the right song by listening to it and change keys for the appropriate reasons if this required. I recommend it to anyone as its a great one for finding some of those classics that don't seem to be in the bumper books etc.

Child Development

Now this is a site where personally in regards to child development I have learnt alot. Most of my experience in working with children and teaching them has enabled me to get a real insight to their development stages but over the years has also enabled me to pick up on development problems and special needs. Obviously depending on the age and needs of the child depends on how you respond and teach them and there a clear differences in hows girls learn to boys. However as I am not a parent and a young teacher I recently found myself asking more questions as I developed my business into dealing with children from as young as 6 weeks old and how sound, light etc can develop there learning process. For this I have done a lot of research not just on an arts basis but into how people raise their children etc and what the general stages are. This site has proved to be really beneficial to me as it breaks it down into informative sections allowing you to understand quickly etc. If you wish to work with children or find out about it more then look at the site or by all means blog me!

Although I’ve split my life into Business and Personal I am fully aware the two sides of my life cross over. I always separate them as otherwise I feel depending on what type of performer you are you can lose sight of what you originally set out to do. By this I mean I trained to be a performer and that is what I am but also to earn money when not performing I have my business and I suppose if you wanted to call it this is my “2nd life” I lead. I feel not only does this work it helps me prioritise things of importance and gives me a structure rather than just waiting for the phone to ring and merging the two and not handling either very well..

CV (General)

Name : Miss Katie Thomas



Age: 24 years


About Me:

I'm a dedicated and enthusiastic person who works well both indiviudally or as a team player. I have a great work ethic and love learning and developing new and old skills. I am a kind and caring individual with a fun personality yet I enjoy challenges and solving problems in the workplace. I'm a socaiable, easy going person who is always 100% commited to the task/s in hand and I am an organised individual who loves being creative and positive as much as possible. I will always give something a go and I am never afraid to try new things or go to new places.

 Academic Qualifications :

Aylesbury High School 1997 - 2003


10 A* - C grade GCSEs (including Mathematics & English)

 Advanced Levels-


Drama /Theatre Studies Grade B


Communication Studies Grade B


English Literature Grade C


Business Studies Grade C

Further Education:

Professional Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre (Level 6) (Italia Conti)


BA in Professional Practice (Middlesex) (Currently Studying)


Dance/Performance Training:

Kercher School of Dance 1987 - 2003
London Studio Centre 3wk Summer School July 2003


Italia Conti Theatre Arts Performing Arts Diploma 2003-06 (Head Girl 2005/06)




Previous/Current Work:

Kercher School of Dance 2001- Present Part Time Dance Teacher


The Musical Kidz Company 2003- Present Director/Choreographer


Sylvia Young Theatre School April 09 - Present - Part Time Jazz Teacher.


Perform Jan – July 2007 Teacher/ Workshop Assistant


NHM Ice Rink Xmas 08/09 Supervisor and Ice Marshall.


NHM Ice Rink Xmas 07/08 Supervisor and Ice Marshall.


NHM Ice Rink Xmas 06/07 Boot Handler and Ice Marshall


Stars Newsagents: 2001-2002 Customer Service and Cashier


Tesco Stores 2002-2003 Customer Service and Cashier


Italia Conti 2004- Sept 2006 Part Time Receptionist


Italia Conti 2003- July 2006 FOH for College production Off to work 2006- Present Part-time Waiting and Bar shifts


Skills:
 Computer Literate in Micorsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Powerpoint


Use to both Microsoft and AppleMac Systems


Work with Adults, Childern and Peers with ease.


Good with organising events, groups and individual people


Great Phone Manner and Public Speaking Skills


Good Time Management and Organisational Skills


Personal Hobbies & Interests:
 Performing Arts,Theatre, Film, Music,Computers, Interior Design, Cake Design,Writing,Violin, Piano, Flute, Extreme Sports, Scuba Diving, Travel, Food, Politics, Gym, Going out with Friends and Family.

CV (Performance Side)

MY SPOTLIGHT CV

Ok. FINALLY! It's taken a while so I hope your ready!

Ok so feeling slightly stupid in all honesty.

However I'm chuffed I've now mastered this I think, baring in mind I couldn't make the induction days last week so have been flying solo. So 1 and a half hours from when I started working out the process I have just realised this is like the good old myspace idea that I haven't really used in years. Being Facebook converted this was tricky but now after a good old cup of tea and a chocolate hob nob all seems to make sense.

So hey everyone. I'm Katie Thomas (KT) for short and well here we all are. Looking forward to it in a weird way although think I've gained a few extra stress wrinkles today but hey no one ever said learning is easy. A challenge is what I'm looking forward to and I'm glad you guys are here to achieve it with me. Good Luck with Task A and I'm sure its going to be a funfilled interesting journey. x