Actor training in portfolio careers: Flourishing in a creative career beyond “luck”

Elizabeth Blackwood, Lotte Latukefu and Mark Seton

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Abstract

The Dramatic Arts is often viewed as a high-risk option due to low job security. As Creative Industries evolve contemporary performers are confronted with an even larger gap between supply and demand. This article discusses existing research relating to the notion of student agency in designing a creative portfolio career versus the narrative of the lucky break so often associated with acting careers. It outlines the process of review and design, underpinned by notions of portfolio training, in a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts, at a private Higher Education Provider in Sydney. It concludes that it is possible to design a degree that prepares students to practice decision making, flexibility and weighing risks – key skills required for a portfolio career.

Keywords

Drama Training; Portfolio Career Training; Active Learning; Curriculum Review

To cite this article

Blackwood, Elizabeth, et al. “Actor training in portfolio careers: Flourishing in a creative career beyond ‘luck’.” Fusion Journal, no. 15, 2019, pp. 18-26. http://www.fusion-journal.com/actor-training-in-portfolio-careers-flourishing-in-a-creative-career-beyond-luck/

First published online: March 2019