Let's Get Digital
Let’s Get Digital!
by: Skylar Smith
I’m sure at some point in your life you’ve heard your parents or grandparents say, “You kids are constantly on social media. You need to stay off those phones and go outside.” While this is definitely true, we shouldn’t stray from it completely; This applies especially if you are pursuing any type of performance career path. In this case, social media can become your best friend.
You see, we shouldn’t only train ourselves how to act, sing, and dance, but also how to promote ourselves in a world of media and online socialization that is constantly growing day by day.Today, I would like to share with you five of my top tips and tricks when it comes to promoting your business (YOU!) online!
1: Explore all platforms!
It seems like everyday, there is some new social media platform on the rise. This doesn’t mean that you need to make yourself known on every single one; however, it’s important to stay up to date on what is popular. For example, are you going to go post all of your content on myspace today and expect to get discovered? NO! You’re going to post it where people will actually see it. Let’s look at tik tok. While it may be a little silly, and maybe not something you’re into, it’s undoubtedly popular! Big time. It’s what everyone is using and there are so many artists advertising themselves on it. What’s the harm in trying it out? Exactly, there is none. If you don’t like it, and you don’t think it’s doing anything, delete it. It’s as simple as that. It’s important to get out of your comfort zone online and allow yourself to explore, and at least try out, all of the outlets in front to you.
2: What should I be posting? How often?
Do you need to be posting high quality content every single day on every single media platform? No, of course not! That would be silly! However, you should be staying active to a healthy extent. For example, I like to always have something that I am working on for social media purposes. Whether it be my website, a new cover song, a new skill, etc. Don’t let it be stressful, let it be something you enjoy and legitimately want to get better at. It’s important that people see you constantly at work, and that you love what you do! Sometimes in auditions, callbacks, or classes, we have to perform songs, scenes, or monologues that we don’t like, that might not suit us, or might not be something we would choose for ourselves. This doesn’t have to be the case for you online though. You get to show the best of you! This is your space to post your highlights and your talents.
3: Being YOU is the best thing you can be.
Once you have gotten the hang of social media, it becomes very easy to begin comparing yourself to other artists. I know that this is easier said than done but… STOP THAT! This is one of the most detrimental things that any performer could do to themselves. I think people are forgetting how important it is to be unique. The best way to do that is to be yourself! People are getting too caught up in, “That’s what’s popular right now, so I have to do exactly that”. Don’t get stuck in that mindset. This is never the case.
Look at riffing! It seems to be the biggest thing on the stage right now with all of these contemporary, modern/pop musicals on the rise. Riffing isn’t for everyone… I can strongly attest to that. If you aren’t a strong “riffer” then guess what, IT IS OKAY! Does this mean I’m not working to be better at it? No. I am constantly practicing them, but when I post a cover, or go to an audition, I know that I don’t have to riff in every single measure to earn a callback or a like on instagram. It’s important to show off YOUR strong suits and not just what you think everyone wants to see. That also applies to your content.
Just because you are a performer, doesn’t mean that every post should be a singing cover, your headshots, or pictures from shows. Believe it or not, and I know this sounds absolutely crazy, but… it IS indeed possible to have a life outside of theatre! People like to see that! So post those pictures of you having fun with your friends, enjoying a vacation with your family, and all of the pictures of your pets. That’s okay! No one wants to hire someone who only knows theatre. They want a real person who will bring something new to the table and who they will thoroughly enjoy working with.
4: Filtering out.
When someone is looking to hire you, do you want the first thing they see on your youtube to be your mom’s camcorder recording of your sophomore year, one solo debut as Tammy in your highschool’s production of Hairspray? Nope. Be sure that you are promoting what you want people to see. Yes, you and your mom may be very proud of that video, but let’s be honest with ourselves, is that what we want to advertise? Again, nope. Just like you filter out what you want people to see on your resume, you should do the same with your posts. Make sure your content is up to date and showing your highlights. Directors aren't going to dedicate their time to only looking at your page. They may have hundreds of others that they want to look at. So think of it like this: If a director only had time to get on your page and watch one of your videos, you better make sure every single one is worth the watch.
5: SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!
Now that your content is up, and your videos are out there, it’s time to get people to see it! Don’t be afraid to use those hashtags or asking people to watch and share your content. Post links to your account in your resume, and don’t be afraid to attach them to audition videos. It’s also important to remember that in a world of artists, the best thing we can do is promote each other! It’s also a great way to get people to share your work. Lift up others, and they will do that in return. Be an activist for all arts, not just your own work. That’s what people really love to see.
If you want to follow me on social media you can find me on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8vIVbdVZrhCnhve4H3rHA
And Instagram: @skysmitth
So, that’s it my friends! Get out there and make something happen! I will see You online!