3c Information Gathering.

In any profession, information is a valuable commodity and necessary to the survival of a business.

As an Actor/Writer, I am gathering new information all the time.

The Internet

The internet is my main source of information for a few reasons : It's fast access, a wealth of information at your finger tips, and from a writing point of view much of my research is done in isolation.
For Acting, the internet connects me to websites such as Spotlight and Casting Call Pro. These sites directly supply me with the opportunity to audition or find out about the latest productions.
Also as a historical database,
It aids me in character research.
You tube has a series of actor interviews "In the Actors Studio" which seek to understand the individual performers and their craft.

Books and Magazines

These are another source of information. Books such as "Contacts" and the weekly newspaper "The Stage", give you correspondence info for Agents and Casting Directors.
"The Stage" does this albeit in a smaller capacity. However it does keep you abreast of new productions, new directors on the scene, forthcoming workshops, and news of government legislation that directly affects the arts.

Personal Interaction.

I remember our Principal at Drama School saying " start getting use to pubs and coffee shops, because that is where most business is conducted."

Meetings in person are always the best source of information. You can discuss in real-time. And just as importantly you can see the person, see their body language .Just by getting a visual sense of someone, is a form of information gathering.
Production meetings are at there most fruitful when done face to face. It makes the meeting more relaxed, ,more conversational.

Writing.

Be it a notebook, a computer-come- word processor, or at a push my phone: All are used to store information.
For writing I always  carry a pocket notebook. I use my phone as a notepad and, if Im away from a computer I use it to write this blog. Even If I continue work on another platform later, I use what is available at the time.
I also keep a folder full of handouts from classes and workshops. These are can then reference, as need be.

I think my system of gathering information is affective.  I believe I pretty much have the same system as my peers/collegues. Indeed it was on another actors recommendation that I set up a Twitter account.
I have recently discovered that another actor keeps in contact with the theatres she has toured, as these often have their own companies.
I would like to be more organised in my approach to information gathering. My physical paper trail needs to be more efficient. I also think there are still elements of internet research that I am wary of. Begin selective in what information is relevant to my needs, and verifying said informations authenticity, are areas Id like to improve.