Book now for Spotlight Graduate Programme for drama students

12th December 2011

Students rehearsing for the Spotlight showcase

From January to June each year Spotlight runs a series of free events exclusively for members of Spotlight Graduates, designed to support drama students during their final year of study and really kick-start their professional careers.

Panels of industry experts, including leading agents and casting directors, will offer advice on a variety of issues, including:

• How to network and promote yourself
• How to approach agents and casting directors
• Audition technique
• Getting the most out of your Spotlight CV and headshots

2012 speakers will include:

Daphne Waring, agent at Waring & McKenna, offering advice on all aspects on the actor / agent relationship.

Head casting director at the Ambassador Theatre Group Neil Rutherford (Spamalot, Chicago), sharing his vast experience of musical theatre castings.

Casting directors Dan and Amy Hubbard, from Hubbard Casting (The Hobbit, Harry Brown), offering invaluable advice on the process of casting for film.

Kevin Francis, of Susan Angel and Kevin Francis Ltd, providing an insight into the acting industry from an agent’s perspective.

Charlotte Bevan, head casting director at The Globe (Much Ado About Nothing, Anne Boleyn), sharing her top tips on the casting process for that famous stage.

Leading casting director Kate Rhodes James (The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, South Riding, Sherlock), giving graduates the opportunity to tap into her knowledge of television and film castings.

Suzanne Smith, a highly acclaimed casting director (Terra Nova, Resident Evil, True Blood), sharing a wealth of advice on casting for film.

Director, playwright and actor Matthew Dunster (The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Mogadishu, Lyric Hammersmith, The Royal Exchange, Manchester, 1984, The Royal Exchange, Manchester), offering the chance to find out first-hand what a theatre director really does.

Tam Williams, actor (Pocket Comedy, Propeller Theatre, The Rivals, West End) providing advice on how to become, and continue to be, a successful actor.

Spotlight experts also offer valuable information and advice on all aspects of being a professional actor, plus guiding you through the commercial casting process, including hints on how best to prepare, perform and get that job.

These events are open to Spotlight Graduates in their final year at drama school. Places are free, but will be allocated on a first come, first served basis for one event only. Book now to avoid disappointment as these sessions are very popular and places are snapped up quickly.

Here’s what previous graduates had to say about the Graduate Programme:

“Thank you so much for organising this programme, I found it so useful.”

“The speaker was fantastic. He was very engaging and entertaining. He was very honest about the profession and really worked to answer everything straight without any mystery.”

“Thank you for having these seminars. It not only helps to come in and interact with the Spotlight team, it is also a chance to meet other graduates from other programmes.”

“The content of the evening was very useful and really specific. It was open and honest and covered a big part of what we are going to experience.”

Spotlight Graduates is a directory of final-year students from the UK’s top drama schools and courses.

Published annually in February, ahead of the showcase season, its purpose is to bring each new crop of talented graduates to the attention of top agents and casting directors.

Everyone in the industry knows that those featured have received the highest quality drama training and are ready to embark upon their professional careers.

To book your place on the Graduate Programme click here

For more information about Spotlight Graduates click here

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