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Articles tagged with advice

The Spotlight podcast: Dan Hubbard CDG's advice for actors

The latest Spotlight podcast features advice for performers on all areas of castings and the industry from Dan Hubbard of Hubbard Casting. Dan talks us through how graduates can get noticed, the importance of agents to casting directors, what he looks for in photos and showreels, and his top tips for impressing in the industry. Hubbard Casting is a family-owned business and has cast some of the biggest films in recent years, including The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, and Harry Brown. We spoke to Dan ahead of the latest Spotlight Graduate event to tap into his wealth of...

posted on 9th February 2012 Read full article >>

How to sell yourself as a performer on Facebook

Facebook is changing your personal profiles – and this presents a great opportunity for performers to market themselves on the social network, but it also comes with risks and considerations. Spotlight’s social media expert, Gary Andrews, talks you through how to sell yourself on Facebook, and what issues you need to be aware of. You may not have wanted it, but if you have a personal profile on Facebook then you’ll soon be forced to convert to their Timeline – Facebook’s new, compulsory way of displaying your life’s history, not just your current thoughts on the latest film or...

posted on 8th February 2012 Read full article >>

How to choose your professional name for Spotlight and Equity

One of the most important decisions you take in your performing career is what your professional name will be. Most performers keep their own name, but you need to ensure this is unique and isn’t easily confused with other performers. This is an issue both Spotlight and performers’ union Equity get plenty of questions about from new members. We asked Equity’s Head of Membership Matt Hood for his advice on picking your performing name. For performers choosing a unique, professional name is key to establishing yourself in a highly competitive industry. Whether by word of mouth,...

posted on 7th February 2012 Read full article >>

The Spotlight podcast: Top tips for succeeding as a TV presenter

What are the vital skills you need to succeed as a presenter? How can you gain these skills, and use them to impress producers? And what’s the best way for performers to break into the world of presenting? These are just some of the questions Liz Ekberg answers in the latest Spotlight podcast. Liz is a former producer, director, and reporter, having worked for Barry Norman’s film review programme, The Wide Awake Club, Newsround and CBBC. She now works as a Junior Talent Agent for leading agency Waring and McKenna. We spoke to Liz at our recent Spotlight Presenters’ seminar to get...

posted on 2nd February 2012 Read full article >>

Advice for Spotlight members on submitting your tax return

Tax returns may not be the first thing on performers’ minds, but with many Spotlight members self-employed, sorting out your finances is a necessity, especially as the deadline for filing your returns is less than 48 hours away. Ahead of tomorrow’s deadline, James Pickford from TWD Accountants has the following advice for Spotlight members looking to get to grips with their tax returns. Over to you, James. Q. Can I claim for pre-trading training? No. Because it was your choice to become a sole trader, the training costs prior to actually trading are not...

posted on 30th January 2012 Read full article >>

Spotlight’s weekly news roundup: 27 January 2012

Welcome to Spotlight’s weekly news roundup, where we highlight the news and blogs we’ve enjoyed and want to share with our members and others within the industry, so grab sit back and catch up on the stories you need to know. Awards season steps up a gear It’s been another big week in 2012’s awards season, with more nominations and ceremonies. All eyes were on the Oscars earlier this week, which released its nominations ahead of the big event on February 26. Hugo and The Artist led the pack in terms of nominations and there were several nods for Spotlight members with...

posted on 27th January 2012 Read full article >>

The Spotlight podcast: Essential tips for musical theatre performers

What’s the best way to break into musical theatre? What are the most important musical theatre skills to keep topped up? How can you impress a casting director? And what should you do if you stumble over a dance or song in an audition? We discuss all this and more with casting director Neil Rutherford in our latest Spotlight podcast. Neil is head of casting at the Ambassador Theatre Group and has cast many West End shows and tours, such as Legally Blonde, Spamalot, South Pacific, West Side Story, and Guys and Dolls, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience...

posted on 26th January 2012 Read full article >>

Casting director Annelie Powell’s top tips for Spotlight Graduates

CDS students were busy making new contacts and catch up with old ones last Sunday at the first networking event for final year drama students (below) – plus casting director Annelie Powell stopped by to give her top tips for the graduating students. But if you couldn’t make this fabulous afternoon of networking – or you networked a little too hard to remember - with Annelie’s kind permission, here are her top 10 tips for those of our members about to graduate or just starting out as a performer. Make sure you research...

posted on 24th January 2012 Read full article >>

Spotlight Mondays: Your time to book a free career consultation

Each week, Spotlight offers a free one-on-one 20 minute career advice session with Emma Dyson, our PR manager and careers expert. Emma trained at the Guildford School of Acting and spent six years as an agent, so can offer advice about all aspects of the industry. Spotlight Mondays are one of the most popular services we provide to our members and spaces fill up quickly. The next available sessions for March are now open for booking. Actors can – and often do – ask Emma anything about their career, so we thought we’d get her to...

posted on 20th January 2012 Read full article >>

The Spotlight podcast: Agent Daphne Waring’s advice for actors

What are the key things an actor needs to know about finding an agent? If you’re a performer looking for representation or a final year drama school student, then learn from one of the best in the business – Daphne Waring from Waring & McKenna – in our latest Spotlight podcast. We spoke to Daphne ahead of the 2012 Spotlight Graduate Programme to get her tips on the key dos and don’ts for approaching agents, how a performer can impress an agent, and what agents are looking for at graduate showcases. Daphne is one of the directors of Waring & McKenna, one...

posted on 19th January 2012 Read full article >>

How to: Audition for Shakespeare

Auditioning for Shakespeare is a different art from other auditions, as it comes with well-known characters, plays and very specific language. If you plan to perform the Bard in 2012, there’s plenty you can do to help prepare for you audition. We asked Charlotte Bevan, head of casting at Shakespeare’s Globe to share her advice on how actors should approach Shakespeare auditions. It is very important when auditioning for a Shakespeare play to remember the character first and foremost as it is very easy to speak the lines beautifully without communicating any meaning at all. ...

posted on 9th January 2012 Read full article >>

How to: Promote your Spotlight CV on your website

Are you looking to freshen up your online profile in 2012? One of the best ways you can promote yourself is by linking direct to your Spotlight CV on your website or blog. We’ve created a set of easily-embeddable Spotlight buttons you can add to your website. They’re simple to add into your site’s template and are a great way to help market yourself online. It’s easy to install this distinctive and recognisable button, which highlights not just your Spotlight membership, but makes it easy for people to see your credits, headshot and representation in one easy click....

posted on 4th January 2012 Read full article >>

The Spotlight podcast: How to approach Shakespeare auditions

What does an actor need to know when preparing for a Shakespeare audition? If you’re looking to get on board with the Bard in 2012, then prepare with some advice from the experts in our latest Spotlight podcast. We spoke to Tam Williams, a veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Edward Hall’s all-male Shakespeare company Propeller, and Bill Buckhurst, who has directed and performed at Shakespeare’s Globe and is the former director of the Stafford Festival Shakespeare. Tam and Bill gave us their tips ahead of the most recent Spotlight professional development seminar, and covered how to master the language and...

posted on 21st December 2011 Read full article >>

Diary of a child actor’s mum: Playing the auditions waiting game

Each month Jemima Laing, mother of 12-year-old Spotlight member Felix Soper (right), will be charting the ups and occasional downs of being the parent of a child performer. This month, Jemima wrestles with the most agonising part of performing for any actor – the post-audition wait – and discovers Felix deals with it a lot better than she does. So after the initial excitement of the audition and then, with luck, the recall, comes the waiting game, though why they call it a game I don’t know. There aren’t any discernible rules and it really isn’t...

posted on 15th December 2011 Read full article >>

Dames and dancing: Confessions of a first-time panto performer

Across the country, hundreds of Spotlight members are treading the boards this December in the Christmas theatre staple of pantomime. As well as being a great source of income, it’s also great fun for the performer. But although it’s on stage, panto also requires so very different disciplines. Spotlight member Jassa Ahluwalia is performing in his first pantomime as Aladdin at The Playhouse Whitley Bay. Here he tells us how he’s learnt to love the intensity and tradition of performing panto. The last time I experienced pantomime was as a boy seeing Dick Whittington. Why...

posted on 14th December 2011 Read full article >>

Life of a drama school graduate: Wrestling with radio performances

Each month we’re following the progress of final year drama student Joe Gaminara from LAMDA, as he prepares to leave drama school behind and head into the world of auditions, castings and agents. This month, Joe tackles the world of radio for the first time, which prompts a performance with a mouthful of cereal and memories of a very young and demanding listener. Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat, although hopefully we’re not, as our showcases are just around the corner. Luckily mince pies have been the last things on our minds, as...

posted on 12th December 2011 Read full article >>

The Spotlight vodcast: Approaching Shakespeare auditions

If you’re auditioning for a role in Shakespeare, then prepare for your audition by getting some tips from the experts in our first Spotlight vodcast. Ahead of the last of Spotlight’s 2011 professional development seminars, we caught up with hosts Tam Williams and Bill Buckhurst and asked them for their top tips for approaching Shakespeare auditions. Tam has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and extensively with Edward Hall’s all-make Shakespeare company, Propeller, while Bill has directed and performed at Shakespeare’s Globe, worked with the RSC, and is the former director of the Stafford Festival Shakespeare. Tam and Bill gave...

posted on 8th December 2011 Read full article >>

Advice for dancers: Questions and answers from The Dance Show

Last weekend, Spotlight was busy dancing across the Birmingham NEC, where we were at the heart of The Dance Show 2011 – one of the top industry events of the year in the world of dance. Our team of Kelly, Kate, Martin, Frances and Elaine were on hand for a chat about all things Spotlight, as well as offering career advice to our dancer members and those training or looking to break into the world of dance. In addition, Spotlight’s Pippa Harrison was one of the judges on the Young Dancer Of The Year Award, sponsored...

posted on 7th December 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight’s weekly news roundup: 2nd December

Welcome to Spotlight’s weekly news roundup, where we highlight the news and blogs we’ve enjoyed and want to share with our members and others within the industry. So, kick back and read what’s snagged our interest this week. Nominations and awards As we head towards the end of the year, the award ceremonies and nominations gather pace, with several Spotlight members among the winners and nominees. Spotlight young performer Harley Bird (right) went into the history books last weekend when she won Best Performer at the BAFTA Children’s Awards for her role as the voice...

posted on 2nd December 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight and Equity remind performers to be aware of scams

As Christmas approaches, Spotlight is reminding all our members to watch out for companies and individuals trying to scam actors with the promise of non-existent roles and contacts. At this time of year, we sadly see an influx of less-than-scrupulous individuals aiming to con performers out of their hard-earned money. To help you stay safe Spotlight and Equity, the trade union for professional performers, have the following advice for performers to ensure you don’t fall victim to the scammers. Spotlight’s Pippa Harrison says, “It’s worth being reminded that you shouldn’t pay money to join any...

posted on 30th November 2011 Read full article >>

Tax advice for performers: What can you claim back?

Acting isn’t just about auditions and performances – many of our members are self-employed and will need to know what they can claim back against their tax. To help Spotlight members get to grips with the ins and outs of tax return forms, James Pickford from TWD Accountants, has the following advice on two frequently-asked questions by performers. At TWD we regularly update our tax advice section with the replies to questions submitted by both clients and non-clients. We have recently had two questions submitted by someone in the entertainment industry, both of which are becoming more...

posted on 29th November 2011 Read full article >>

Writing, producing and acting: How I did it all for The Doghouse

Spotlight members don’t just act these days. Many of our performer members are increasingly writing and producing their own material, be it for screen or stage. Every member has a different reason for expanding their creative abilities, but all have to learn what it’s like on the other side of the camera or stage. Spotlight member Ruaraidh Murray’s latest short film, The Doghouse, had its first private screening at the BFI on Friday. Here, Ruaraidh delves into his own experiences to share his advice on doing it all yourself – from the initial idea to the...

posted on 28th November 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight Mondays bookings now open

Bookings are now open for Spotlight Mondays 2012 – a free career advice chat with Spotlight’s Emma Dyson. Spotlight Mondays are one of our most popular services. The 20-minute appointments with Emma can cover anything you want to talk about connected with your career, including photos, CVs, showreels, casting directors and agents (although it’s not possible for us to recommend agents). The service is completely free – and only available to Spotlight members. Emma, our career expert, trained at the Guildford School of Acting and has spent six years as an agent, giving her an invaluable...

posted on 25th November 2011 Read full article >>

The Spotlight podcast: Auditioning for commercials

For many actors, commercials are an essential part of their working life, helping to bring in money and extra skills and credits to their CV. However, there are considerations an actor needs to be aware of when auditioning for a role in a commercial. The latest Spotlight Podcast offers up valuable tips for any actor approaching a commercial casting. We spoke to actors Tam Williams and Andrew Greenough at Spotlight’s professional development workshop for their advice. Both Tam and Andrew have plenty of experience in commercials and here they share their top tips and stories from their own experience, to help you...

posted on 17th November 2011 Read full article >>

Graduate showcases: What the agent is looking for

The graduate showcase season is warming up, as final year drama students across the country prepare for the performances that could see them take a large step towards a long and successful career as an actor. Key to this are the agents who attend the showcases, keeping an eye out for new young talent, or that performer who has something that little bit extra. From the young performers’ point of view, with the stress of the performance itself, it can sometimes be difficult in knowing exactly what the agents in the auditorium are looking for when they step...

posted on 16th November 2011 Read full article >>

Auditioning for commercials: The casting director's view

To tie in with Spotlight’s Approaching Commercial Castings workshop, we’re publishing a series of essential tips every actor needs to know about how to audition for commercials. Today, we hear from casting director Anna Kennedy. Anna has a wealth of experience in casting a range of varied projects, including numerous award-winning commercials. She’s worked with a range of clients, including Ikea, McDonalds, Yeo Valley (below), Sainsbury’s, Porsche and Vodafone. Here, she passes on her top tips for actors at commercial castings. Dress for the occasion A casting director will usually tell the agent how the actor should dress – for example, directions like...

posted on 15th November 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight’s weekly news roundup: 11 November

Welcome to Spotlight’s weekly news roundup, where we highlight the news and blogs we’ve enjoyed and want to share with our members and others within the industry. So, kick back and read what’s snagged our interest this week. Onwards and upwards First off, we head to Devon where Jemima Laing writes for her local paper, the Western Morning News, about her pride on seeing her son, Spotlight child member Felix Soper, on his first big screen performance in The Awakening, with Imelda Staunton (above) and Dominic West. It’s a piece that many parents of our young performers can relate to, and we’d...

posted on 11th November 2011 Read full article >>

The Spotlight Podcast: Working In LA

Want to get essential advice if you’re considering moving to LA to live and work? At Spotlight’s Working In LA professional development seminar, we spoke to hosts Tam Williams and Alexandra Boyd about their top tips for surviving and earning a living in Los Angeles for the latest Spotlight podcast. Both Tam and Alexandra are hugely experienced actors who’ve both lived and worked in LA, and have plenty of experience of the practical side of the industry. Both had plenty of top tips, and shared examples of how they learnt from mistakes in the United States. Don’t miss this valuable insight into...

posted on 10th November 2011 Read full article >>

Advice from Actor Expo: Our most frequently asked questions

Last Saturday saw the Actor Expo at Camden Town Hall, and Spotlight was once again at the heart of this essential one-stop shop for the UK acting world. Our team of Kelly, Kate and Laura were on hand at Spotlight’s stall, while Spotlight’s expert Emma Dyson offered essential career advice for actors at her fully-booked Sell Yourself: Perfect Self-Marketing For Actors seminar. On behalf of the team, we’d like to say a massive thank you to everybody who took the time to chat to us on the stall or attend our seminar. We always immensely enjoy...

posted on 9th November 2011 Read full article >>

Working in LA: The actor’s advice

To tie in with Spotlight’s Working In Los Angeles workshop, we’re running a series of features on the essentials a performer needs to know if they’re thinking of moving to the United States to work. Today we hear from actor Will Kemp. Will recently moved to LA and since has appeared in Nikita and 90210. Here, he shares the knowledge he’s gained from his time in the city. After fifteen years of working, looking for work and "vacationing" in Los Angeles, I finally decided to pack up my London life and move with my wife and...

posted on 8th November 2011 Read full article >>

Working as an actor in LA: The casting director’s view

This week Spotlight is hosting the first of our professional development pilot workshops, offering valuable insights and essential industry advice. The first workshop is all about Working In LA and is hosted by actors Tam Williams and Alexandra Boyd. To tie in with this, we’ll be running features from some of the best-connected people in the industry. First up, top casting director Carol Dudley from Cannon Dudley & Associates gives us her advice on the difference between UK and US taped castings. Ah, the difference between US and UK auditions. Let's just deal with taped...

posted on 7th November 2011 Read full article >>

Get essential acting advice from Spotlight at the Actor Expo

Spotlight will once again be at the Actor Expo this Saturday, 5 November 2011, as one of the main sponsors of this essential one-stop shop of the UK acting world. As part of the expo, Spotlight will be offering essential career advice to our members, both at our stall and at our seminar, Sell Yourself: Perfect Self-Marketing For Actors. The Actor Expo runs from 11am-4pm at The Camden Centre, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9LZ. The nearest tube station is King’s Cross. At the seminar, Spotlight expert Emma Dyson will be offering essential...

posted on 31st October 2011 Read full article >>

How to: Audition and perform for pantomime

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple Pantomime season is fast approaching and many of our Spotlight’s members will be auditioning for or performing in panto for the first time. Pantomime is a regular source of employment for Spotlight members at this time or year and requires a special set of skills to master the audience. We asked Ian Liston, founder of pantomime specialists the Hiss & Boo Company for his advice for first-time panto performers. All too often newcomers to the wonderful world of pantomime totally underestimate what they’re letting themselves...

posted on 25th October 2011 Read full article >>

The Spotlight Podcast: How to approach auditions

Want to learn the secret of how to approach an audition from those doing the auditioning? After Spotlight’s Casting Symposium, we asked our trio of top UK casting directors for their advice on approaching auditions. The panel of Lucinda Syson (W.E., X-Men, Kick Ass), Reg Poerscout–Edgerton (Sherlock Holmes, RocknRolla) and Karen Lindsay-Stewart (The Other Boleyn Girl, Submarine, Marie Antionette) spoke to Spotlight’s Frances Mordue about their dos and don’ts for auditions, as well as their one tip for actors to make themselves more employable during auditions. Don’t miss this value insight from some of the biggest names in...

posted on 21st October 2011 Read full article >>

Top tips from Spotlight’s Casting Symposium

Spotlight’s Casting Symposium at the BFI yesterday (Tuesday 18th October) was one of the hottest industry tickets of the London Film Festival, with over 400 performers gaining valuable insights from our panel of top casting directors The panel was made up of Lucinda Syson (W.E., X-Men, Kick Ass), Reg Poerscout–Edgerton (Sherlock Holmes, RocknRolla) and Karen Lindsay-Stewart (The Other Boleyn Girl, Submarine, Marie Antionette), while the session was co-ordinated by Spotlight’s Pippa Harrison and Emma Dyson. Topics covered included the casting process in full, an insight into important audition dos and don’ts and a Q & A...

posted on 19th October 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight Presenters: Top six tips on making it as a presenter

Spotlight’s Presenters’ Month may now be over, but there’s still plenty of advice we can offer our presenter members after our events in September. Donna Coulling hosted a special seminar last month, where she offered plenty of tips and hints on how to succeed as a presenter, as well as answering questions from the audience on how to further their careers. You may recognise Donna from I’m With The Band, the Channel 4 show where she helped Lee Ryan find an assistant, as well as appearing on Pete Burns’ PA on Living TV. Donna...

posted on 11th October 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight at Surviving Actors - Manchester

Spotlight will be exhibiting at Surviving Actors - Manchester 2011! We’ll be there on Saturday 23rd July from 10am – 5pm to answer any questions you may have about your membership, Spotlight events and news. Surviving Actors is being held at Manchester University Renold Building, Manchester University, Manchester M13 9PL This free acting convention welcomes jobbing performers and provides the opportunity for visitors to research opportunities for them to develop, sustain and create new opportunities within their career. The day hosts seminars and industry related stall holders. Here’s run-down on what we are...

posted on 16th June 2011 Read full article >>

September at Spotlight is ‘Presenters Month’

This September we are operating a series of industry seminars/networking opportunities as well as career advice 1 on 1’s with a Spotlight expert for all our presenter members.  In addition we’re offering discounts on show reel uploads and 2010 copies of Contacts throughout the month.  Our first seminar is aimed at those just starting out as a presenter.  John Byrne (Career Advisor to The Stage newspaper) will be in discussion with Kathryn Wolfe, (Senior Lecturer, Media Performance University of Bedfordshire and author of 'So You Want To be a TV Presenter?') about the...

posted on 24th August 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight at the Edinburgh Festival

Spotlight will be in Edinburgh this year for the festival and as usual we’ve got lots to offer our members including a series of career advice seminars, 1-on-1 career chats with a Spotlight expert and free Wi-Fi for all!  Here’s a run-down of what’s on offer: FREE SEMINARS How to be a Professional Actor, 17th August 11:00 (1hr 30mins) Industry experts from Spotlight offer essential career advice for actors. Topics covered include networking, CVs, showreels, headshots, audition technique and how to approach agents and casting directors. Any questions answered! Great for actors just...

posted on 24th June 2010 Read full article >>

Interview with Lauren O’Neil – 2009 Spotlight Prize Winner

In 2009 Lauren O’Neil graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama and won the Spotlight prize for best actress. This year she opened in her first professional stage role in ‘Women Beware Women’ at the National Theatre and will also be appearing on our TV screens in ‘Lewis’ on Sunday.  Will Davies, Spotlight Casting & Agent Liaison, spoke with her about her origins as an actress, her training at Guildhall and her industry experiences since winning the Spotlight prize. · Obvious question but did you always know you wanted to be an actress? Not at all, when...

posted on 20th May 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight Graduate programme 2010

Last week was the final seminar in this year’s Spotlight Graduate programme.  Over 400 final year CDS drama students have attended industry seminars given by leading UK casting directors, agents and Spotlight experts.  Topics covered include Commercial Castings, Theatre Auditions, How to Approach an Agent and Industry Networking.  Furthermore a lot of the expert’s advice has been posted on our website and on our members Facebook group.  We feel this allows all our members to benefit from the programme and we will be posting more of their top tips on the Spotlight members Facebook group over the next few weeks...

posted on 19th May 2010 Read full article >>

Get one-to-one career advice from a Spotlight expert

Appointments are now available for Spotlight Mondays career chats in May, June and July Whether you’re just starting out or feel the need for a “refresher chat”, Spotlight Mondays are an opportunity to have a 15 minute careers chat with a Spotlight expert. Anything is up for discussion, including photos, CVs, showreels, casting directors and agents (however, it is not possible for us to recommend agents).  This is a free service, inclusive within Spotlight membership and available only to members. For more information and to book a place between the hours of 2pm and 5pm every...

posted on 14th May 2010 Read full article >>

Five top tips for musical theatre casting from David Grindrod

At this week’s Spotlight Graduate Programme event, casting director David Grindrod spoke to final-year musical theatre and dance graduates about casting for musical theatre. David’s vast theatre credits include Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story, Saturday Night Fever, Starlight Express, and he is currently appearing on the BBC’s Over the Rainbow. Topics covered included how to approach a casting director, what to expect in an audition and common pitfalls to avoid.  For anyone wanting to break into musical theatre here are his top five tips:...

posted on 21st April 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight on Facebook and Twitter

Spotlight is now using Facebook and Twitter as a means to deliver Spotlight news, industry information and careers advice to its members and non-members. Our Spotlight Performers Facebook group is for performer members only and offers tailored careers advice and the facility to comment on our services and inform and advise fellow Spotlight members. Our Twitter feed and the Spotlight Facebook Fan Page inform members and non-members of our services, events we’re hosting/sponsoring as well as general industry information and career advice. Here are some more details on the services and how to join: Spotlight Performers...

posted on 16th April 2010 Read full article >>

Tip of the day: Send your Spotlight CV as a link & add it to your website

If you’re sending an email to agents, casting directors, producers or directors, don’t bother sending a photo, CV or show reel attachments, which they might not have the time to open. Just send them a link to your Spotlight CV. Assuming their browser is open, they’ll be able to see your details in seconds. You can also include the link on your Facebook profile or even in a Tweet.  A growing number of Spotlight members are also setting up their own websites and creating permanent links to their Spotlight CV. The benefits of this...

posted on 30th March 2010 Read full article >>

RSC casting assistants give auditions advice

Janine Snape and Jim Arnold, casting assistants at the RSC, were guest speakers at the Spotlight Graduate Programme this week. The event was a brilliant opportunity for graduates to meet them and to hear about the casting processes at the RSC. Janine and Jim’s top tips: In an audition, respond to the director’s instructions and adapt your performance accordingly. Choose audition pieces that are appropriate to your age and gender. Make sure you have your showreel and voice clip uploaded onto your Spotlight page. ...

posted on 23rd March 2010 Read full article >>

Top five career tips for budding dancers

Spotlight were at Move It! 2010 (http://www.moveitdance.co.uk/) last Friday and as well as all the amazing performances and master classes, several industry professionals were giving career advice to aspiring dancers.  Spotlight’s very own dance expert Martin Pavey picked the top five tips and here they are: Believe in yourself - Casting Directors always look for passionate performers. Your driving force must always be your love for dance and joy of performing, as well as the conviction in your abilities. Train - Training not only gives you the necessary skills, but the...

posted on 19th March 2010 Read full article >>

Five Top Tips for TV and Film Casting from Kate Rhodes James

At this week’s Spotlight Graduate Programme event, casting director Kate Rhodes James (Bleak House, Cold Feet, Into the Storm, Mo Mowlam, The Fattest Man in Great Britain) spoke to final-year drama graduates about casting for film and television.  Topics covered included how to approach a casting director, what to expect in an audition and how best to present yourself (CV’s and photographs).  For anyone wanting to break into television and film here are her top five tips:  Research each casting director before you meet or contact them.  If you’re...

posted on 17th March 2010 Read full article >>

Top five career tips for aspiring presenters

Are you an actor or dancer looking to branch into presenting?  Or perhaps you've been watching television and thought I could do better than that?  To help you on your way here are our top five tips: Be specific about what type of presenter you are - are you entertainment, factual or both?  If you have an expertise, capitalise on it.  Agents, commissioning editors and heads of development all need to be able to place you immediately, don't make it hard for them. When seeking representation, you...

posted on 12th March 2010 Read full article >>

How to succeed at commercial castings

2010 has got off to a great start at Spotlight Studios with numerous film and television projects using our facilities. Just recently feature film directors Roland Emmerich (2012, The Day After Tomorrow) and Taylor Hackford (Ray, Proof of Life) were in casting for their latest projects. It’s pilot season too which means plenty of actors have been in to tape their auditions for American casting directors. Commercial castings include Orange, John Lewis, McDonalds, Shell and Nintendo. To help you with landing that commercial, here are some top tips: Check that you’ve...

posted on 10th March 2010 Read full article >>

Success at commercial castings – free workshop for Graduates

Spotlight’s next Graduates Programme event, on Monday 8 March, aims to give students a crash course in the world of commercial castings - debunking myths, telling you what to expect and how to prepare for the castings you’re most likely to encounter as a graduate entering the industry. The free workshop will be hosted by Thom Hammond, who manages Spotlight’s busy casting studios and brings experience as a freelance casting assistant and an actor to this informal, interactive session. Some places are still available at the event, which is open to students graduating from CDS drama schools in...

posted on 4th March 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight at Launch 2010

Spotlight enjoyed a successful day at Launch 2010, the annual event that brings together dance graduates and industry professionals. Last weekend’s event was packed full of seminars and advice on how to kick start your career and start thinking about your future. Seminars included ‘Managing Finance and Tax’ with Tim Tubbs, ‘Arts Administration’ with Isabel Tamen (former dancer and executive director of Richard Alston Dance Company), ‘Education in Dance’ with Veronica Jobbins (head of education and community department at LABAN) as well as an in-depth CV tune-up session with Kiki Gale (artistic director of East London Dance). ...

posted on 4th March 2010 Read full article >>

How to be a professional actor – top five tips

Spotlight hosted its latest Graduates Programme event last night, aimed at supporting performers during the tricky transition from drama student to full-time actor. Students from various CDS-accredited drama schools, including Central School of Speech and Drama, Guildford School of Acting and Drama Studio London, attended the seminar, entitled ‘How To Be A Professional Actor’ and hosted by Pippa Harrison and Will Davies. Topics discussed included choosing photographs, running yourself as a business and how best to approach casting directors and agents.  Here are our top five tips on how to be a professional actor: ...

posted on 23rd February 2010 Read full article >>

Top television audition tips from BBC casting executive

Julia Crampsie, casting executive at the BBC, was guest speaker at a Spotlight Graduate Programme event last week. The seminar was an amazing opportunity for the graduates to meet Julia and to hear all about casting at the BBC. Julia’s top tips: Always prepare your script – you must be familiar with all the text Practise sight reading to camera – record yourself and learn from your mistakes If you are not sure about anything in an audition, ask Keep...

posted on 23rd February 2010 Read full article >>

Mark Goodier’s advice for aspiring radio and TV presenters

Mark Goodier, broadcaster and owner of Wise Buddah, was recently a guest speaker at Spotlight’s second presenters seminar. Will Davies, Spotlight Agent and Casting Liaison, hosted the event and picked five top tips: When starting out, get involved in the industry as much as you can, whether as a researcher, runner or assistant - even work experience. You never know when your presenting skills might be called upon - sometimes it is a case of being in the right place at the right time. Make contacts and network - they are of paramount...

posted on 19th February 2010 Read full article >>

Five top tips for musical theatre auditions

Leading casting director Pippa Ailion shared a wealth of advice on musical theatre casting with Spotlight Graduates last week. Spotlight’s agent and casting liaison, Will Davies, was at the Graduate Programme event and picked five top tips: Always keep a book of contacts, a record of who’ve you’ve met, that can be referred to at all times. Be proactive, not just in the beginning, but throughout your career. Continue to write to people, know what’s being cast or going into production. Once you’ve completed your...

posted on 15th February 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight at dance graduates event

Spotlight will be exhibiting this month at Launch 2010, a day of seminars and advice from leading dance professionals for recent dance graduates and final-year students. Hosted by Dance UK and The Place, the event is a professional development day offering opportunities to network with industry professionals and delegates. Exhibitors include Equity, Dancers Career Development (DCD), City University, Pilates Foundation, and Jo Baker (Dance Science). The event will be held from 9.30am to 6pm on Saturday 27 February 2010 at The Place, 17 Duke's Road, London WC1H 9PY. Tickets cost £35 (£30 for Dance UK members) and...

posted on 11th February 2010 Read full article >>

Mark Goodier at Spotlight presenters event

Broadcaster Mark Goodier was guest speaker at Spotlight’s second presenters seminar, which was held this week. Spotlight members attending the seminar heard advice on a wide range of subjects and were given the opportunity to ask questions relating to the industry. The seminar also offered an opportunity for presenters to network with fellow Spotlight members. Goodier is one of the UK's most respected broadcasters with a career spanning 25 years in local and national radio. In addition to presenting, he owns Wise Buddah, a company specialising in radio programme production, original music composition and station imaging,...

posted on 5th February 2010 Read full article >>

Expert advice on CVs, photos, showreels and more

Whether you’re just starting out or feel the need for a “refresher chat”, Spotlight Mondays are an opportunity to have a 15 minute careers chat with a Spotlight expert. Anything is up for discussion, including photos, CVs, showreels, casting directors and agents (however, be aware that it is not possible for us to recommend agents).  This is a free service, inclusive within your Spotlight membership.  For more information and to book your place between the hours of 2pm and 5pm every Monday go to www.spotlight.clickbook.net. Tags: career, advice, tips

posted on 5th February 2010 Read full article >>

Last few places at Graduate Programme events

Casting professionals working in television, film and theatre will offer free career advice to drama students in a series of free Spotlight seminars in the coming weeks. The Spotlight Graduate Programme gives students a chance to meet and put questions to industry professionals and Spotlight’s own expert advisers. Some places are still available at the following events: Monday 8 February - Meet the Casting Director (musical theatre) Pippa Ailion (Wicked, The Lion King, Billy Elliot). A Q&A session with this highly acclaimed casting director – do not miss the...

posted on 3rd February 2010 Read full article >>

Graduates given career advice from leading casting director

Sam Jones CDG met final year drama students last night as part of the Spotlight Graduate Programme 2010.  Jones, who is currently casting for National Theatre Wales, drew on her vast experience of theatre casting (with the RSC, Almeida and Shared Experience) to answer questions on a variety of topics including: selecting showcase pieces; networking in the industry; and the importance of showreels. At the next Spotlight Graduate Programme event, on 8 February, casting director Pippa Ailion will share tips and advice on...

posted on 26th January 2010 Read full article >>

Top agent offers career advice to drama students

The second of this year’s Spotlight Graduate Programme seminars was held last night. Agent Michelle Braidman of Michelle Braidman Associates, answered questions on a wide variety of subjects including approaching agents, representing international performers and the do’s and don’t’s of actor photographs.   One of the graduates at the event commented: “I personally found it incredibly useful and gained a lot of information from it. “The speaker, Michelle, was amazing. I felt she genuinely wanted to be there to help us and provided a very realistic impression of the industry. “I learned...

posted on 19th January 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight hosts free career advice events for graduates

Spotlight is hosting a series of free events aimed at helping drama school students to kick-start their professional career. The Spotlight Graduate Programme offers students a chance to meet and put questions to leading casting professionals and agents. Panels of industry experts will offer advice on issues such as: networking and promotion how to approach agents and casting directors audition technique building a CV and photo portfolio The programme of seminars and workshops runs until June and aims to...

posted on 11th January 2010 Read full article >>

Kevin Spacey hosts masterclass for Spotlight Prize nominees

Old Vic Artistic Director Kevin Spacey led a masterclass for Spotlight Prize nominees at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly, central London, on Thursday November 19. Thirty-four nominees attended the session, which Spacey designed and ran himself to give them practical advice on the craft that he has spent a career developing. The Oscar-winning actor watched all the nominees perform their audition pieces, and gave them detailed notes and suggestions. "He suggested ways in which the actors could be more engaging by not relying on gestures, but to talk, think and feel," said Pippa Harrison, Head...

posted on 23rd November 2009 Read full article >>

Spotlight at Actor Expo in London

Spotlight will be at Actor Expo London on the 3rd October. We'd love to see you there! The Spotlight team will be on hand to help you with any membership questions you may have throughout the day. In addition we are holding a free seminar exclusively for Spotlight members: HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ACTOR: Will Davies and Pippa Harrison (Spotlight) 11.30am - 12.45pm Two Spotlight experts will provide invaluable advice on how actors can improve their chances of finding work. Topics discussed will include photos, CVs and cover letters, showreels, basic networking...

posted on 18th November 2009 Read full article >>