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Articles tagged with career

Diary of a child actor’s mum: Pulling no punches over the P word

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 considers the thorny subject of pushy parents – a charge that gets levelled at a lot of mums, and finds there’s a fine line between being pushy and wanting the best for your offspring. Anyone with a child who performs will, at some time or another, have been given the look. You know, the one you get when you tell someone new what your...

posted on 23rd 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 >>

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 >>

Advertising is now closed for the 2011 edition of Contacts

Don’t miss out on promoting your company, service or brand in the essential handbook for everyone working or wanting to work in the entertainment industry The 100th edition of Contacts will be published in November – advertise now and become a part of Contacts history! 20,000 copies of Contacts are purchased every year making it the daily reference tool for actors, dancers, presenters, drama students and production professionals. Contacts contains listings for over 5000 companies, services and individuals including agents, casting directors, theatres, production companies, rehearsal rooms, photographers, voice and acting coaches.  It also features...

posted on 29th July 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight Presenters – renew your membership for 2011

It’s time for our current presenter members to renew their Spotlight membership. Over the past year we have launched several new services for our presenter database including online renewals, a programme of industry seminars and a new section called ‘Emerging Talent’ for aspiring presenters.  We are also branding September here at Spotlight as ‘Presenters Month’ and will be offering our members a range of free advice sessions and seminars plus discounts on showreels and voice clip uploads.  Examples of projects recently cast using the Spotlight Presenters database include CBBC (Television), QVC (Television), Visa - World...

posted on 2nd 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 >>

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 >>

Spotlight launches professional showreel editing service

Spotlight has launched its first full showreel editing service, offering members an opportunity to work with a professional editor to produce their reel. Working in our central London edit suites, Spotlight can create a high-resolution DVD showreel from a member’s video material, and upload it to their Spotlight page. To find out more and to book an appointment, visit www.spotlight.com/artists/ShowreelEditing.html. Tags: actor, actress, career, presenters

posted on 11th 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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

Spotlight Prize nominees announced

We are pleased to announce the names of the 22 drama students who have been nominated for the annual Spotlight Prize in 2010. Each nominee has been selected by their CDS drama school as the best actor from their graduating year. The nominees will now perform at the prestigious Spotlight Showcase on 20 July 2010, to an exclusive VIP audience of agents, casting professionals and others. A panel of industry experts will award two prizes based on the performances: Best Actor/Actress (£2,000) Highly Commended Actor/Actress (£1,500) The...

posted on 10th 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 >>

Promote your graduate show on the Spotlight Calendar

Calling all graduate actors, dancers, child artists and young performers! Did you know that the Spotlight Performance Calendar allows you to advertise your final year performances and showcases to the entire casting industry? Used by casting directors, agents, producers and directors throughout the UK, the details, dates and locations of your show are accessible from all areas of our website. Furthermore, for drama and dance graduate performances, each posting has a cast list which can link directly through to your Spotlight CV and photo.  This is a completely free service open to: All...

posted on 3rd 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 >>

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 >>