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Articles tagged with graduates

Spotlight’s Scandinavian travels: Norway’s Bardar Academy

Spotlight isn’t just confined to the British Isles. As well as our global collaboration with other International Alliance of Casting Directories (IACD) members, we also spend time building contacts in Europe to benefit our members and subscribers. Last week, Spotlight’s PR Manager Emma Dyson (pictured left, outside Oslo’s National Theatre) headed to Norway to speak to students at the Bardar Academy and discover a little more about the Scandinavian acting industry. Now she’s thawed out, here’s her report: So to Oslo Spotlight goes! This is the furthest I’ve travelled for Spotlight talk yet and – given...

posted on 1st February 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’s weekly news roundup: 20 January

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. Keep on campaigning Businesses in the West End were celebrating a memorable victory this week as Westminster Council announced they were scrapping proposed evening parking charges. Theatres, performers, Equity and others had campaigned against the proposals, which they claimed would have cost the area’s economy millions, and forced many businesses and performers out of work. Henry Goodman and...

posted on 20th January 2012 Read full article >>

Get networking: Spotlight graduate brings CDS students together

Final year drama students will get a chance to mingle and swap stories this Sunday, with the first ever networking event for CDS graduates - and Spotlight is paying for the first round of drinks for everybody who attends, to help the conversation flow a little quicker. The informal event starts at 2pm at the Soho Theatre and gives Spotlight graduates can mingle, make new contacts and catch up with old ones. The afternoon also includes a talk from casting director Annelie Powell on the importance of networking. The event is the brainchild of ALRA student Linden Walcott-Burton...

posted on 19th 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 >>

Life of a drama school graduate: Preparing for the showcase

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 prepares for his final year showcase and hopes to keep his Scottish and Irish accents apart as he gets tested on his vocal ability. It’s here: 2012, the year of the Olympics, the European Championships, and, according to the Mayan calendar, the end of the world. Hopefully the world won’t end for us, since, as graduating students this is meant...

posted on 18th January 2012 Read full article >>

Spotlight’s CDET school talks: Preparing performers for the future

It’s getting close to the time where many performing arts students prepare to graduate and enter the world of agents, auditions and casting directors. To help them prepare for a world after graduation, Spotlight’s PR manager Emma Dyson travels around the country, speaking to students about how they can market themselves and offer industry insights they need to know about. Prior to joining Spotlight Emma worked as an agent for six years and trained at the Guildford School of Acting, and has a wide knowledge of the industry. This month, Emma is focusing her talks...

posted on 10th January 2012 Read full article >>

Happy New Year from Spotlight and our plans for 2012

From everybody at Spotlight we’d like to say a big Happy New Year and welcome back to all our members, subscribers and friends, as we look forward to an exciting acting-packed 2012. We have lots planned for the next 12 months and, to inspire you as you start 2012, we thought we’d let you know of a few notable events and other areas where we’ll be out and about helping our members boost their careers. Also, as it’s January, keep your eyes peeled on Spotlight’s news site for a series of pieces aimed at helping you to freshen...

posted on 3rd January 2012 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 >>

Book now for Spotlight Graduate Programme for drama students

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...

posted on 12th December 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 >>

Life of a drama school graduate: Acting on screen

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. Joe’s final year journey continues this month as he and his fellow students attempt to get to grips with screen acting for the first time and he tries not to kiss the casting director in a TV audition. It’s now half-term here at LAMDA, and finally we have a few sacred days to ourselves to briefly reflect on two months of TV, get...

posted on 31st October 2011 Read full article >>

Just two days left for drama students to join Spotlight Graduates

If you’re a final-year student at a Conference of Drama Schools (CDS) member school and you’re graduating in 2012, then it’s time to join Spotlight Graduates. Students on two-to-three year acting or musical theatre courses need to apply before 15th October 2011 to be included in February’s directory - distributed to key industry professionals nationwide - and to receive a fully searchable, professional CV on Spotlight’s website. Postgraduate students have until 24th November 2011 to apply.   Benefits and services If you’ve already applied for Spotlight Graduate membership, congratulations!  You now qualify...

posted on 13th October 2011 Read full article >>

What happened next: Jessica Pidsley, 2009 Spotlight Prize

Jessica Pidsley wowed the judges at the 2009 Spotlight Prize, winning the Highly Commended Female Actor award and since then she’s been a one-woman whirlwind of work, with a variety of acting and writing jobs, and even her own stand-up show. You can hear RADA-trained Jessica in the BBC Radio 4’s first ever improvised play, A Time To Dance, which was broadcast on Monday 10th October, an experience Jessica says has been the highlight of her acting career so far. You can listen to the play through the BBC iPlayer. As well as improvised radio, Jessica has also been previewing her stand-up...

posted on 10th October 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight Graduates sparkle in 2011 CDS New York Showcase

For a select group of Spotlight’s graduate members, Monday 3rd October was the day they had the chance to impress some of the United States’ top agents, managers and casting directors in the New York showcase. The students from CDS-member schools, who had to be eligible to work in America to take part, started to rehearse for the showcase back in June and had spent a further four days in New York honing their material with director Doug Hall, ahead of the performances. Spotlight’s Pippa Harrison watched the New York Showcase and spoke to both the performers and...

posted on 4th October 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight graduates gear up for New York Showcase

A select group of Spotlight’s graduate members will be aiming for Broadway glory later today (Monday 3rd October), as they put their acting skills to the test in our New York Showcase. The showcase is for students who have trained at a CDS-member school in the UK but are also eligible to work in the USA. The students will be directed by Doug Hall and will get the chance to impress some of America’s top casting directors and agents, as well as aiming to secure auditions and work on the strength of their performances. Spotlight...

posted on 3rd October 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight’s weekly news roundup: 24th–30th September

Welcome to Spotlight’s weekly news roundup, where we highlight the news and blogs we’ve enjoyed and think our members should know about. So take a few minutes, preferably in the sunshine, to read what’s snagged our interest this week.   Theatreland The show that everybody has been talking about has been Rock Of Ages. The Tony-nominated musical, starring Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins opened in London in this week and has divided critics with reviews ranging from one star through to enthusiastic write-ups, with The Independent’s Pierre Perrone calling it a “feel good” show. The BBC...

posted on 30th September 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight graduates to perform at New York Showcase

Next week Spotlight hits the Big Apple as our graduate members get the opportunity to impress some of America’s top casting directors at our New York Showcase. The annual showcase is for Spotlight’s graduate members from CDS-member schools who are eligible to work in America. It gives them the chance to build contacts with US casting directors, agents and other notable figures from the New York theatre community, as well as securing auditions and work through the strength of their performances. The showcase is on Monday 3rd October and will be directed by Doug...

posted on 30th September 2011 Read full article >>

Life of a drama school graduate: Preparing for the real world

Graduates are a big part of Spotlight. Every year we publish a Graduate Directory featuring students from CDS member schools, and offer help and support to young acting students throughout the year. This year we’re following the progress of one student, Joe Gaminara from LAMDA, as he prepares to leave drama school behind and head into the world of auditions, castings and agents. Joe will be sharing his final year journey with us each month as he details the highs and lows of starting out as an actor. This month, Joe finally gets to meet the elusive...

posted on 29th September 2011 Read full article >>

2011 Spotlight Prize winners announced

The winner of this year's Spotlight Prize is Kurt Egyiawan, from Guildhall. Kirsty Oswald, from Rose Bruford, won the Highly Commended award. Kurt performed ‘Best Man Speech’ by Ben Lloyd-Hughes, adapted from a play by Glyn Maxwell. Kirsty performed a scene from ‘The Art of Success’ by Nick Dear. They beat stiff competition from a total of 22 talented acting students, all of whom had already been chosen as the very best actors graduating from the UK's most prestigious drama schools this year. Competing for the Spotlight Prize, the young performers had just three minutes each to impress...

posted on 20th July 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight Graduate Programme 2011

Last night 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: How to Approach an Agent and Industry Networking, Commercial Castings; and The Business of being an Actor. We would like to say a big thank you to the following industry professionals for giving up their time for this year’s graduate performers. Michael Duff, Troika (agent) Sooki Mcshane (casting director) Lucy Jenkins (casting director) Toby...

posted on 14th June 2011 Read full article >>

Strictly Spotlight Summer Ball – Photos now live!

The 7th annual Spotlight Summer Ball was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came down and made it a truly memorable evening. The Spotlight Summer Ball continues to bring together students from CDS and CDET accredited institutions to celebrate the end of the year in style! This years Ball took place at the Cafe de Paris on Sunday 29th May, the dress code was ‘a touch of Strictly’. To view the photo’s click here To view the official video click here If you had your photo taken in...

posted on 2nd June 2011 Read full article >>

Applications are now open for the Alan Bates Bursary 2011

Spotlight are proud to announce sponsorship of the Alan Bates Bursary 2011. The bursary is awarded to a promising young actor at the outset of their career, who is graduating this year from an NCDT accredited acting course. A panel of high profile and well-respected actors decides the recipient of the prize. The Bursary is open to any actor under the age of thirty, graduating in 2011 from an NCDT accredited BA Acting course or an NCDT accredited 2 year diploma in Acting. The Bursary is worth £2000 and comprises of: ...

posted on 21st March 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight Graduates 2011 – New directory now available!

Use this directory to discover fresh and exciting talent from the UK’s leading drama schools. This directory features photographs and contact details for around 1200 students, all final-year graduates of the UK’s leading drama schools and colleges: those that form the Conference of Drama Schools (CDS). Many of those listed are seeking agent representation as they begin their professional careers. Tags: graduates, directory, casting directors

posted on 25th February 2011 Read full article >>

Spotlight Showcase 2010 – full photo and video coverage

The winner of the 2010 Spotlight Prize is Andrew Gower, from Oxford School of Drama. Vivienne Bell, from Central School of Speech and Drama, wins the highly commended award. They beat stiff competition from a total of 21 talented acting students, all of whom had already been chosen as the very best actors graduating from the UK’s most prestigious drama schools this year. The young performers had just three minutes each to impress an exclusive industry audience at the Spotlight Showcase, which took place at the Bloomsbury Ballroom. Watch our video of the event here: ...

posted on 22nd July 2010 Read full article >>

2010 Spotlight Prize winners announced

The winner of this year’s Spotlight Prize is Andrew Gower, from Oxford School of Drama. Vivienne Bell, from Central School of Speech and Drama, won the highly commended award. They beat stiff competition from a total of 21 talented acting students, all of whom had already been chosen as the very best actors graduating from the UK’s most prestigious drama schools this year. Competing for the Spotlight Prize, the young performers had just three minutes each to impress an exclusive industry audience at the Spotlight Showcase, which took place at the Bloomsbury Ballroom yesterday....

posted on 21st July 2010 Read full article >>

Alan Bates Bursary winner announced!

We are pleased to announce this year’s winner of The Alan Bates Bursary is Spotlight member Ivanno Jeremiah (RADA). Runners up to the award were fellow Spotlight members Tom Secretan (LAMDA) and Nick Blakeley (Bristol Old Vic). The bursary presentation will take place at the Actors Centre on Thursday 10th June at 3:30pm. The award will be presented by Zoe Wanamaker, currently starring in the acclaimed West End production of ALL MY SONS. The recent RADA graduate was selected by judges Richard E Grant and Lesley Sharp, from over 200 entrants, to...

posted on 4th June 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight Summer Ball 2010 – photos now live!

This year’s sell-out Summer Ball was a huge success! Nearly 1000 drama and dance students gathered at the Café de Paris in London on Sunday to celebrate the end of another year of training and let their hair down alongside their future fellow cast members.     The Hollywood themed event featured performances from Bloomfield Avenue from the West End show ‘Jersey Boys’, Rae the aerialist from ‘Love Never Dies’, Kieran Jae from ‘All The Fun Of The Fair’, DJ Hatsey from Central School of Speech and Drama, the singing string quartet Stringz, and very special guest...

posted on 3rd 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 >>

Spotlight Summer Ball prizes and entertainment confirmed!

We can now confirm that You Tube sensation Miranda Sings will be the star guest at this year’s Spotlight Summer Ball 2010. Also performing will be Bloomfield Avenue (singers from the West End show ‘Jersey Boys’), Rae (the aerialist from ‘Love Never Dies’), Kieran Jae from ‘All The Fun OF The Fair’, DJ Hatsey from Central School of Speech and Drama and the singing string quartet Stringz! So far the prizes that have been confirmed are: · One year’s membership at The London Actor’s Centre · Full voice reel package with...

posted on 7th May 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight Prize winner Lauren O’Neil opening at National Theatre

Last year’s Spotlight Showcase best actress winner Lauren O’Neil is appearing in ‘Women Beware Women’, which opens tonight at the National Theatre.  Playing the role of Bianca, Lauren is co-starring alongside fellow Spotlight members Harriet Walter, Raymond Coulthard and Nick Blood, a 2008 Spotlight Prize Nominee!    This year’s Spotlight Showcase is scheduled to take place on the 20th July.  22 drama students who have been nominated by their CDS drama school as the best actor from their graduating year. will perform to an exclusive VIP audience of agents, casting professionals and others. ...

posted on 27th April 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 Summer Ball tickets on sale

Now in its 6th year, the Spotlight Summer Ball brings together nearly 1,000 students from CDS and CDET schools, to enjoy a night of live bands, DJs, entertainment, special guests and prizes until the early hours.  It’s a chance for the students to celebrate the end of their drama training and to meet other students from schools all across the country.  Taking place at Cafe de Paris on Sunday 30th May, the dress code is ‘Classic Hollywood and the entertainment line up and prizes will be confirmed shortly.     The 2009 ball was hosted by Sarah...

posted on 14th April 2010 Read full article >>

Spotlight sponsors the Alan Bates Bursary 2010

Spotlight are proud to announce sponsorship of the Alan Bates Bursary 2010. This Bursary is awarded annually to a promising young actor, at the outset of their career. Sir Alan Bates was the Patron of the Actors Centre from 1994 until his death in 2004. He cared passionately about the craft of acting and about the cause of young actors entering the profession. The Alan Bates Bursary was endowed to commemorate his inspirational work on behalf of the Actors Centre and will be awarded annually to an actor of exceptional talent. This year's recipient will be...

posted on 24th 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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

Graduates 2010 – New directory out now!

Use Spotlight Graduates to discover fresh and exciting talent from the UK’s leading drama schools. The directory features photographs and contact details for around 1,200 students, all final-year graduates of the UK’s best drama schools and colleges: those that form the Conference of Drama Schools (CDS). They have all received full-time, conservatoire training in the performing arts, to extremely high standards. To browse a preview of the book or to order a copy, visit the Spotlight Shop. Tags: directory, graduates

posted on 28th February 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 >>

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 >>