The Spotlight Prize
The Spotlight Prize gives drama school graduates the chance to demonstrate their talents to a room full of industry professionals.
Each year, over 70 drama schools and universities are invited to nominate a student from their graduating class, and a panel of industry experts selects the finalists based on the quality of their self-tape audition. Each finalist performs a screen piece (recorded in advance) and a stage piece on the night of the showcase. Two awards are then presented for the best Stage and Screen performance.
Find out more about the history of the Spotlight Prize, and how it evolved from the Rodney Millington Award into what it is today.
We can’t wait for our 2025 showcase!
The Spotlight Prize 2025 will take place on 2 July and feature 20 finalists.
To find out more about last year’s talented winners, finalists and judges, take a look at our 2024 programme.
Visit our Showcase site to find out more about our past winners and finalists.
Take a look at their screen performances and find out what drives each of them in their acting career.
News & Advice
Spotlight Prize winner Alyssa reflects on her acting journey and shares insights and advice for drama school graduates. Since winning the Stage Award at the Spotlight Prize 2024 for her performance of Many Moons, Alyssa has quickly become one to watch in the world of theatre. But her journey from an enthusiastic young performer to […]
Senam Akpokavi talks about his acting career since winning the Spotlight Prize in 2024, including landing a regular role in a BBC series and adapting to life after drama school. In 2024, Senam Akpokavi’s excellent performance of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy saw him win the Screen […]
The 20 drama school graduates who’ll be performing at this year’s Spotlight Prize showcase. Once again, the Spotlight Prize is here to recognise and celebrate the very best drama school talent that the UK and Ireland have to offer. 65 drama schools and universities nominated a student from their graduating class to submit a self-tape […]
