Author: Natasha Raymond
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Skills That Make You Stand Out According to Casting Directors
Top casting directors reveal the essential skills, from prep to self-taping, that make actors stand out today. The world of acting is always evolving, and so are the expectations of those on the other side of the table – casting directors. We spoke to some of the industry’s top casting directors, including Lucy Casson, Ruth…
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Full List of Golden Globes Nominations 2026
‘Sinners’, ‘Adolescence’ and ‘Frankenstein’ among nominees for the Golden Globes 2026. The shortlist for the 83rd Golden Globes has now been revealed, recognising all the top films, TV shows and – for the first time – podcasts that we’ve enjoyed throughout the year. One Battle After Another and Sentimental Value are the frontrunners with eight…
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British Independent Film Awards 2025 Winners
The BIFA 2025 winners have been announced, with ‘Pillion’ winning four awards including Best British Independent Film. The Awards took place on 30 November at the Roundhouse in Camden, London, and were hosted by comedians Lou Sanders and Harriet Kemsley. Pillion emerged as one of the major winners of the night, securing four wins, including…
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Meet the Casting Director: Carla Stronge on ‘Kneecap’
Carla Stronge discusses using Spotlight, standing out as a self-represented actor, and casting for ‘Kneecap’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. From the bustling television sets of Northern Ireland to the critically acclaimed film Kneecap, casting director Carla Stronge has carved out an extraordinary career. After starting out as an extras coordinator, she received her first official…
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Dealing with the Unexpected in Live Theatre
When the curtain rises, anything can happen. Discover how professional stage actors handle the unpredictable nature of live theatre. When it comes to live theatre, every performance is a unique event. The audience expects a compelling story, but what happens when the unexpected strikes? How do actors keep the show going when lines are forgotten,…
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Spotlight on Welsh Culture: An Interview with Minister Jack Sargeant
Culture Minister Sargeant on £50M investment, AI’s impact and the crucial work needed to boost diversity in the arts sector. In this insightful episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Jack Sargeant, the Welsh Labour Party’s Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, as he pulls back the curtain on the demanding, fast-paced…
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Stars of Tomorrow: Bella Maclean
Bella Maclean shares how she made it in the industry with no connections and the challenge of her favourite roles. Actress Bella Maclean has come a long way since getting her first screen credit in La La Means I Love You. Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2020, she has…
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How Actors’ Trust Are Supporting Performers
What Actors’ Trust is and how performers can receive financial and wellbeing support from it. The performing arts industry is known for its creativity and vibrancy, but behind the scenes, many actors and stage managers face challenges like financial difficulty and social isolation. Thankfully, we have charities like Actors’ Trust (formerly known as the Actors’…
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The Winners of the Black British Theatre Awards 2025
Shanay Holmes, Beverley Knight and The Lion King among winners at the Black British Theatre Awards. The 2025 Black British Theatre Awards took centre stage last night at the Piccadilly Theatre, delivering a powerful evening that celebrated Black excellence, artistry and legacy across UK theatre. The evening was filled with memorable moments – from dazzling…
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Body Doubling for ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’
A young actor and a parent chaperone reveal the unique and often challenging realities of body doubling on a blockbuster film like ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’. Working on a blockbuster film like Jurassic World: Rebirth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people, especially a young actor. But this is exactly what Amber Joshi got to do…