Natasha Raymond

162 articles
The Essentials
Casting directors networking with each other at the Spotlight Prize 2023
How Do Casting Directors Find Performers?

How the casting directors of ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘Sister Boniface Mysteries’ use Spotlight to find performers and their other methods. As a performer, you only see one side of the casting process. You or your agent submits you for a role and if you’re right for the part, you’ll send a self-tape or attend an […]

casting directors
interview
spotlight prize
The Essentials
Actress Tracy Ifeachor in a crowd watching the Spotlight Prize winner be announced
Top Tips for Approaching Your Voice Reel

Advice from ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ voice over artist Tracy Ifeachor on how to make your voice reel stand out and why vocal training is necessary. In the world of voice acting, voice reels are your way of catching the attention of casting professionals. Your voice reel is your chance to showcase your range of […]

interview
spotlight prize
starting out
Getting Work
An actor standing on a balcony staring out at the London skyline
Finding Acting Work in the UK as an International Actor

Advice from casting director James Pearson on how international performers can find acting work in the UK.

casting directors
interview
james pearson
Young Performers
Matilda and her classmates peering over a stone fence in 'Matilda the Musical' film
Casting Young Performers in ‘Matilda the Musical’

Tips from casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann on self-taping and their experience casting young performers in the ‘Matilda the Musical’ film. In the fantastical world of film, it’s the casting director’s job to find the right actors to bring stories to life on the big screen. This task is especially important when the […]

awards
casting directors
film
The Industry
Jak Malone, winner of Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for "Operation Mincemeat" and Amy Trigg, winner of Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for "The Little Big Things"
Olivier Awards 2024: Full Winners List

‘Sunset Boulevard’ equals the record for most awards at the musical ceremony. The Olivier Awards 2024 with Mastercard were held at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 14 April, celebrating the best in London Theatre. In what was a hugely successful night for Jamie Lloyd’s Sunset Boulevard, which landed seven awards, including ‘Best Director’, Nicole […]

awards
musical theatre
news
The Industry
Actors Talk About Their Favourite Roles

Actors from ‘Wonka’, ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘Harlots’ tell us about their favourite roles from their acting careers. As actors, there are many factors that contribute to your overall professional experience when working on a production. While landing a role and having your talent acknowledged will always be considered a success, it’s the external elements that […]

film
interview
spotlight prize
The Essentials
Rosalind Eleazar’s Advice for Spotlight Prize Nominees

‘Slow Horses’ star Rosalind Eleazar on what makes a good monologue and how to nail your acting showcase. Actress Rosalind Eleazar, best known for her role as ‘Louisa Guy’ in Slow Horses and ‘Agnes’ in The Personal History of David Copperfield, is a previous Spotlight Prize winner who returned to help judge 2023’s Spotlight Prize […]

graduates
interview
monologues
The Industry
King Magnifico is Disney's 'Wish' looking at wish orbs
Top 7 Easter Eggs to Look Out for in Films

From Pixar and Marvel to ‘Barbie’ and ‘Star Trek’, here are our favourite hidden references to find in films. As April nears, a lot of people will hear the phrase ‘Easter egg’ and think of an oval chocolate shell wrapped in colourful foil. However, in the context of the entertainment industry, an Easter egg means […]

film
natasha raymond
The Industry
A theatre director, actor and actress rehearsing on stage
Your Memorable Theatre Audition Stories

Our favourite audition stories submitted by Spotlight members for World Theatre Day Every 27 March, the performing arts community celebrates World Theatre Day, a time to commemorate the art of theatre. Initiated by the International Theatre Institute back in 1961, World Theatre Day commemorates its importance to the arts, not just to performers, but people […]

auditions
theatre
Getting Work
Actor Amit Shah sitting in an audience of casting directors at the Spotlight Prize
Finding Acting Work Overseas

Tips on finding an agent and acting work abroad from ‘Happy Valley’ star Amit Shah. We know the nature of being an actor requires you to be ambitious. The industry insists on your pursuit and perseverance in finding and attending auditions; you have to carry that energy into acting jobs once you get them. As […]

agents
auditions
interview