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369 articles
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Foundations of Good Mental Health

Setting the tone for resilience this Mental Health Awareness Week The “bottom of the pyramid” according to Carol Chapman, registered Psychologist and Performance Coach, centres around lifestyle choices and self-awareness. “Basic lifestyle is really important [for] just maintaining a basic level of mood.” Getting those fundamentals right is essential to good health in general, and […]

christina care
mental health
Getting Work
How to Cast International Actors

Casting directors Tusse Lande, Nathalie Cheron and Maureen Hughes on how they source international performers, what they look for in a headshot, and what not to do at an audition.

auditions
casting directors
europe
Making Work
How to Start Your Own Theatre Company

Explore the ins and outs of running a small theatre company with Fledgling Theatre. Fledgling Theatre (who are Christopher Neels, Callum Cameron and Patrick Holt in the UK, and have an Australian arm headed up by Chris Huntley-Turner) have been creating their own work as a company since its founding members left the Royal Central School of Speech […]

finances/legal
starting out
theatre
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
An Actor’s Guide to Keeping Positive During Part Time Work 

It can be challenging to keep a positive mindset when splitting your time, something actor Katie Redford knows well – here are her top tips for keeping positive while you support your craft.  I remember when I landed my first acting job. My mum invited the grandparents round, put a buffet on and as she popped […]

Getting Work
David Mumeni: How to Audition

As a London-based actor, David Mumeni has worked with director Declan Donnelan at Cheek by Jowl, as well as Josie Rourke in a Donmar Warehouse production. His credits include The Royal Court, The Hampstead, The Soho and The Bush. David has also appeared in various TV shows including Fresh Meat (Channel 4), PhoneShop, Love, Nina, […]

Young Performers
How Your Child Can Get the Best Headshot

Expert Headshot Advice for Parents of Young Performers A young performer’s headshot is vital to maximising their opportunities for success in the industry. Before you head over to a session with a photographer, here are some insider tips from photographer Mark Davis of MAD Photography to help you get the most from your child’s session! Here’s the […]

first person
headshots
starting out
The Industry
Casting Director Andy Pryor: Inclusivity

Casting director Andy Pryor on inclusivity During April Open House week, we spoke to Andy Pryor, casting director of Doctor Who, Call the Midwife, The A Word and more, on how he casts Deaf and disabled actors, and what the industry can do to be more inclusive. Watch the full interview below! 

casting directors
diversity/inclusivity
open house
Getting Work
Casting Director Jerry Knight-Smith on: How to Audition Well

Casting director Jerry Knight-Smith shares his top tips for auditioning. As part of Spotlight’s range of Q&A sessions for graduates, we held a session in Manchester at The Royal Exchange with casting director Jerry Knight-Smith. Here’s his thoughts on showreels, whether he casts unrepresented performers, and how to audition well. 

auditions
casting directors
video
The Industry
Casting Director Kelly Phelan on: Tips for Aspiring Actors

Casting director at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Kelly Phelan, talked to us at our Ireland graduate Q&A, to offer her tips to aspiring actors.

casting directors
interview
ireland
Getting Work
Top Tips from Leading Commercial Casting Director

We recently spoke to leading casting director Martin Gibbons, as part of the Spotlight Graduate Programme. Held in Manchester, the events were tailored to students graduating from drama school in the North West. Martin Gibbons Casting is an independent casting company experienced in casting TV commercials, television, theatre and film.  Martin has been a casting director […]

auditions
casting directors
commercials