Category: News & Advice
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Meet the 2026 Spotlight Prize Finalists
We’re thrilled to reveal the 40 talented performers selected for the 2026 Spotlight Prize. As the industry’s most prestigious showcase for emerging talent, the Spotlight Prize has long been a springboard for the next generation of world-class performers. This year, we’re evolving. To celebrate the diverse skills of the next generation, we’re debuting an expanded…
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Make the Most of Cannes and A-List Film Festivals
Unlock opportunities at Cannes and other A-list film festivals with these top tips from filmmaker Carla B. Guttmann. Carla B. Guttmann is an accomplished filmmaker and A-list festival coach whose career has spanned the international film circuit, from Los Angeles to Toronto. After a breakout debut that saw her treated as “festival royalty”, Carla faced…
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DABB: Opening Doors for Global Majority Performers
Find out about DABB, their impactful Generals Day and apply for the 2026 showcase. Diverse Actors Breaking Barriers (DABB) is an organisation dedicated to removing the gatekeeping that often sidelines global majority creatives. Founded by Suraj Shah in 2018, DABB focuses on the logistics of change: putting actors in the room with casting directors, offering…
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What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland this May
From ‘Elden Ring’ to ‘Bridgerton’, here’s a guide to the major productions filming across the Isles in May 2026. Blockbuster season is here! We’re spoilt for choice in both cinemas and on home entertainment. The musical biopic Michael is now in cinemas, Star Wars is back on the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu…
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Vocal Rescue Tips for Performers
Essential vocal troubleshooting tips for performers when a lesson isn’t an option. Most of us have been in this situation: you have a last-minute singing audition, your voice isn’t doing what it needs to do, and you don’t have the time and/or money for a lesson to resolve it. It’s a frustrating predicament. To make…
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A Guide to the New Spotlight Profile
Introducing your new-look Spotlight profile! A fresh, intuitive layout designed to put your talent centre stage. In this guide, you’ll find: Everything you need to know about our sleek profile redesign Detailed breakdown of new navigation tools and features Expert advice on optimising your profile’s highlights, media and skills sections Direct links to upcoming workshops…
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Is Trying to Control Your Audition Nerves Making Your Anxiety Worse?
Why trying to control performance anxiety actually makes it worse and how shifting to acceptance can unlock your best work. Auditions – they’re a big part of every actor’s life. They’re the gateway to work, creative partnerships and the next exciting opportunity. For many actors, however, the excitement of an audition is tempered by stress…
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Alistair Nwachukwu: From Man of the Match to A Friend of Dorothy
From professional football to the Oscars, Alistair Nwachukwu discusses his remarkable journey. Alistair Nwachukwu’s path to the stage wasn’t exactly linear. Five years ago, he was a professional footballer for Millwall. Today, he’s a LAMDA graduate leading a major Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) musical and starring in an Oscar-nominated short film. After a devastating injury…
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Film, TV and Podcast Recommendations from The Spotlight Prize Finalists
From the latest films to groundbreaking television series, discover the shows and sounds inspiring the next generation of actors. For an actor, watching film, television and performance art isn’t just entertainment – it’s a vital form of creative research and a way to fuel the imagination. From the gritty realism of modern war dramas to…
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How Stage Combat Training Can Benefit Actors
Expert Zhenya Leverett explains how mastering the art of stage combat transforms physical action into powerful storytelling. Many actors view a fight call as a series of boxes to tick – a punch here, a fall there, and a prayer that no one actually gets hurt. But as both a professional actress and a fight…