Category: News & Advice
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Giving Voice to Animation with Robert Chandler
The producer of ‘The Amazing Maurice’ provides an insight into making animated films and what he looks for during voiceover auditions. Of all the ways to tell a story, perhaps none allows you more freedom and creativity than animation. Unlike live-action productions, your characters can be larger than life, you’re not restrained to real-world locations…
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5 Ways to Learn Your Lines
Five methods actors use to learn lines and tips for learning lines quickly. It’s always essential for actors to know their lines – whether it’s for an upcoming role or preparation for an audition. The sooner you have your lines memorised, the sooner you can focus on physical movement, your delivery, and character creation. Every…
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Meet the Casting Director: Aisha Bywaters on ‘Queenie’
How casting director Aisha Bywaters cast Channel 4’s ‘Queenie’ and what she looks for in self-tapes and auditions. From the moment it was published, Candice Carty-Williams’ novel Queenie was one to watch. It spawned a four-way bidding war between publishing houses, and now it’s a much-anticipated television series on Channel 4, cast by the award-winning…
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Stage Shows Touring the UK in Spring and Summer 2024
10 fantastic shows touring the UK and Ireland this spring and summer that you won’t want to miss. Spring has finally sprung, and with it, a new theatre season has begun. We’re all looking forward to seeing some old favourites and brand-new productions in our regional theatres across the UK. From exciting new musicals to…
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What Aspirations Drive an Actor?
A look at the acting goals and aspirations of our Spotlight Prize 2023 winners and finalists. The aspirations of actors can be as varied as their talents. Some performers dream of stardom and their name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, others want to be the representation they didn’t see on screens as children, or…
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What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland – Spring 2024
We take a look at 10 film and TV productions filming across London and the rest of the UK this spring. Film and television have been keeping us thoroughly entertained this year, with thrilling new releases like Netflix’s Baby Reindeer getting the nation talking and big-screen blockbusters like Dune: Part Two getting bums on seats.…
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The Spotlight Podcast: Getting Into Drama School
What you need to know before applying for drama school, including different types of training, advice for auditioning and the importance of inclusivity. In the first episode of this two-part instalment of The Spotlight Podcast, we talk to Charleen Qwaye (Co-founder and Director of Training, Fourth Monkey), Stewart Nicholls (BA Musical Theatre Programme Leader, Guildford…
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Inspiration for Becoming an Actor
Previous Spotlight Prize nominees share their motivation for becoming an actor and what first inspired them. Being an actor is one of the most challenging professions to pursue. You have to deal with countless rejections, never knowing when you’ll get your next role and usually work a side job to keep your finances healthy. However,…
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Spotlight Pilots New Studio Access Pack
Announcing our new partnership with Triple ‘A’ Performer and the launch of the Studio Access Pack for Neurodivergent performers. Attending an audition can be a daunting experience for any actor, but especially for neurodivergent performers. Their access needs aren’t always thought about in the casting process. Not knowing things like the lightness of the room…
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My Casting Story: Noah Matthews Matofsky in Disney’s ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’
Young performer Noah Matthews Matofsky on playing ‘Slightly’ in Disney’s ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ and how his mum and agent have supported him on his journey. Spotlight member Noah Matthews Matofsky accomplished every young performer’s dream when he was cast in a Disney film. Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy, a live-action adaptation of the classic…