Category: News & Advice

  • 6 Tips for Working with Writers and Directors

    6 Tips for Working with Writers and Directors

    Learn how to build a creative and collaborative partnership with writers and directors as a performer. Collaboration lies at the heart of every successful stage or screen production. Whether you’re an actor, singer or writer, learning how to work effectively with writers and directors is an essential skill that can elevate not only your performance,…

  • Why Drag is King for Confidence with Megan Harrison

    Why Drag is King for Confidence with Megan Harrison

    Actor Megan Harrison discusses how they created their drag king persona ‘Fabio Lezonli’, how drag has improved their self-confidence and their advice for actors taking the big first step into the world of drag. Megan Harrison is an actor, producer and drag performer, best known for their roles on the West End as a young…

  • Finding Representation That’s Right for You

    Finding Representation That’s Right for You

    An actor’s guide to different types of professional representation, including traditional agencies, co-operative models and self-representation. Agents are all the same… Aren’t they?  If you’re struggling to decide on what representation will work for you and your career, this article looks at some of the key considerations for performers. Drawing on my own experience, I…

  • Nurturing Connections for the Long-Haul

    Nurturing Connections for the Long-Haul

    Tips to turn your new industry contact into a genuine, career-boosting relationship. In my previous article, we tackled that ’icky’ feeling around networking and started building your authentic, system-based strategy. You prepped with purpose, wrangled your contacts into the all-important contacts tracker, and (hopefully!) sent that first crucial follow-up – the one that actually reflected…

  • My Casting Story: Luke Brady in Disney’s ‘Hercules the Musical’

    My Casting Story: Luke Brady in Disney’s ‘Hercules the Musical’

    Performer Luke Brady on landing his Hercules role, how he takes care of his voice and the differences between stage and screen acting. Luke Brady makes a heroic return to the West End stage in the iconic leading role of ‘Hercules’ in Disney’s latest London-based musical.  First he captivated audiences with his powerful performances as…

  • Karen Dunbar: From ‘Chewin’ the Fat’ to ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ BAFTA Win

    Karen Dunbar: From ‘Chewin’ the Fat’ to ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ BAFTA Win

    We talk to Karen Dunbar about her recent BAFTA win for her video gaming debut and the 30+ year performing career that took her to that moment.  Interview Summary: Karen Dunbar discusses her career from hosting pub karaoke, working on comedy shows like Chewin’ the Fat, playing three roles in Phyllida Lloyd’s all-female Shakespeare trilogy…

  • Alyssa Thabisile Sibanda: A Year of Growth and Gratitude

    Alyssa Thabisile Sibanda: A Year of Growth and Gratitude

    Spotlight Prize winner Alyssa reflects on her acting journey and shares insights and advice for drama school graduates. Since winning the Stage Award at the Spotlight Prize 2024 for her performance of Many Moons, Alyssa has quickly become one to watch in the world of theatre. But her journey from an enthusiastic young performer to…

  • What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland in June 2025

    What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland in June 2025

    Take a look at some of the films and TV shows currently being filmed in the UK and Ireland, including ‘Rivals’ (Season 2), ‘Vision Quest’ and Bella Ramsey’s new film. From Joan Collins’ return to screen as ‘Wallis Simpson’ to Steve Coogan’s new Netflix drama, we look at some of the exciting productions filming around…

  • Getting Started in Audiobook Narration

    Getting Started in Audiobook Narration

    Practical advice for actors and voice performers aspiring to break into audiobook narration with Stefan Szwarc from 2020 Recordings. In this episode we’re joined in the Spotlight Voice Booth by Stefan Szwarc, Head of Production at 2020 Recordings. 2020 Recordings produce a broad range of audio content and are an industry leader in audiobook production,…

  • How the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is Supporting Performers

    How the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is Supporting Performers

    What the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is, how performers can receive financial and wellbeing support from them, and why performers should have their say in their survey. 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,…