Category: News & Advice
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An Actors’ Guide to Surviving Panto
Dust off the false eyelashes and smack me in the face with a lump of glitter, it’s panto season again! Like it or loathe it, panto is as essential to Christmas as pudding, and as essential to performers as a steam inhaler. It’s a British institution based on Christmas frivolity, the festive merriment of children…
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Meet the Makers: The Founders of Sisters Grimm Theatre Company
Ella Spira MBE and Pietra Mello-Pittman MBE talk about launching a theatre company, the importance of collaboration and what they look for in their cast. Grammy-nominated composer Ella Spira MBE and former ballerina Pietra Mello-Pittman joined together in 2009 to launch the UK theatre company, Sisters Grimm. While Spira had produced music for Bruno Mars and…
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A Guide to Tax Returns
What actors need to know about tax returns, National Insurance, VAT and allowable expenses. Article updated December 2022. As welcome as the onslaught of conversations about kale and dry January, is the fun of the tax return. Here to break it down and make it less daunting, are Chartered Certified Accountants, Breckman & Company, on…
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Navigating Self-taping When You Have Kids
Five tips for performer parents or guardians who need to self-tape whilst caring for kids or babies. Self-tapes have opened actors up to a world of possibility, but they can become pretty complicated when you add small children into the mix. Love them or loathe them, self-tapes are here to stay but if you’re a…
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Breath Practice for Performers
The importance of breath work for performers and breath practice techniques to help you connect with your voice and calm audition nerves. The simple act of breathing is something you’ll be doing right now. By focusing on your breath, you bring yourself to the here and now. It facilitates a relaxed, present focus, and gently,…
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Progressing Your Voice Career with The VO Social
Whether you’re a seasoned professional voiceover, or an actor looking to add another skill to your repertoire, the VO Social Podcast ladies can help you move your career along. The VO Social Podcast’s Nic Redman and Leah Marks have got more than 30 years of voice experience between them, and this episode of The Spotlight…
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8 Films and TV Shows Shooting in the UK and Ireland This Winter
We take a look at the productions currently being filmed in the UK and Ireland. Festival season is sadly behind us, but awards season is just around the corner and some of the biggest films of the year are still to be released. UK and Irish film studios are busy working to meet deadlines and actors…
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Meet the Maker: Writer, Director and Producer Vanessa Alexander
Vanessa Alexander talks to us about her career journey to becoming a director, producer and award-winning writer. Vanessa Alexander defies categorisation. An award-winning writer, director, and producer, Alexander has worked on projects as wide-ranging as Power Rangers, Love Child, The Great, and Vikings: Valhalla. Her citizenship status follows suit. Born in New York to a New Zealand father and…
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What’s Your Vocal Range and Voice Type?
Our quick guide to helping you figure out your vocal range and voice type so you can add them to your Spotlight Profile. Casting professionals will often search for singers whose vocal range and voice type suit a particular role. Clearly indicating these fantastic skills on your CV is integral to landing that perfect job.…
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Family Relationships Emerge as Key Theme at London Film Festival 2022
Looking at the key themes filmmakers are showcasing in their work at the BFI London Film Festival 2022. The BFI London Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work from all corners of the world. Films are categorised into over 15 strands, from the ‘Experimental strand’ which features new ways of experiencing productions…