Category: News & Advice
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Training Routes for Emerging Performers
Thinking of going to drama school but not sure where to start? Read on for an overview of the different training options for performers. There are many training routes for performers into the entertainment industry, from evening courses, foundation courses, Bachelor of Arts degrees, repertory theatre training, diplomas, to master’s degrees. Training is a big…
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Performer Parent Online Coffee Mornings
We’ve partnered with Parents and Carers in Performing Arts to run a new wellbeing initiative for Spotlight members who are also parents, guardians or carers. Coffee & Connect is a great way to meet other performer parents, ask questions, learn new things, share experiences, and of course to have coffee (bring your own!). We’ve put together some FAQs…
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Dealing with Self-pity
Six tips to help you stave off self-pity when you receive a knockback. Let me start by declaring that I am the biggest self-pitier of them all. However ‘woe is me’ you think you are, I’m ‘woe-ier’ and ‘me-ier’. My long-suffering partner deserves an MBE for her patience in the face of the whinging bin-fire…
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Is Understudying the Role for Me?
What it means to be an understudy and whether this role is right for you. Everybody’s saying it: this is one heck of a time to be an understudy! Even as Covid rates subside, understudies and their counterparts are busier than ever and are finally being heralded as the unsung heroes of theatre – a title…
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19 Tips for Parents of Young Performers Starting Out
New to the world of casting and auditions? We have some advice to share with you from other parents of young performers to help you get started. Navigating a new industry can be daunting, especially when you’re doing so on behalf of your child. You want to do what’s best for them and that can…
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Keeping Your Voice Fit and Healthy
Four ways to keep your voice fighting fit and protected so you can perform at your best. Let’s face it: your voice is your calling card and your main instrument as an actor. There’s no getting around the fact that if you want your instrument to play well for you, you have to look after…
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Meet the Casting Directors: Rosie and James Pearson
Get to know more about husband and wife team James and Rosie Pearson, founders of the award-winning Pearson Casting. When you cast a show that you truly love, it never feels like work to sit and watch extraordinarily talented people singing or reading scenes from the musical. Can you explain a little bit about your background…
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Getting Started in Commercial Voice Over
Experienced voice over artist Abbie Andrews explains what commercial voice over work is and how you can get started in it. By Abbie Andrews The world of voice over (VO) is full of possibilities. As actors, especially when starting out in our careers, we are often defined by what we look like. However, behind the…
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Powerful Pause Meditation: Pre-Self-Taping
This meditation is designed to help you feel more present and connected to what you love doing so you can bring your best self to your self-tape audition. When you’re self-taping at home you may find it harder to switch off as you’re having to wear lots of different hats. It’s important to learn how…
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Casting ‘Heartstopper’, Netflix’s LGBTQ+ Teen Drama
We speak to Patrick Walters, executive producer of Heartstopper, and casting director Daniel Edwards CDG about the show and finding fresh talent. If you’re not already familiar with it, Heartstopper is a beautiful new show on Netflix that shows the blossoming relationship between the main characters Nick and Charlie. The series deals with teen topics like love, relationships, friendship…