Category: News & Advice

  • The Spotlight Podcast: Female-led Creative Spaces and Improvisation

    The Spotlight Podcast: Female-led Creative Spaces and Improvisation

    We talk to Notflix about improvisation and working as an all-female cast In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we talk to Aisling Groves-McKeown and Emma Read, members of the five-star, award-winning, all-female, improvised musical comedy: Notflix the Musical! We talk at length about the craft of good improvisation, honing your songwriting skills, as well as…

  • How to get Funding for Edinburgh Fringe

    How to get Funding for Edinburgh Fringe

    Top tips on how to raise funds to put on a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It’s no secret that putting on a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be costly. Expenses you’ll need to plan for can include: Venue costs Registration fees Production costs Accommodation Travel Marketing, PR and press costs Living…

  • What Parents Should Know About Touring for Young Performers

    What Parents Should Know About Touring for Young Performers

    Touring productions are a huge commitment for yourself and your child. Here’s what you need to know about going on tour before your child auditions for a role. Touring is not for everyone and every child is different. Before your child auditions for a tour, as their parent or guardian, you’ll need to understand and…

  • Winners of The CDG Casting Awards 2023

    Winners of The CDG Casting Awards 2023

    Stuart Burt and Kahleen Crawford among the winners of the 2023 CDG Casting Awards Now in its fifth year, the CDG Casting awards seeks to reward and celebrate the incredible work achieved by casting teams across Film, Television, Theatre and Commercials. The ceremony was held at Ham Yard Hotel on 22 February and was hosted,…

  • EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 Winners Announced

    EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 Winners Announced

    All the winners from the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 – live from London’s Royal Festival Hall Richard E. Grant hosted the 76th EE BAFTA Film Awards from the illustrious Royal Festival Hall, where stars from all over the world joined him to celebrate a great year in film. Grant was joined by Alison Hammond,…

  • The Ultimate Guide to Putting on a Show at the Edinburgh Fringe

    The Ultimate Guide to Putting on a Show at the Edinburgh Fringe

    Everything you need to know if you’re performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has a special place in the performing arts calendar. Every August, the Scottish capital becomes the centre of an explosion of shows, cultures and performances celebrating everything the arts have to offer. It’s a great place for performers…

  • 25 Ways to Raise Your Spotlight Profile

    25 Ways to Raise Your Spotlight Profile

    Tips from Spotlight experts about how to make the most of your profile and your membership. Keep your profile professional… it is not a social media account. Updating Your Spotlight Profile 1. Keep your professional credits up to date and spelt correctly. Make sure to fill out every field possible as casting directors will often search by…

  • Creating Compelling Characters

    Creating Compelling Characters

    Actor and drama school teacher Des Fleming shares his advice and practical exercises to help you create compelling characters. Des Fleming hosted a brilliant workshop at our recent Open House event where he explained that bringing characters to life requires a process of exploration and investigation. Here, we summarise some of the valuable insights he…

  • 10 Top Tips for Your Headshot Session from YellowBelly Photo

    10 Top Tips for Your Headshot Session from YellowBelly Photo

    Jackson Bews, Ross McLaren and the photographers at YellowBelly Photo share their top tips for your headshot photoshoot. Gone are the days of monochromatic, black-and-white headshots, now it’s all about timeless, vibrant and forward-facing portraiture. But what can you do at your headshot photoshoot to help get a picture that truly represents you? Founded nearly five years…

  • Working Without an Agent

    Working Without an Agent

    Tips for navigating the performing arts world when you’re self-represented. Not getting an agent is not rejection of you or a statement about your ability. It is about market conditions. Which I know sounds very dull and corporate. But acting is a business… Not getting an agent straightaway when I graduated from drama school was…