Category: News & Advice
-
Preventing Burnout
Avoid performer burnout with our expert’s guide on recognising stress signs and when to seek help for your mental health. A question I often get asked is, ‘What actually is burnout?’ Ultimately, burnout is a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion that arises from a person being stuck in a chronic state of stress…
-
The Spotlight Prize 2025 Finalists Announced
The 19 drama school graduates who’ll be performing at this year’s Spotlight Prize showcase. Once again, the Spotlight Prize is here to recognise and celebrate the very best drama school talent that the UK and Ireland have to offer. 65 drama schools and universities nominated a student from their graduating class to submit a self-tape…
-
How Political Parties Shape Cultural Policy with Stuart Andrew MP
The Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stuart Andrew, joins us on The Spotlight Podcast to discuss how cultural policies impact performers. The Rt. Hon. Stuart Andrews MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, joins us in the Spotlight studio to discuss how cultural policies impact performers. He…
-
The AYPA’s Social Media Guidelines for Young Performers
Guidance from the AYPA for parents, agents and professionals to navigate social media responsibly while prioritising the safety and well-being of young performers. Social media is on the rise and as a result, you may feel pressure as a parent to create a social media profile for your child to help promote their acting careers.…
-
Must-See Films for Lesbian Visibility Week
Celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week with our curated list of must-watch films showcasing lesbian and queer women’s lives, relationships, and self-discovery. Lesbian Visibility Week is a week for coming together in sisterhood and letting those not fortunate enough to live as their authentic selves know, “You’re not alone. You have a community, and we are waiting…
-
My Casting Story: Ros Watt in ‘Macbeth’ at the Donmar Warehouse
Actor Ros Watt discusses how they approached performing as ‘Malcolm’ in a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth alongside David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. Ros Watt is a Scottish trans masculine actor (pronouns they/he), who is best known for their recent performance in the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Macbeth, directed by Max Webster. The production starred…
-
How to Be an Actor Between Roles
Motivation, mental well-being and creative resilience: Advice from a young actor on how to stay connected to your craft and identity during work lulls and personal struggles. I was sitting with my therapist discussing some frustrations I’d had about a recent self-tape I’d done when suddenly, they stopped me and said something that changed the…
-
9 Tips to Enhance Your Acting Showreel
Expert advice to turn your showreel into a compelling narrative that helps you showcase your talent and stand out to casting directors. Your showreel is your visual CV and can be key to catching the eye of casting directors, agents and other casting professionals. But how can you ensure your showreel doesn’t just blend into…
-
How to Build Genuine Relationships with Casting Directors
Your step-by-step guide to developing genuine relationships with creative industry professionals – without getting the networking ick. Does hearing the word ‘marketing’ or ‘networking’ instantly make you want to find the nearest exit? It often feels… icky, right? Like you have to be someone you’re not just to make connections with casting directors. But what…
-
Returning to Your Performing Career After a Break
Seven steps to help restart your acting career after taking a break from performing. Whether planned or unplanned, chances are you’ll have a break in your performing career at some point. If you’re reading this, you’re likely in one right now and want to dive back into the fray. Coming back to acting, singing or…