Category: News & Advice
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The Spotlight Prize 2021 Finalists Announced
The Spotlight Prize is an annual event where graduate nominees have a chance for their performance to be showcased in front of industry professionals, with a £2000 prize awarded to the overall winner. Previous nominees have included Bessie Carter (Bridgerton), Edward Bluemel (A Discovery of Witches), Rosalind Eleazar (The Personal History of David Copperfield) and…
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Powerful Pause Meditation: Reignite
This meditation is themed around the idea of reigniting something that is important to you and features a gentle body scan. Reigniting something important to you might be reconnecting to your passion and purpose as a performer, or it could simply be rediscovering what is important to you. This meditation can help support you in…
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Powerful Pause Meditation: Presence
In this meditation we explore the feeling of presence and the impact it can have on our bodies and our minds. When we feel present we also feel more grounded and joyful. We are most ourselves when we are in the present moment. So the aim of this meditation is simply to invite you to…
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The Wellbeing Series Reading List
Our favourite reads to help you to navigate the mental challenges of making a living in the performing arts industry, chosen by Bea Grist, Spotlight’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager. The Power of Now by Echart Tolle Echart Tolle’s bestselling book explores what it means to be more present and conscious in each moment of…
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Working as a Theme Park Performer
Actor Benjamin May wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of performing in a theme park but since working in the UAE he’s found it’s a great way to support yourself creatively. Opportunities for raw creativity were available and many of my colleagues developed music, dance and even entire shows for the park. Have you ever…
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Powerful Pause Meditation: Home
This meditation is themed around the idea of ‘home’ and uses the breath to anchor your awareness in the present moment. If you’re feeling like you need to take some time out to pause and reset, Bea, Spotlight’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, has recorded this 20 minute meditation for you to listen to at…
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How to Handle Rejection
Rejection is unfortunately part of being an actor. We explore practices and resources to help you handle that “no”. Connect and share your feelings with another. Acting is a community and since 90% of our community are unemployed at any given time, a lot of actors are dealing with rejection too. Anyone pursuing a career…
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7 Books for the Graduating Actor’s Bookshelf
A wide-ranging list of books to help build a positive and rewarding career after graduation. Graduating from drama school is a time of great excitement and anticipation. The discipline and hard work you’ve invested in your training is ready to leave the college walls and greet the casting room (or whichever room you film your…
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Career Longevity: An Interview with Alice Krige
By Tahlia Norrish On the one hand, it seems a most unlikely story: the daughter of a physician and psychologist, born in Upington, South Africa (without a television), finds herself making her feature film debut at age 27 in the Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire. Shortly thereafter, Alice Krige became a regular at the Royal…
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Techniques for Online Rehearsed Readings
Performance and technical tips for acting in rehearsed readings online. Performing in a rehearsed reading can be challenging at the best of times. Rehearsal periods are incredibly short and acting with a physical script in hand can take some navigating. But performing in a rehearsed reading on a virtual platform presents actors with different responsibilities.…