Category: News & Advice
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Alexander Technique and Connecting with Your Body
Performer John Tate shares his experience of using the Alexander Technique and other tips for actors to connect with their body. As an actor, your body is your tool. Your body encases your voice and takes you from one side of the stage to the other and the whole time the audience is watching. But…
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Getting Back to Work After a Career Break
Performer and creativity coach Abiola Ogunbiyi offers practical tips and words of support for those planning a return to work after time away from the industry. Whether your reasons were personal, professional, or the result of a global pandemic, working your way back into the industry can be an opportunity to clarify your goals A career…
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Casting Around the World
International casting directors share their processes and tips for getting cast in different countries around the world. We hosted a webinar which gave attendees the chance to understand how the casting process varies in the UK, US and Europe. Whether you’re a British actor with your sights set overseas or an international actor looking to…
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Eva O’Connor on Writing Your Own Work
Performer and writer Eva O’Connor shares her experience writing award-winning plays and developing one of her works into a BBC Three drama. People often ask me whether I prefer acting or writing. They’re always dying to know when I’m going to choose between the two of them. Both questions are up there with the classic: “how…
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Why Did I Choose to Be a Swing?
Performer Jaye Elster shares her experience performing in a role that is often misunderstood, that of a swing. when the unpredictable nature of live theatre strikes, a swing’s priority automatically falls to the show’s function above their own performance. What Is A Swing? In theatre, the most literal translation of the saying “the show must…
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Q&A with the Casting Director and Director of Normal People
We talk to Casting Director Louise Kiely and Director Lenny Abrahamson about the phenomenon that is Normal People. We hosted a webinar (with Spotlight’s Clare McGinley chairing) where we explored the process of casting from beginning to end and the relationship between the director and the casting director. So, who better to speak on the subject than Casting…
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Both Not Half: We Need to Change How We Think about Mixed Heritage Casting
In early 2019 I improvised a comedy video in Punjabi. I shot a few angles and cut it together on my phone. I had zero expectations but, inspired by the likes of JusReign and Guz Khan, I was aware that under the right circumstances it might create opportunity. I tapped ‘post’. It went viral. While the…
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10 Things No one Ever Told the Mature Female Drama Student
Natasha Stone shares 10 things she wishes she’d been told before she decided to go back to school as a mature drama student. Everyone thought I was crazy for leaving my job to go back to school and I certainly went in with rose-tinted glasses. From the body-clock painfully ringing in your ears, the noticeable age…
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Respectfully Parting Ways With Your Agent
There may come a time when you need to make the hard decision to leave your agent. Whilst it’s never easy, here’s how to approach the situation with professionalism and respect. An anonymous performer writes about their experience. Changing agents may seem like a daunting prospect for any actor. There are many things to consider, from…
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How We’re Supporting You Through COVID-19
Last updated: Tuesday 10 November 2020 Our members are always at the heart of everything we do and our passionate team have come up with a number of innovative ways to keep our performer, agent and casting members informed, connected and supported during this turbulent time. Here’s how you can continue making the most of…