Category: News & Advice
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Working Between Roles: The Reality of Life as an Actor
After the recent job-shaming of actress Katie Jarvis by a tabloid newspaper, Samantha Rea explores the reality of an actor’s working life and the importance of keeping busy. While the viewing public might struggle to understand how an actor might need to work in a shop after a role on prime-time television, it comes as no…
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How a Director and Writer Collaborate in Theatre
In this episode of the Spotlight podcast, we talk to playwright Ella Hickson and director Natalie Abrahami about collaboration in theatre Natalie and Ella have worked on some hugely successful projects together including Anna at the National Theatre and Swive (Elizabeth) at The Globe. In this podcast they chat to us about working in theatre, their…
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The Journey of a Young Performer and His Mum
We chat with Regan Garcia and his mum, Sharon, about balancing acting with school and playing Nigel in ‘The Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾’ in the West End. Before the show starts… I do this thing where I put my arms up, I tense a lot, pull my trousers up and put my shirt down, and…
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Six Tips for Keeping Your Cool During Tech Rehearsal Week
Necessary though it is, tech rehearsal week has accrued a somewhat intimidating reputation. It’s an important part of the process – but how can you make it less gruelling? Tom Baker offers his top tips for keeping your cool during tech week. Being part of a theatre production is a magical thing. A group collaborate to…
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Network is Important, Community is Essential
Feeling part of something is key for everyone but what if you work in one of the most competitive industries in the world? How do you work towards and finally feel like you really belong? Actor Katherine Kerman shares her story and advice. As a London-based American actor, I know a thing or two about…
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How to Navigate Being the Only Creative in Your Family
Acting and performing can be a lonely career path. If you are also the only creative in your family, how do you discuss your craft with family members? Abiola Ogunbiyi provides some sage advice. As the only performer or arts professional in your family, gatherings and get-togethers can feel like an endless wait in the…
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Parting with a Part: How to de-role
Tips for taking care of your mental health when playing intense parts and how to let go of a role and wind down As actors, we spend years learning how to become different people, but how do you leave a character behind when a show is over? Exploring the dark side of humanity is an actor’s…
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Telling Stories through Puppetry with Richard Hay
Spotlight talks with Richard Hay, puppeteer and co-creator of Sharklegs Theatre Company, about puppetry, going viral, and taking Sharklegs’ new, Amazon-exposing show, Fulfilment, to the Edinburgh Fringe. Hi Richard! How did you first get into puppetry? I graduated from drama school a long, long time ago, and I did a course at East 15 [where]…
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Vaulting the Pond
The pull and prestige of appearing in British Theatre is very strong: advice on moving from the US to the UK for work British theatre holds a special spot in theatre actors’ hearts, especially for our fellow English-speakers across the Atlantic Ocean. Even though they have Broadway and their various prestigious regional centres, Americans dream…
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How to Deal With Career Envy
Whilst we are (usually) almost always happy for fellow performers to land a job, it’s still perfectly natural to feel a little envious. Here are some tips for dealing with career envy. Resilience in the face of repeated rejection is one of the most vital skills an actor can learn , which is why it’s hammered home from…