Category: News & Advice
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BBC Launches Opportunity for Disabled Actors
BBC launches nationwide search, training and showcase opportunity for disabled actors The BBC is launching a pioneering new training programme for disabled actors that will shine a light on experienced actors already working in the industry, as well as discover and develop the potential of up and coming talent. The development programme, called ‘Class Act:…
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Everything You Need to Know About: Auditioning
A roundup of hints for your next audition Actors Sarah Parish, Mark Bonnar and Vicky McClure, along with the industry’s top casting directors from the U.K., Ireland and America, tell Spotlight exactly what they want to see in the audition room. Full video transcript Shimmy Marcus: I think when you’re preparing for an audition, it’s…
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A Day in the Life of the British Broadway Understudy
Chris Neels follows two British understudies currently living the unpredictable understudy life in New York… Thousands of miles from home, never really knowing if they will be performing from one night to the next, the life of a British understudy on Broadway is unpredictable and, at times, monotonous. But how do you prepare every day…
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An Actor’s Guide To Routine
Katie Redford’s guide to creating and maintaining a routine in the unpredictable world of acting… I don’t know about you, but trying to sustain a routine can feel impossible at times. And yet, they’re so vital to have. Not only does a routine keep us motivated, but it also keeps us mentally and physically healthy…
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Casting Director Ros Hubbard on Auditions, Self-Tapes and More
Ros Hubbard’s advice for performers Ros Hubbard, casting director of The Mummy, Enemy at the Gates and much more, shares her tips for auditioning actors, rehearsals, and recording a good self-tape. Ros on Auditions “Own the part. It’s your part, you should be doing it, that’s who you are, do it that way. Don’t do it as an…
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How to Master Screen Acting
Screen director and Bow Street co-founder, Shimmy Marcus, talks about the key to giving a successful screen performance as an actor.
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Gender Equality in Theatre: A Discussion With Bechdel Theatre
How do we champion equality on stage? Beth Watson of Bechdel Theatre has a few ideas. The Bechdel Test asks three questions of a work of fiction: “Are there two female characters? Do they talk to each other? About something other than a man?” It’s a test coined by Alison Bechdel, and aims to bring…
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Why You Should Be Off-Book for Rehearsals
Before July’s Spotlight Showcase 2017, we spoke to theatre director Sarah Esdaile on what makes a great monologue, how to ace your showcase, and the importance of being off-book for rehearsals. Check out the full interview below.
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Playing Up at the NYT: Alternative Training for Young Performers
An insight into the Playing Up course at the National Youth Theatre The Playing Up course is an access to education course provided by the National Youth Theatre. It offers aspiring actors between the ages of 19 and 25 a 10-month training programme, specifically for young people not in education, employment or training. On completion, there is the…
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Diversity in Theatre Casting: LGBT Inclusivity in the Arts
A discussion of inclusivity for young LGBT+ actors working today, with National Theatre casting assistant Jacob Sparrow Pride month may be over, but the discussion on LGBT+ inclusivity and diversity in casting doesn’t end here. We caught up with Jacob Sparrow, casting assistant at the National Theatre, to discuss his top tips for young gay actors,…