Category: News & Advice

  • An Actor’s Story: Living with Mental Illness

    An Actor’s Story: Living with Mental Illness

    An anonymous actor opens up about her lived experience with mental illness  As part of our series for Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to two actors about their personal experience with mental health concerns, and the psychological impact of being an actor. Here is the second in the series. Part Two: “Lucy” I realised I can’t…

  • An Actor’s Story: Understanding Mental Illness

    An Actor’s Story: Understanding Mental Illness

    As part of our series for Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to two actors about their personal experience with mental health concerns, and the psychological impact of being an actor. Here is the first in the series.  Mental health issues were present in my family with depression and anxiety. My brother set up the…

  • The Foundations of Good Mental Health

    The Foundations of Good Mental Health

    Setting the tone for resilience this Mental Health Awareness Week The “bottom of the pyramid” according to Carol Chapman, registered Psychologist and Performance Coach, centres around lifestyle choices and self-awareness. “Basic lifestyle is really important [for] just maintaining a basic level of mood.” Getting those fundamentals right is essential to good health in general, and…

  • How to Cast International Actors

    How to Cast International Actors

    Casting directors Tusse Lande, Nathalie Cheron and Maureen Hughes on how they source international performers, what they look for in a headshot, and what not to do at an audition.

  • How to Start Your Own Theatre Company

    How to Start Your Own Theatre Company

    Explore the ins and outs of running a small theatre company with Fledgling Theatre. Fledgling Theatre (who are Christopher Neels, Callum Cameron and Patrick Holt in the UK, and have an Australian arm headed up by Chris Huntley-Turner) have been creating their own work as a company since its founding members left the Royal Central School of Speech…

  • 6 Top Tips on Voice Work from Barbara Houseman

    6 Top Tips on Voice Work from Barbara Houseman

    Voice work should come from a place of joy… And other top tips from voice coach and director Barbara Houseman. Barbara Houseman has worked extensively as a voice and acting coach, as well as a theatre director. Her client list is formidable, having worked with everyone from Kenneth Branagh to Daniel Radcliffe. At our recent…

  • An Actor’s Guide to Keeping Positive During Part Time Work 

    An Actor’s Guide to Keeping Positive During Part Time Work 

    It can be challenging to keep a positive mindset when splitting your time, something actor Katie Redford knows well – here are her top tips for keeping positive while you support your craft.  I remember when I landed my first acting job. My mum invited the grandparents round, put a buffet on and as she popped…

  • David Mumeni: How to Audition

    David Mumeni: How to Audition

    As a London-based actor, David Mumeni has worked with director Declan Donnelan at Cheek by Jowl, as well as Josie Rourke in a Donmar Warehouse production. His credits include The Royal Court, The Hampstead, The Soho and The Bush. David has also appeared in various TV shows including Fresh Meat (Channel 4), PhoneShop, Love, Nina,…

  • How Your Child Can Get the Best Headshot

    How Your Child Can Get the Best Headshot

    Everything parents need to know about this important first step in your child’s career. A young performer’s headshot is vital to maximising their opportunities for success in the industry. Before you head over to a session with a photographer, here are some insider tips from photographer Mark Davis of MAD photography, to help you get the…

  • Casting Director Andy Pryor: Inclusivity

    Casting Director Andy Pryor: Inclusivity

    Casting director Andy Pryor on inclusivity. During April Open House week we spoke to Andy Pryor, casting director of Doctor Who, Call the Midwife, The A Word and more, on how he casts Deaf and disabled actors, and what the industry can do to be more inclusive. Watch the full interview below!