Category: The Essentials
-

Performing Arts Charities
The performing arts industry can be tough and sometimes you may need some support during your career or beyond. We’ve gathered a list of fantastic charities who can offer help should you ever need it. Last updated on 16 October 2025 Whether you need help to make ends meet, support your child in education or…
-

Kahleen Crawford’s Self-Tape, Audition and Showreel Tips
Casting director Kahleen Crawford’s expert advice on self-tapes, auditions and showreels for actors looking to land their next role. Meet Kahleen Crawford (CDG, CSA), a highly respected casting director known for her work on acclaimed films and series like All of Us Strangers, Living, The Buccaneers, The Lost Daughter and I, Daniel Blake. With a…
-

Theatre Run Self-Care Tips
How to take care of yourself and stay healthy during the run of a show. A theatre run is a thrilling yet demanding experience. Behind the scenes, it can be a real challenge to maintain your physical health and mental wellbeing. Long hours, emotional intensity and constant physical activity can take a toll if you…
-

6 Tips for Working with Writers and Directors
Learn how to build a creative and collaborative partnership with writers and directors as a performer. Collaboration lies at the heart of every successful stage or screen production. Whether you’re an actor, singer or writer, learning how to work effectively with writers and directors is an essential skill that can elevate not only your performance,…
-

Finding Representation That’s Right for You
An actor’s guide to different types of professional representation, including traditional agencies, co-operative models and self-representation. Agents are all the same… Aren’t they? If you’re struggling to decide on what representation will work for you and your career, this article looks at some of the key considerations for performers. Drawing on my own experience, I…
-

Theatre Recommendations From Theatre Professionals
The winners and nominees of the Off-West End Awards 2025 share the best shows they’ve seen at the theatre this year. Thanks to all the talented performers in the UK and Ireland, there’s never a shortage of brilliant stage productions to see and enjoy. From theatre to musical theatre, on stages in the West End,…
-

Do Actors Need an Agent?
How an agent will assist you with your acting career, and what you’ll need to do as a performer if you decide to self-represent yourself. The key ambition of your average performer is to get an agent, not because it’s the most respected, established and arguably best way to get work in this industry, but…
-

Must-See Films for Lesbian Visibility Week
Celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week with our curated list of must-watch films showcasing lesbian and queer women’s lives, relationships, and self-discovery. Lesbian Visibility Week is a week for coming together in sisterhood and letting those not fortunate enough to live as their authentic selves know, “You’re not alone. You have a community, and we are waiting…
-

How to Be an Actor Between Roles
Motivation, mental well-being and creative resilience: Advice from a young actor on how to stay connected to your craft and identity during work lulls and personal struggles. I was sitting with my therapist discussing some frustrations I’d had about a recent self-tape I’d done when suddenly, they stopped me and said something that changed the…
