Category: The Essentials
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How to Find the Perfect Audition Monologue
Tips for finding monologues for a showcase, and how to know which one is the right one for you to perform. We’re often asked where to find monologues for showcases. With so many resources available both online and in libraries, how do you go about starting your search? And how do you know which of…
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Audition Sides and How to Prepare Them
We answer your questions about what audition sides are, how to prepare them and whether you need to be off-book in auditions. You’ve been invited to an audition and given sides — this is an exciting moment! But what now? Here’s what you need to know. What Are Audition Sides? Sides are a small section…
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Looking After Yourself When Writing
Award-nominated writer and theatre-maker, Alexandra Donnachie, shares her top tips for looking after yourself and those around you during the writing process, from page to stage. Our industry has made huge progress in safeguarding artists and audiences, but as a writer-performer, I’ve found there can be a significant lack of consideration for my wellbeing when…
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Is Understudying the Role for Me?
What it means to be an understudy and whether this role is right for you. Everybody’s saying it: this is one heck of a time to be an understudy! Even as Covid rates subside, understudies and their counterparts are busier than ever and are finally being heralded as the unsung heroes of theatre – a title…
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Keeping Your Voice Fit and Healthy
Four ways to keep your voice fighting fit and protected so you can perform at your best. Let’s face it: your voice is your calling card and your main instrument as an actor. There’s no getting around the fact that if you want your instrument to play well for you, you have to look after…
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Getting Started in Commercial Voice Over
Experienced voice over artist Abbie Andrews explains what commercial voice over work is and how you can get started in it. By Abbie Andrews The world of voice over (VO) is full of possibilities. As actors, especially when starting out in our careers, we are often defined by what we look like. However, behind the…
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Checking Your Social Media Footprint
How you can clean up your social media history using Social Media Check. Can you remember everything you’ve posted online? Nowadays, we create a significant social media footprint and a post can say a lot about our attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. We might have short memories, but social media doesn’t. We can all make mistakes.…
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How to Spot Photoshoot Scams
It’s disheartening to constantly hear about rogue or scam photoshoots which promise plenty and deliver very little except an empty wallet and much wounded pride. Here are our top tips to avoid being reeled in by these unscrupulous individuals and companies. There is no ‘quick’ or ‘easy way’ into our industry. Performers succeed by dint…
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Actor in Isolation: A Survivor’s Guide
Mentor Charlotte Thornton’s guide to keep actors positive and entertained while they’re isolating. Yes, you are isolated, but you can still reach out… Socialise virtually with those you love. Charlotte Thornton It’s exciting that the industry is moving again, and any actor who has a gig is naturally pleased about it. But the prospect and…
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10 Quick Fixes for Your Credit Section
10 quick and easy things you can do to make your credits more searchable and appealing to casting professionals. You may not realise, but all the information you enter in your credits section on Spotlight is searchable. Casting professionals can choose to search by role, production, production company, director and year, so it’s important to…