Category: The Essentials
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Why Did I Choose to Be a Swing?
Performer Jaye Elster shares her experience performing in a role that is often misunderstood, that of a swing. when the unpredictable nature of live theatre strikes, a swing’s priority automatically falls to the show’s function above their own performance. What Is A Swing? In theatre, the most literal translation of the saying “the show must…
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Respectfully Parting Ways With Your Agent
There may come a time when you need to make the hard decision to leave your agent. Whilst it’s never easy, here’s how to approach the situation with professionalism and respect. An anonymous performer writes about their experience. Changing agents may seem like a daunting prospect for any actor. There are many things to consider, from…
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The Actor’s Sandpit: Knowing What’s In Our Control
Performer and coach Tahlia Norrish talks about taking ownership of what’s in our power as actors, letting go of the things we have no control over, and knowing the difference between the two. Imagine how much more progress we could make if we stopped giving energy to anything and everything outside of our control. Last…
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How to Take an Amateur Headshot
Our guide to taking a suitable headshot when it’s not possible to get to a professional photographer. Casting professionals want a clear representation of what you look like, presented as a well-framed, good quality headshot. A good quality headshot is fundamental for any actor and a necessity for a Spotlight profile. First impressions really do…
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Editing and Sharing Self-Tapes
A guide to editing and sending self-tapes from Spotlight’s Audio Visual Specialist, Nicholas Peel. You’ve set up and filmed a self-tape, made sure the lighting and sound are on point and now it’s time to share your video with the casting director, but how should you do that? Nicholas Peel gives his tips for basic video editing, converting your file into one that casting directors…
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Lighting and Sound for Self-Tapes
A guide to lighting and sound for performer self-tapes from Spotlight’s Audio Visual Specialist, Nicholas Peel. If you’ve read our article about setting up and filming self-tapes and are ready to learn more about lighting and recording sound, then this is the guide for you! Nicholas gives his tips and kit recommendations if you’re ready to take…
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Setting Up and Filming Young Performer Self-Tapes
A guide from Audio Visual Specialist, Nicholas Peel, on the basics of preparing and filming young performer self-tapes. The idea of self-taping can be a little intimidating if a young performer has never done one before or if they’re more used to traditional casting room auditions. But fear not! We’ve put together this practical guide…
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5 Tips for Actors Working Outside of London
Zoe Bloss, who lives in the South West of England, gives her tips for performers working outside of London. I’m going to say something controversial but stick with me. Living in London is beautiful and exciting… but it’s not for everyone. I know, crazy right? There are thousands of actors shocked by this statement. In fact,…
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Dealing with a Bad Performance
Tahlia Norrish shares her experience of giving a bad performance and the valuable lessons she learnt. A blow to our ego can be tough, especially when it’s resulted from coming up short in our craft. It can seem so enticing to make excuses or throw in the towel completely, but we can choose to profit…
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Audition Insights from Casting Director Irene Cotton
Casting Director Irene Cotton speaks to Lauren McCrostie about auditions and how performers should approach the process. Knowing you’ve done your best comes from knowing you were as prepared as you could be Irene Cotton Casting Director Auditions are a number of things; anxiety-inducing, exhilarating, stressful, time-consuming, financially draining and potentially career-jeopardising. Despite all this, they…