Category: The Industry
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BBC Casting Director John Cannon on: The Audition Room
John Cannon has been working in casting since 1989 with the National Theatre, having headed up the casting department at the RSC, cast several independent films and television, he now works at the BBC. He spoke to actress and blogger Domenique Fragale, to talk about his past work, life experience, and casting today. What made you want to go…
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Returning to the Industry
Casting Director Annelie Powell, and actresses Hattie Ladbury and Beth Cordingly, share their insights about returning to the industry after a break. Here’s some of the highlights from their Q&A at Spotlight’s Open House week below. Casting directors have famously long memories ‘When making contact say ‘why’ you are returning; parenthood, caregiving, life got in the way… ‘Fess up! Your…
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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Theatre
1. World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI). 2. The word ‘thespian’ comes from the first person to have taken the stage in Ancient Greece, Thespis. 3. Repertory theatre came about during the World Wars, as an initiative sponsored by rich theatrical benefactors introducing audiences to a wide variety…
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The Single Best Piece of Acting Advice You’ll Ever Get
Learn your lines. Don’t be late. Don’t be an idiot. None of us do it intentionally, but not one of us can say they’ve never worked with someone who appeared to be achieving it effortlessly, if entirely by accident. Idiots are everywhere. And as the rehearsal room wisdom goes, there’s a one in every cast. “If…
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10 Things I’ve Learned from Interviewing Actors
Jonathan Harden produces In Anything At The Minute? The Honest Actors’ Podcast and curates their blog. He is an actor, VO, virtual assistant and pub quiz host. Former barman, waiter, cook, labourer, ‘tugger’, wedding photographer, security guard, dish washer, removals man, educational workshop facilitator, bouncer, office manager, Wendy’s ‘Crew Member’, academic, Costa ‘barista’, snooker table…
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Supporting Parents in the Performing Arts
Parents in Performing Arts (PIPA) have announced the formation of a new consortium of leading UK theatres and arts organisations who will work together for the first time to support PIPA’s campaign for equal opportunities and access for parents and carers working in the performing arts. We’re delighted to be one of the industry partners that…