Industry 101

Spotlight provides many services to our membership groups and works on a variety of initiatives to improve our industry.

First and foremost, Spotlight is the industry tool used for the casting process.

Performers

• Performers can use Spotlight as a one-stop shop marketing tool for their business, advertising their profile on the most trusted and used industry platform.
• Self-represented performers and represented performers (with access provided by their agent) can submit themselves for projects posted to their Jobs Feed.
• We provide many additional services to our members:
  • Complementary educational and networking opportunities, such as industry webinars, workshops and events.
  • An exclusive discount scheme, providing discounts on theatre tickets, gym memberships and much more.
  • Dedicated content to help you on your way.
  • Member Assistance Programme, providing access to wellbeing and financial support services.

Young Performers

• Young Performers can join Spotlight from age 4, but you will need to be represented by a Spotlight registered agent.
• Young Performers don’t have access to the Jobs Feed on Spotlight, so must rely on their agent to submit them for roles.
• You can be a Young Performer up until the age of 17.

Graduates

• Graduates join Spotlight in their final year of training.
• Your drama school will need to meet a certain criteria in order to be part of the Spotlight Graduate membership.

In addition to these base level services, Spotlight works very hard in the background, along with partners and industry bodies, to improve the casting process, educate the industry, develop best practice guidelines and ensure focus on accessibility and support.

Spotlight provides many services to our membership groups and works on a variety of initiatives to improve our industry.

First and foremost, Spotlight is the industry tool used for the casting process.

For Casting Professionals:

• Our casting subscribers can search our database of performers based on profile filters to find talent for their next project.
• They can also use our breakdown tool as a messaging service to communicate with agents and performers and post jobs for them to submit for.
• We provide educational and industry networking opportunities.

For Agencies:

• Agencies can update and manage their client profiles and submit their clients for projects on the platform.
• Agencies can also use our ‘Talent Scout’ tool to find self-represented performers looking for new representation.
• We provide educational and industry networking opportunities.

In addition to these base level services, Spotlight works very hard in the background, along with partners and industry bodies, to improve the casting process, educate the industry, develop best practice guidelines and ensure focus on accessibility and support.

We recommend looking at our acting tips and industry advice in the News & Advice section of our website, including our guide to getting started in the industry. We hope that the great advice we have on offer will help you as you begin your career in performing. 

Joining Spotlight

If you have the option to undertake training, this is likely to provide you with the relevant professional skills for a performing career. We do, of course, understand that this isn’t an option available to everyone, and this is why, for Spotlight, we look for training, professional credits or a recommendation in order to join.

Take a look at our current criteria for performer membership, and if you’re considering becoming a Spotlight member, have a read of our helpful advice to assist you with the joining process. 

What should I do if I don’t meet the joining criteria for Spotlight?

If you’re aiming to join Spotlight, it would be best to work towards building your credits or looking into a performer training course.

Finding agency representation might be a good way for you to start. An agent would be able to find opportunities that may give you those additional credits to join Spotlight. Many agents may ask you to already be on Spotlight before taking on representation, but this shouldn’t stop you from trying to find an agent. We recommend checking out our Contacts Listings, which include a search facility for agent information which you may find helpful. Spotlight registered agents can also provide you with a recommendation for you to join. 

We would also advise joining other casting platforms and actors’ groups on social media sites. Groups like these offer networking opportunities with other actors, and you will often find castings on these group pages. Networking can be a great way to meet other actors who may know of projects you could get involved in.

Some applicants also look to produce their own work, whether putting on a theatre show or making a film. Of course, this is not a viable option for everyone and depends on individual skill sets.

It may be worth looking at film schools too. Many students need actors for their student films, so it may be worth contacting them to see if they keep actors on their books for projects. 

Unfortunately, there is no set path into the industry, but the above should give you a few avenues to explore. There is also a wealth of helpful tips and advice on our website.

Finding and signing with an agent can be key to your acting career. Not every performer needs an agent, although if you want to join Spotlight as a young performer member you must be represented by a Spotlight-registered agent.

Adult performers on Spotlight can choose to be represented by an agent or be self-represented. If you’re self-representing, we do recommend that you become a member of Equity as they’ll be able to help give you guidance when it comes to contracts, fees, employment law, etc.

Where can I get advice on which agency is right for me?

Spotlight is impartial when it comes to advising performers, but a good starting point is the Contacts section of our website, which provides listings for everything from agents and casting directors, to photographers and drama schools. You can use this tool to search your local area for agencies that could be best suited for you. Only vetted and registered agents on Spotlight can advertise on our Contacts Listings.

As a general rule, you should never be asked to pay an agency upfront fees, unless covered by these scenarios. If a fee is requested, it should be made explicitly clear what services the fees are for. You should always diligently check any contract you are asked to sign. Read our helpful guide to finding and signing with an agent for more advice.

Agency Associations

These associations have been formed as groups of professional talent agents who support each other and promote best practice in the industry:

• Personal Managers’ Association (PMA)
• The Co-operative Personal Management Association (CPMA)
• The Agent’s Association (TEAA)
• Agents of Young Performers Association (AYPA)

These organisations have been formed by casting directors joining together to establish a recognised standard of professionalism and best practices in the industry throughout all stages of the casting process:

• ARDA
• Casting Directors Association
• Casting Directors’ Guild
• Casting Guild of Australia
• Casting Society (CSA)
• International Casting Directors Network
• Italian Union of Casting Directors

Some auditions will be in person, but more frequently initial auditions may be by self-tape. For further guidance please check out Equity’s self-tape and zoom auditions guidelines. 

If you attend a physical casting, then you must always ensure it’s at a bona fide studio or office. If in doubt, take someone along with you. Take a look at our tips for auditioning safely.

I am concerned about the contract I am being asked to sign. What should I do?

If you have any concerns about the contract you are signing, please seek advice before agreeing to sign it. You should never agree to terms you are not completely comfortable with. You may wish to speak to Equity or seek legal advice for peace of mind.

If you don’t have an agent to negotiate on your behalf, it’s important to make sure you only sign a contract when you are absolutely sure it’s right for you. We have some practical advice and tips for understanding contracts to help you on your way.

Raising Concerns About an Industry Professional

Depending on the nature of complaint, for talent agencies and managers, we would encourage you to visit the Employment Agents Standards Inspectorate page for information about this body and communication channels for queries and complaints. 

It would also be helpful to report concerns to Equity (and/or the relevant membership body if you’re aware that the party in question is a member of one of these organisations). The union may be best placed to advise on any further specific legal steps to follow.

If the party in question is a registered user of Spotlight, it’s important that our team is made aware. You can contact us at feedback@spotlight.com so we can investigate further. It’s important to note, however, that Spotlight does not have regulatory powers, so it’s vital that the appropriate channels are followed as per above.

For any concerns about a breakdown that has been posted on Spotlight, you will also find a ‘Report Concern’ option to feed back to the team at the bottom of each job.

Is there a union for performers in the UK?

Equity represents both professional performers and creative practitioners. Its key purpose is to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment, as well as offer support and advice on contractual and legal issues.

The union also provides a campaigning voice, ensures equal opportunities and helps set standards across the industry. Read more about joining here.

These organisations can help with information and support:

• Theatre Helpline
• Film and TV Charity
• ACAS Guidelines on Bullying and Harassment
• Positive Action Versus Positive Discrimination
• NDAs – Can’t Buy My Silence
• Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority

There is an enormous amount of work done by individuals and organisations within our industry to promote best practices as we continue to evolve, develop and sometimes catch up with the ever-changing world we live in.

These resources will hopefully show you the commitment we all have to make the performing arts industry a fairer and more inclusive community:

• Anti-racism: Unlock Toolkit
• Anti-racism: Resources and Further Reading
• Good Practice for Working With Autistic Artists
• ProFile Performers
• Triple C / DANC (Disabled Artists Networking Community)
• Understanding Neurodivergency in the Performing Arts – Triple A 
• The Diverse Squad (PMA)
• Gender and Disability on Spotlight, FAQs for Agents
• Pronouns: What and Why
• Trans and Non-Binary language to use in breakdowns
• Good Practice in British Sign Language (BSL) and the Arts
• The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group (CDG)
• Equity Guidelines for Working with the LGBT+ Community
• The Creative Industries Industries Independent Standards Authority

Below are some helpful links and resources in regards to industry standard payment types: 

• Glossary of Contract types on Spotlight
• Equity Guide for Short Films & the Festival Circuit
• SAG-AFTRA GR1 and Force Majeure
• SAG-AFTRA Global Rule 1 video

VISAs and travel restrictions are ever changing, so make sure to check the government website for the most up to date information. 

• A Guide for Working in the EU if You’re a UK National
• A Guide to Working in the UK as an EU National
• UK Government Advice for UK > EU
• UK Government Advice for Non-UK > UK

Funding your career can be extremely challenging. We have recently changed the terms around our Monthly Direct Debit option, making it a flexible, rolling subscription – meaning you can cancel and return at any time rather than being locked into a 12 month contract. 

We have also introduced a Spotlight Bursary Scheme for those particularly struggling. Applications are now open all year round and give performers in need a complimentary year on Spotlight. 

We also offer membership discounts for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent performers.

• Charities for Performers
• The Spotlight Bursary
• Ways to fund your performing arts career

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) 

BAPAM is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s performing arts sector, working with performers and creative communities of all kinds, from musicians and singers to dancers, actors, circus performers and those who work behind the scenes.

The charity provides free, bespoke care for industry professionals and students from expert clinicians in a range of disciplines, responding to requests for help with mental health, musculoskeletal care, vocal health, hearing concerns and some eye care and other creative practice-related health issues.

Learn more about BAPAM offers.

Alongside this, Spotlight also has a wealth of wellbeing articles, videos and podcasts, including podcasts to meditate to. We also offer our free Member Assistance Programme via Health Assured to members who are over the age of 18 and live in UK or Ireland.