Your profile

You’ve received your welcome email and set up your Spotlight account. The first thing you’ll need to do is to ensure your profile is up-to-date and ready for casting directors to search. Are there photos, showreels and voice clips you now want to add? Many casting directors choose to filter on who has media on their profiles, so it’s a good idea to address this from the start. Take some time to update this regularly, including adding searchable skills. Spotlight’s publishing team see every edit and upload you make, so rest assured, we are here to help you have the best profile you can.

The Spotlight Link

You’ll also see the Spotlight Link Board where job information is posted. If you are self represented you should ensure that you check your jobs feed on a regular basis for any suitable roles. These include acting auditions for film, TV and theatre, casting calls, open auditions, and much more. Set your preferences in the ‘Tools and Settings’ area of your account to make sure you only see potential acting jobs that fit your criteria. Do remember that in such a competitive industry it can take some time to be approached about roles or be invited in for an audition. So don’t be disheartened if this doesn’t happen immediately.

If you are represented by an agent, they will be able to start putting you forward for breakdowns they receive immediately. If you have successfully joined Spotlight but don’t have an agent then we will handle enquiries on your behalf and forward on any casting enquiries.

Contacts

Use our Contacts platform to find details for casting directors, agents, photographers, showreel companies and much more.

Discounts

From your account homepage you can access an array of Spotlight discounts. There are options ranging from lifestyle, motoring and shopping to travel, insurance and special offers. You'll also have access to life insurance, a pension scheme, tax and legal helplines, and cover for jury service, all as an added, affordable benefits package. You can also see offers available through Contacts. Many individuals and services on Contacts offer member-specific discounts. Used wisely all of these discounts can easily add up to the cost of your yearly membership.

Showreel editing

We offer affordable bespoke showreel editing services. Our team knows exactly what’s needed for a Spotlight profile and so can help you if you don’t feel confident in editing your acting showreel yourself. 

Events

From London to Manchester or Dublin you'll have access to our great programme of in person events throughout the year, including our very popular Open House – free to Spotlight members! And now more and more online events too. And most years you’ll also find us at Edinburgh Fringe supporting our members.

News & advice / newsletters / our partners

Our news and advice pages host invaluable tips and advice on starting out,  auditions, mental health, casting directors and much more, including videos and podcasts with industry and Spotlight experts.

Make sure you opt in to our regular newsletters to get up-to-the minute advice on upcoming events and new content.

We are also proud to also work alongside a whole host of industry partners. It's important to us at Spotlight to recognise the work that these fantastic organisations do for our members. Initiatives with PIPA, who campaign for support for parents in the arts, and our joint work with the National Theatre on ProFile to provide a video database of Deaf and disabled actors are just some of the highlights.

Easy ways to pay / discounts for disabled members

We know that flexible payment options are important. When renewing your membership there are many options to choose from, including monthly direct debit. See here for more information.

Membership discounts are available to disabled performers. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

So, I know what to expect, but what criteria do I need to meet to join Spotlight?

Spotlight is for professional performers, so to become a member you need to have at least one featured role with an Equity or equivalent union contract or two professional performance credits, or have completed at least a year of full-time professional performance training equivalent to a RQF level 5 or two years of part-time training. You’ll be asked to provide evidence of your training and/or acting experience as part of your application. If you're struggling, here are some great tips to help you on your way. You may also join via our recommendation route, if you are recommended by a party that’s a member of one of the following professional organisations: Personal Managers’ Association, Casting Directors’ Guild, Casting Society of America, Casting Directors Association,  Co-Operative Personal Managers Association, Association of Talent Agents, NAA, or the Agents of Young Performers Association.

What can I do if I don’t qualify for Spotlight yet?

The best thing to do is to try and get some experience in the industry. There are various ways to do this. Contacts is a great place to start. You can look into full or part-time training courses. Or try getting some experience in and around Fringe theatres and building as many networks with other actors and directors as possible. We provide regular advice online with all sorts of information that can assist.

You can also take a look at our partners page, as there are a lot of organisations that we work with that provide training or performance opportunities. These are a great way to gain experience and hone your acting skills!

Like any industry you are new to, you must be prepared to give up a lot of your free time, often without pay or immediate reward. This industry is as much about tenacity and determination as it is talent, so learn as much about the business as you possibly can. Read plays, see films, know the people behind the production. Be proactive and stay curious!

Click here for more important info on getting started as a Spotlight member.

We are always here to help. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.