starting out

182 articles
The Essentials
People sitting at a table listening and making notes
How to Prepare for a Table Read

Tips for preparation when attending a read-through and what actors do during a table read. Landing an acting role is a great feeling and there’s no doubt you’ll be eager to get started. Whether the part is for a stage or screen production, actors are often invited to a table read – this is an […]

auditions
film
starting out
The Essentials
How to Have a New Year Mindset All Year

​​​How to plan and achieve your goals, no matter what time of the year you’re setting them.​​  ​​As the New Year comes in​, many of us will be adopting the age old ‘​New Year​,​ N​​​ew M​e’ mindset. ​For actors, ​this means ​overhauling career prospects and aspirations​,​ and ​levelling​ up with work by getting organised. ​January […]

karen johal
starting out
wellbeing
The Industry
Someone typing on a laptop at a desk
Top Tips for Creating a Professional Acting Website

An actor website can be a useful tool to help you to showcase the parts you’ve played and the performer skills you have. We share advice about how to set your website up and what you should include on it. ​​When I was in my last year at drama school in New York, I took […]

karen johal
marketing
soft skills
Getting Work
A group of participants listening at a Spotlight Open House workshop
8 Tips to Prepare You for an Audition

Top tips from casting director Kate Rhodes James on how to prepare for an audition. Kate Rhodes James has had a long and varied career as a casting director. Her past projects include House of Gucci, Catherine the Great, A Discovery of Witches, The Good Karma Hospital, Line of Duty, Sherlock, and many more. Most […]

auditions
casting directors
starting out
The Industry
Crew working on a Western film set
Who Actors Work with in Film

What to expect on a film set and the crew you might work with Getting cast for a role in a film is the ultimate goal for many actors and despite the nerves, the first day on set is a rewarding experience. If you’re used to working in theatre or on a student film, the […]

casting directors
film
starting out
Spotlight
Spotlight members smiling at a workshop
How to Make the Most of Your Spotlight Membership

All of the benefits of joining Spotlight and why a Spotlight membership is worth it. Your Spotlight membership is more than just an online profile with access to exclusive breakdowns. It’s your gateway into the world of casting, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here are all the ways in […]

membership
self-taping
showreels
The Essentials
Actress in the wings waiting to come on stage
Who Young Actors Work With On Theatre Jobs

What to expect from the production crew on your child’s theatre job.

musical theatre
starting out
theatre
The Essentials
Papers and pages and parcels spread on a table
Sean McGinley’s Tips for Learning Scripts

Advice from the ‘Braveheart’ actor on how to start your acting career and learn a script Donegal-born actor Sean McGinley has had a career that spans decades and roles in countless well-known productions, including Braveheart, Gangs of New York, Shetland, The Alienist, and, most recently, the independent film Wait for Me. We had the chance […]

interview
ireland
soft skills
The Essentials
Eve Christie and Amber Murdoch standing by the water in 'River City'
How to Start Your Acting Career in Scotland

How to start your acting career in Scotland, find acting jobs and the expected cost of living for 2026.

auditions
drama school
scotland
The Essentials
Suranne Jones as Anne Lister sitting on a sofa in 'Gentleman Jack'
How to Start Your Acting Career in Leeds

What you need to know about living and working in Leeds as an actor, including what acting schools are available, how to find auditions, and the cost of living locally Leeds is home to a vibrant cultural scene and has produced successful home-grown talent such as Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) and Gemma Whelan (Game of […]

auditions
casting directors
drama school