Tag: theatre
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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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What You Need to Know About Nudity and Intimacy on Set
Advice from intimacy coordinators Ita O’Brien and Marci Liroff for actors considering roles that require nudity or intimate scenes. More than ever before, roles may ask actors to expose themselves and perform intimate scenes so it’s important you’re aware of your rights and set your boundaries. We hosted a seminar with Ita O’Brien and Marci Liroff,…
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Working in Radio and Audio Drama
As the opportunities in radio and audio drama grow, performers can feel confused as to what skills are required. Award-winning audio writer, director and producer Jack Bowman gives his insight and explains industry jargon. Getting cast Voice agents are great to have but audio producers and independent production teams don’t always rely on them to…
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How a Director and Writer Collaborate in Theatre
In this episode of the Spotlight podcast, we talk to playwright Ella Hickson and director Natalie Abrahami about collaboration in theatre Natalie and Ella have worked on some hugely successful projects together including Anna at the National Theatre and Swive (Elizabeth) at The Globe. In this podcast they chat to us about working in theatre, their…
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The Journey of a Young Performer and His Mum
We chat with Regan Garcia and his mum, Sharon, about balancing acting with school and playing Nigel in ‘The Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾’ in the West End. Before the show starts… I do this thing where I put my arms up, I tense a lot, pull my trousers up and put my shirt down, and…
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Six Tips for Keeping Your Cool During Tech Rehearsal Week
Necessary though it is, tech rehearsal week has accrued a somewhat intimidating reputation. It’s an important part of the process – but how can you make it less gruelling? Tom Baker offers his top tips for keeping your cool during tech week. Being part of a theatre production is a magical thing. A group collaborate to…
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Parting with a Part: How to de-role
Tips for taking care of your mental health when playing intense parts and how to let go of a role and wind down As actors, we spend years learning how to become different people, but how do you leave a character behind when a show is over? Exploring the dark side of humanity is an actor’s…
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Telling Stories through Puppetry with Richard Hay
Spotlight talks with Richard Hay, puppeteer and co-creator of Sharklegs Theatre Company, about puppetry, going viral, and taking Sharklegs’ new, Amazon-exposing show, Fulfilment, to the Edinburgh Fringe. Hi Richard! How did you first get into puppetry? I graduated from drama school a long, long time ago, and I did a course at East 15 [where]…
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Vaulting the Pond
The pull and prestige of appearing in British Theatre is very strong: advice on moving from the US to the UK for work British theatre holds a special spot in theatre actors’ hearts, especially for our fellow English-speakers across the Atlantic Ocean. Even though they have Broadway and their various prestigious regional centres, Americans dream…
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How Open-Air Theatre Differs from Conventional Theatre
New to performing open-air theatre? Here are some things you should know There are few theatrical experiences more atmospheric than open-air theatre. The feeling you get standing centre stage in the balmy evening sun, speaking lines from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, surrounded by real trees and birdsong is nigh-on impossible to recreate in a conventional theatre.…