Tips and advice for making the most of your time at drama school, including common mistakes students make and how to avoid them, and how to keep improving your acting skills after you graduate.

In the finals instalment of this two-part special about all things drama school, we talk to Charleen Qwaye (Fourth Monkey), Stewart Nicholls (Guildford School of Acting), Geoff Brumlik (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School), Helen Mackay (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Christabel Clark (MetFilm School) about:

• Top tips for how you can thrive and make the most of your time at drama school.
• Common mistakes they see actors making at drama school, and how you can avoid them.
• Recommendations on how to maintain your skills and education once you leave drama school.
• How to ease yourself into the acting industry after graduating from drama school.
• Resources to keep yourself active and engaged with the drama school community after graduating.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today.

Why diversity is important in the entertainment industry, and more information about M·A·C Cosmetics’ exciting collaboration with Spotlight and the Diverse Squad.

In this episode, we speak to agents Mildred Yuan and Sara Sehdev (Core MGMT), who are also members of the PMA Diverse Squad, about:

• What the Diverse Squad is, and how they were formed.
• The difference between authentic casting and ‘tokenism’.
• What changes we need to see in the industry.
• The barriers faced by diverse performers.
• The work the Diverse Squad does to address these issues.
• Details about the 'Inclusive Complexion Edit' (in collaboration with Spotlight, M·A·C and the Diverse Squad) to incentivise the industry to provide the right colours for all actors in the make-up chair, regardless of skin tone.
• The benefits of Spotlight's 'Ethnicity or Heritage' tool.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today.

This 30 minute meditation is inspired by the idea of togetherness and what gets created when we come together. It’s designed to calm and soothe the nervous system and can be helpful to listen to when things in our lives (and the world) are feeling out of control.

In this meditation, we gently invite you to celebrate all parts of you. Because all parts of you are worthy of celebration. There may have been times when things didn’t go to plan. Maybe there were some days when you felt like giving up. But you didn’t. You’re here.

This meditation is designed to support young performers to feel more confident in themselves and their abilities. It’s designed to help them to reconnect to the part of them that knows that anything is possible and to keep trying - even when things don’t go to plan. This meditation is suitable for ages 8+ and parents and guardians are encouraged to listen to this meditation along with their child. 

This meditation is designed to help you to unwind and let go of the day, helping to aid in a restful night’s sleep. We use progressive muscle relaxation, a deep relaxation technique to help release stress and tension from the body. We recommend finding a cosy and comfortable place to lie down for this meditation. You may also like to have a blanket or a cover over you. 

This meditation is designed to support young performers who might be feeling a bit nervous or worried - particularly if they have an audition, self-tape or performance coming up. We spend some time relaxing the body and then we go on a short journey where we discover some very special magic clouds. This meditation is suitable for ages 8+ and parents and guardians are encouraged to listen to this meditation along with their child. 

This meditation is themed around the idea of new beginnings and is designed to calm a busy mind by gently guiding you back to yourself. We get curious about how each new breath creates space for new awareness by bringing us back to the present moment.

This meditation is recommended for those aged 8+ and is designed to help calm and centre young performers before an audition or self-tape. Parents and Guardians are encouraged to listen to this meditation along with their child. 

This meditation is designed to help with feelings of envy or jealousy. These feelings can come up often when you’re an actor or performer but it’s usually just a sign that you care deeply about something. In small doses, envy can motivate us to move towards what we want. With conscious awareness, we can use this energy of envy to help us to move forward. 

In this meditation, we get curious about what choice means for you as an actor or performer. We explore where we make choices from and how choosing to listen to ourselves means we're much more able to honour what's important to us.

Tommy Jessop talks about being the first actor with Down syndrome to be professionally cast as Hamlet and become a full voting member of BAFTA.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

What you need to know before applying for drama school, including different types of training, advice for auditioning and the importance of inclusivity.

In the first of this two-part instalment about all things drama school, we talk to Charleen Qwaye (Fourth Monkey), Stewart Nicholls (Guildford School of Acting), Geoff Brumlik (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School), Helen Mackay (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and Christabel Clark (MetFilm School) about:

• The difference between conservatoire training and studying at university, and the benefits of these different training styles.
• How you can know if drama school is the right path for you.
• What can be done to ensure there's more inclusivity in drama schools.
• Advice for successfully auditioning for and getting into drama school.
• Alternative routes for breaking into the industry if you don't get into drama school.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today.

In this meditation, you'll be guided by Presence and Impact Coach, Su Mee Tan. Su Mee invites you to connect to the full range of who you are and to get curious about who you are when you give yourself full permission to show up and to be everything that you are. 

This meditation is designed to help you to grow and expand your creativity by connecting with the breath and the body. We get curious about the range of our creativity and how this can be expanded by the connection we have with ourselves. 

We chat about the craft of good improvisation, honing your songwriting skills and the comedic and creative rewards of working in an all-female ensemble with Notflix's Aisling Groves-McKeown and Emma Read.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member you’ll get access to our jobs board, exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

This meditation is designed to get out of your head and into your body which is one of the key steps to feeling calmer and grounded. We also take a little bit of time to reflect on the gifts that can come from adversity and how this can expand our range. 

Once an audition is over it can be hard to let go of it without an answer, closure, or some sort of clarity. This meditation is designed for actors and performers to help calm the mind from any repetitive thoughts by bringing you into the present moment.

In this episode, we cover some of the basic definitions and language used when talking about gender constructs and challenging them. We also discuss the importance of the arts in driving social change and what the industry can do to be more aware and inclusive when it comes to transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming performers.

Aitch Wyley (they/them) is an actor, singer, and trans inclusivity consultant in the performing arts.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

This visualisation can be a helpful antidote to the saboteur or inner critic because it is designed to reconnect you to the true essence of who you are. 

A meditation to support performers and actors to slow down, listen to your own needs and be receptive to change. 

In this meditation, we spend some time getting grounded and centred by relaxing the whole body before going on a short journey to a place of inner silence and calm.

We're joined by Kevin Grogan, the triple-threat performer behind the smash-hit drag queen persona, Veronica Green, from RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

How to navigate the world of performing when you don’t have an agent, and how to make the most of Spotlight as a self-represented performer.

We’re joined by Spotlight’s Customer Success Manager, Mel Brown, who has a wealth of knowledge about the performing arts industry and runs some of our career advice sessions for performers. 

Mel will be chatting with us about:

• How to best use Spotlight if you don’t have an agent.
• How to put yourself forward for roles if you’re self-represented.
• Tips to make your Spotlight profile the best it can be.
• Advice for headshots, showreels and voice reels.
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Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Find out more at https://www.spotlight.com/join-us

Rooted in the tradition of serving the performing arts industry, Spotlight has been at the forefront of connecting performers with the world’s most successful casting professionals across film, television, and theatre since 1927. Today, our cutting-edge software service empowers performers to showcase their talents by creating dynamic profiles, making them accessible to a vast network of casting directors and independent project creators. It’s our mission to simplify the discovery of new talent and ensure the continued vibrancy of stages and screens worldwide.

If you're a performer or actor, this guided meditation is designed to be listened to before going into an audition to help with nerves and to leave you feeling calm and confident.

This guided meditation is for those of you who feel like you need to take some time out to pause and reset.

If you’re feeling like you need to take some time for yourself to pause and reset, this reignite meditation session is perfect for you.

We also chat about the teething pains of trying to make your own work as a performer, and how to keep going when you're thinking about quitting performing. We also discuss Dave's journey with Mischief Theatre, from the early days of performing in rooms above pubs, right through to the West End transfers and TV commissions that followed. 

Dave is an actor and co-founder of Olivier Award-winning theatre company, Mischief Theatre, who you might know from their smash hits, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Play About a Bank Robbery and now, The Goes Wrong Show on the BBC.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

If you’re feeling like you need to take some time for yourself to pause and reset, then this meditation session is perfect for you. 

We talk about casting and auditions for TV and film with 13-year-old Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Barratt, his mum, performer Carolyn Owlett and Casting Director Daniel Edwards CDG. Billy and Daniel worked together on Responsible Child for the BBC and talk about the process of casting through to filming of the production.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

We're joined by mental health and well-being expert, Bea Grist, to focus on self-care for performers. Bea shares tips for managing anxiety and stress as well as practical self-care advice.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

We talk to playwright Ella Hickson and director Natalie Abrahami about collaboration in theatre and what they look for in actors. We also hear tips for writing or directing your own work and their advice for actors auditioning for theatre.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

We chat with Barely Methodical Troupe's Beren D’Amico, Louis Gift and Charlie Wheeler about their unique circus-theatre production, 'Bromance'. We discuss the central themes of male friendship and comedy, the challenges of taking a show to the Fringe plus a regime for staying at the top of your physical and mental game during the run of a very demanding show.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

Zoë Alba Farrugia shares her story about moving to the UK as a Maltese performer to follow her acting dream, the challenges she faced and how they inspired her to co-found female-led theatre company Prickly Pear Productions.

Prickly Pear Productions champions underrepresented stories and artists and we discuss how that work comes about and the importance of telling stories that are inspired by different cultures and human experiences.

In this hour-long episode, we also talk about:

• Who Creative Edinburgh are and what they do within the creative community
• The importance of the artistic community
• Opportunities for creatives in Scotland
• Creating a theatre company and making work
• Representation and opportunities for women, particularly migrant women, in the performing arts industry
• How the industry can be more inclusive and open itself up to better represent different nationalities and cultures
• The similarities and differences of actors' experiences across the world.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

We chat with Sadie Clark, Isabelle Kabban and Katie Guicciardi about their respective solo Edinburgh Fringe shows. Going it alone means doing everything yourself: writing, performing, venue research, getting the right time slot, promotion and money. When also featuring very personal stories focusing on sexuality, relationships and motherhood how do you then deal with feedback and critics? And what’s your self-care plan when the pressure is all on you?

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

On today's episode, we chat to our Young Performers Consultant, Ellie Samuels, about whether or not it is ever beneficial to list more than one agent on your profile. Young Performers need an agent to sign up for Spotlight, but what could more than one agent offer, if anything? What are the pros and cons? Ellie talks us through it. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

In the first of our Edinburgh special podcasts, we sat down with theatre producer Francesca Moody. Francesca has produced theatre in London, Edinburgh, on tour in the UK and internationally. She is the original producer of the multi-award-winning and Olivier nominated Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, which she has presented in Edinburgh, at Soho Theatre on UK tours and internationally in South Korea and Australia and most recently New York for DryWrite. Francesca is also the former Producer of British New-Writing theatre company Paines Plough where she worked on plays by the UK’s leading playwrights including Dennis Kelly, Duncan Macmillan and Kate Tempest.

In this episode, we talk about how she chooses her projects, what skills make for a good producer, and tips about taking a show to the Fringe, amongst many other things! 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

In this episode, Christina talks to Michelle Kirby of Daisy and Dukes Agency, along with the parent of a performer she represents, Diane Zetterstrom. Diane's son Oliver is a young performer on Spotlight, exploring his passion for performing.

We chat through how parents and agents can form a good relationship, the ins and outs parents should be aware of in the industry, and how to work with the service provided by Spotlight.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

Spotlight talks to Kickstarter's Gemma Seltzer about how you as a creative can turn your vision into reality. Create your own work by getting the money you need, using crowdfunding.

We talk about what projects work well on crowdfunding platforms, how to make sure your project stands out, what you'll need to think about and prepare to succeed in your funding efforts, and lots more. 

Gemma not only works with artists at Kickstarter, but also previously worked at Arts Council England and runs the Write and Shine early morning writing sessions. 

Read more on Kickstarter at their website and check out their Creator Handbook as a great place to start with your own project funding. Gemma also mentions a great resource called A Creative Person's Guide to Thoughtful Promotion. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

Today's episode is all about your rights and duties as a freelance worker! This includes all the essentials you should know about working rights in the UK, taxation, contracts, and much, much more.

Talking to Spotlight we have Alan Lean and Stephen Duncan-Rice from Equity, who give us the lowdown on everything a self-employed performer needs to navigate the (less than fun, but super important) legal stuff on the job. 

Thank you to everyone who sent us their questions! 

We have way more information on our website on being self-employed and on all the legal/financial things you should know as a performer. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

On this big episode of the Spotlight Podcast, we discuss safety, harassment and bullying in our industry. Joining us, we have Maureen Beattie, performer and President of Equity, Wendy Spon, CDG and former Head of Casting for the National Theatre, and Ita O'Brien, Intimacy and Movement Coordinator who has recently worked on Gentleman Jack and Sex Education for Netflix. 

This is such a huge topic for the industry, and we talk about a variety of layers within it - from the nature of acting as a profession, to the culture on set and in the audition room, to wider concerns around what is asked for and when, as well as the more detailed aspects of performing an intimate scene. 

We want to warn listeners that some potentially triggering language is used in this podcast. 

Take a look here for more information on the discussion:

• Equity's Safe Spaces Campaign
• Equity's Agenda for Change report
• Equity's Harassment Helpline
• Ita O'Brien's Intimacy on Set Guidelines

For more information, take a look at our News and Advice section, and our guide to auditioning safely. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

In this episode of the Spotlight podcast, we're joined by casting director Verity Naughton, CDG. We talk all about young performer casting, including...

• Headshots, profiles and what you should and should not include on your CV;
• How casting works, Verity's process and what stands out to her;
• Lots of practical tips and hints for preparing for your next audition;
• What's expected in the audition room - what to wear, knowing your lines, and lots more;
• Other advice for navigating the industry more broadly.

It's a super practical episode with tonnes of advice for performers and their parents alike. For much more information for younger performers, take a look at our website. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

In this special episode, we talk to filmmaker Simon Wegrzyn on telling LGBTQ+ stories on screen. Simon talks us through his experience as an actor and director, and we delve into some of the pressing issues facing performers who are also members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Simon mentions his website in the podcast, as well as the resource Film Freeway. You can watch his film Hold Hands or Hide on Amazon Prime. 

For more discussions about diversity and inclusivity in the industry, take a look at our website. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

Spotlight talks to Equity's Addam Merali-Younger on mental health support for performers. Addam is Equity's Bullying, Harassment and Mental Health Assistant. He mans the Equity hotline, where he answers performer concerns. 

If you are looking for support, take a look at Equity's mental health and wellness resources online, or call Addam on the Bullying and Harassment Helpline on 020 7670 0268, or send an email to harassment@equity.org.uk. Details about the drop in sessions at the Actor's Centre are here. You can also access wellbeing support via ArtsMinds, or the Samaritans on 116 123. 

Addam also mentions the Safe Spaces Campaign, and the Affirmation being promoted by Equity for use in all rehearsals or production spaces. 

Keep an eye out on our website for more mental health information and advice specifically for actors this Mental Health Awareness Week. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

Voice coach Nic Redman gives tips for keeping your voice on top form over the winter and shares advice to help your vocals recover after a cold.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

This episode of the Spotlight podcast, we talk to Kerry Ryan, founder of Write Like A Grrrl, on how to start writing. A note: it's actually triple-r, not double-r as stated in the intro!

Kerry talks to us about overcoming writing obstacles, how to practically get started, developing character and dialogue, when to get feedback, and loads more. We also answer some of your questions - thank you to everyone who sent questions in!

Read more of our best writing advice, or check out all of our advice for getting started in the entertainment industry, as well as all of our news and advice. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast we talk to Nina Zendejas, an international voice coach specialising in accent and dialect, and native to the United States. Currently working as the Head of Voice at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts (MT) in London, she is also a voice-over artist (represented by Wisebuddah), and freelance production coach. Nina talks to us all about experimenting and creating characters with your voice, dealing with accent changes (especially for an audition!), improving your Received Pronunciation and General American accents, and how to get the most out of your voice long term.  

It's a fun, practical episode with a lot of great information and some exercises you can try yourself at home. 

Find more great info on voice, and for all other advice to do with mastering your acting craft and navigating the industry, take a look at our News & Advice. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

This episode we are talking all about Commercial Castings. Joining us is Alex Wheeler, who works at the award-winning Martin Gibbons Casting. We talk about how commercial projects come about, the timescales behind them, some real no-nos for the audition room and even the controversial topic of 'pencilling'... Take a listen! 

Find lots more about auditions on our site, and lots more advice from casting professionals. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

We talk to Sarah Thurstan, a performer and co-founder of Performance Link. She took over the company in 2000 and now runs it herself alongside acting work. Sarah talks to us about how she figured out the essential skills actors are taught that they can pass on to others, and how having a side hustle helps with security as an actor in the long run. 

You can read more about Performance Link online, and see more great advice for making the most of your career in the performing arts on our site. 

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!

The PappyShow talk to us about their upcoming run at the VAULT Festival, their unique approach to theatre-making, the importance of safety, inclusivity and diversity in their work, and how to navigate an industry where creativity isn't always paid for...

This episode features Kane Husbands, Sam Hardie, Eddie-Joe Robinson, Ursula Mohan, and Aaron Gordon. They perform, create and share roles across their three shows, BOYS, GIRLS and CARE.

The PappyShow create ensemble-led devised theatre work. They offer workshops and training in physical theatre, using this to devise and create work. In their own words: "We believe that having a space to play, devise and fail improves us as performers and informs the way we approach our work."

Read more advice about making work for yourself, and more information about theatre in particular. For more industry info, tips and advice, check out www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice.

Never miss an episode - subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, which has been helping professional performers find roles in TV, film and theatre since 1927.

Over 90% of UK television work is cast on Spotlight and now joining us is easier than ever! If you have professional training or professional performance credits or a recommendation from an agent or casting director, you can sign up to become a Spotlight member. As a member, you’ll get access to our jobs board, and exclusive members-only benefits like workshops, career advice, events, discounts and more! 

Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Join us today!