You’ve read the script, that is your blueprint, it’s now your turn to start laying the groundwork to bring your character to life. Crafting and displaying their inherent qualities is all in addition to telling the story and telling you so much about them self. Having knowledge of their personal factors benefit the overall arc of your role; such as their motivations, desires, fears, and past experiences. Knowing what they strive for, and what they’re wanting to achieve is key for figuring out how they’re going to navigate the world that is being created, as well as their relationships; not only with the other characters in the story but also their relationship with the audience, how they should be perceived.

Understanding the Source Material
Unless you yourself have written the script, it’s not your story, it’s best to start by listening and learning. Read and understand what the writer has written about your character and use that as your starting point. This can vary from screenwriter to screenwriter in how much detail they provide; some will describe in depth descriptions of their characters, and others not much at all. Whichever way it is, it’s a starting point for you to be introduced with a simple description of their demeanour or actions that could already tell you so much about them, it’s about building something authentic around that. 

Know the Answers
The fundamental questions of 'who, what, when, where, and why' are essential for in-depth character exploration. Asking yourself these questions, and more importantly, finding the answers to them can create so much context to any aspect of your role’s personality. Think about even the most habitual aspects of your role’s life; their posture, how they walk, what they sound like? 
How is your character different from you? How are they similar? Implementing both of these answers is also a great way to craft something unique. In some parts it’s the fun of make believe, and in others it’s the comfort of the familiar. It's about finding a connection between you and the person you are portraying. So whenever someone asks you why something you’ve done is the way it is, you already have the reasons.  

“You, as  an  actor, should know more about this character than anybody now in the world… It’s for you to bring it to life”
Gena Rowlands quoting John Cassavettes

Can you Hear the Music?
Some actors find music a constructive tool in characterisation. Figuring out what the character would listen to and creating a playlist based around that. 
Even if your character isn’t the kind of person who listens to music, what would be the soundtrack to their world? Listening to a  soundscape can give you a sense of what it’s like to sit in your character’s world with nothing but their thoughts.
This is the process that Lynne Ramsay used for her film; You Were Never Really Here. To ensure that Joaquin Phoenix could get into the mindset of his character, one who has suffered with such a fractured psyche. She said;


“It was brilliant because he works so much on instinct. I just had to get into his headspace as much as possible.
I recorded fireworks on the Fourth of July in this dark garden in Brooklyn. You couldn’t see them but you could hear them. I thought, ‘This must be what it feels like to be in a war.’ I played it to Joaquin and said, ‘This is what’s going on in your mind every day.’”

Build a Relationship
The Director. The person who controls the making of a film.
Other than the actors, it’s going to the person you work the most, and the closest with. It’s important to work together with trust and respect for each other to achieve the same shared vision for the project. Open communication and a shared understanding of what each of you are trying to achieve is vital for a good working relationship, and creating that vision without clash or controversy will result in the best product. Creative differences are inevitable to arise. Openly discussing your ideas and listening to the director's feedback to find a collaborative solution is key to building a strong relationship. Both you and the director should have a shared goal in mind, it’s perfectly acceptable to bring suggestions to the table, like previously stated, you know the character better than anyone after all. As long as you are open to theirs too, build trust with the director, at the end of the day, it is their job to get an authentic performance out of you. By working together and supporting each other, as well as others, you will all achieve your goal. 

Experimentation and Spontaneity 
Don’t just find one path and stick to it. Use the questions you asked yourself, and the character’s answers you created to discover new and interesting characteristics, the quirks you could implement to make the role unique. Come up with new ways to do a scene, or deliver a line. One might come along that surprises you. Improvisation is acceptable within reason, and on some sets it’s even encouraged, this shows a deep knowledge of character, resulting in a feeling of authenticity. When you’re so in tune with this persona, and you believe what they are saying, the audience will believe you too. The dialogue you speak will be natural and the reactions real; Acting is Reacting.

Accepting Criticism 
A humble fact to accept is that nobody’s perfect. You’re not always going to get it right on the first try, you’re going to make mistakes. But what you do with them is more than a triumph for a performance, it’s also a reflection of you as a performer. It is important to listen to what feedback you can get and use that as an opportunity for growth and better understanding the scene, or even the story as a whole. Whether that is on set with your director or co-stars, or even a friend you’re practising lines with, constructive criticism is essential for improvement. Taking it in and understanding it can not only improve your performance, but also enlighten new pathways to take the performance down, it might inspire a new direction to try in the next take. 

Enjoy the Process
Ultimately, building something you can throw yourself into is a privilege for a performer, and something that is all part of the fun of acting and storytelling in general. At the end of the day, most people act because they love it, so love it.

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Auditions are a very important stage of the industry. They are a time
consuming process for casting directors and they are the gateway for actors
landing roles. Only under rare circumstances do actors not have to audition or
test to see if they are right for a role, so it is vital for an actor to know the
makings of a good audition to make a good impression whilst auditioning
and catch the eye of casting directors.

Engaging Introduction
Don’t feel the need to rush into the audition, briefly introducing yourself and
showcasing your personality can show enthusiasm. Not that the audition
itself isn’t the main purpose, but seeing a bit of yourself before seeing a
character can be more inviting and more engaging for the casting director.
For in person auditions; speak with the casting directors, ask questions, be
friendly and get to know them. It’s important to make an impression, this will
help you be more memorable. Be professional, follow the script; don’t
improvise unless they’ve allowed it, show up on time, and don’t be giving one
word answers. Being conversational shows your interest in the role and your
interest in being there.

Believe What You’re Saying
It is important to understand your character. Explore their feelings, their
motives and what they’re arc is going to be. Don’t just read the lines on the
page, because that isn’t being a character. Character research enhances the
authenticity of your performance. Building a connection to your character’s
inner life will make your performance more believable and helps engage the
audience and their belief in your portrayal.
Analyse the script and really get to know the character, delve into their
backstory and identify their journey and their goals. Consider questions like;
Where did they come from? What does your character want in this scene?
What are they trying to achieve? How does your character evolve throughout
the scene?

“Acting is the ability to behave absolutely truthfully under the imaginary circumstances.”
​- Sanford Meisner

Remember Your Lines
Don’t go into an audition unprepared. Thorough preparation is essential for a
successful audition. Casting directors value actors who are confident and well
rehearsed. Consistent practice, even in short bursts, is key to building strong
muscle memory and deepens the understanding of your character, allowing
you to deliver a more polished performance.

Actions Speak Louder than Words
Reading the lines is a crucial part of the audition, but they’re not the only tool
you can use to show the best performance. Using body language is also a
great way to show emotion and add depth to a character, sometimes without
saying a word. Expressing yourself physically can convey a lot about a
character’s personality, their emotions and their thoughts by using a variety of
different movements; from posture to how you sit, walk, gestures, facial
expressions, eye contact and more subtle micro expressions like a twitch or a
shift in demeanour.

Confidence
Building confidence takes time and effort. While it's important to present
yourself confidently, focus on inner confidence that comes from thorough
preparation and a deep understanding of your character. It’s completely
normal to feel nervous or anxious going into an audition, being prepared will
increase your confidence and relax you in the process. Going back to making
a good impression, keep your head high, enunciate correctly, show good body
language, and don’t forget to smile. Ultimately, the most important thing is to
let your passion for acting shine through. When you're truly engaged with the
material and enjoying the process, your confidence will come naturally.

Know the Format
The general rule for theatre is make sure they can hear you on the last row,
and although that doesn’t apply to screen acting, that doesn’t mean you can
whisper. You still need to be heard, understand how you need to deliver a line,
if it’s softly or quietly spoken, do so in a way that is still heard, it is important
that you are understood. Tailor your delivery and be versatile to the script's
demands, Ensuring, whatever the requirements, your performance will be
impactful and authentic.

Variety
Preparation is vital for the audition, knowing your delivery and understanding
the emotion of the character and reasons and if this changes based on the
subtext of the scene. It’s important to know these changes and use this with
your character. Shifting emotions and seeing how the performance changes
during the scene creates an arc for the character. It’s important to let
performance feel natural, and let it evolve over time. You don’t want to be
giving a one note performance, this makes it harder to connect with the
character if we don’t understand their emotions or their motives.
Variety in delivery is also crucial for a compelling audition. Preparing multiple
approaches to your lines and actions demonstrates a deep understanding of
your character and your ability to adapt. Casting directors may ask you to try a
different delivery for a section or a specific line. Having this already prepared
and practiced will convey the work you’ve done towards this and your overall
passion for the project.

Adapt
You’re going to be given feedback from your audition. It’s good to get some
direction on how to improve, or what you can try differently, or even what you
have done well. It’s key to pay attention to this feedback, have an open mind
about what they’re telling you, remember it, and use it. Think of constructive
criticism as an opportunity to refine your performance and deepen your
understanding of the character. Remember you can ask questions to get a
broader understanding of what they want, then when you use this feedback,
you can respond effectively and show the growth of your performance.
To get used to this, consider running your performance by someone else
before your audition. Getting notes from a friend first, so you can go in with
the best mind set possible.
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It is important to note that you’re not going to be hired for every role you
audition for, and that is completely fine, every actor has faced rejection, that is
all part of the process, and this brings room for growth. Some roles are just
right for certain people, you have to find the ones that are right for you. The
right roles will come to those who are dedicated, patient and passionate to
their craft. The persistence of an actor will never go unnoticed.

Getting started as an actor can be really challenging and daunting, but if you start small and work your way up its a lot easier to manage. For example, whether you are experienced or not, acting classes are a great place to start and can help you gain and hone your acting skills; while also giving you the opportunity to meet other aspiring actors.

Something really important which we will talk about later is networking, something you should start as early as possible, and if you can do it during acting classes then you will be off to a great start. Acting classes will also help to improve your confidence in front of a camera and an audience, an essential skill for any aspiring actor one that will certainly come in handy if you find yourself on a stage or set. We offer our own acting classes to anyone who's interested, whether you have dabbled in acting before or never even tried it, IPM acting classes are available to anyone who's interested and are a great first step in your journey to becoming professional actor. 
 
After you start to feel more confident in your acting ability and decide you are ready to start looking for roles, starting small is a great way to get your foot in the door. This could be anything from theatre to taking part in student films, both of these are great ways to start getting some experience. Classes are one thing but getting yourself some experience will do wonders for your acting skills and confidence. Once again both theatre and student films are both great ways to meet new people in the same industry as you, and if they like your work as an actor, you could be invited back for another role. Theatre, while not exactly the same as acting for a camera, still provides invaluable lessons in acting and confidence. It will teach you how to convey your emotions to the entire room, and if you can manage to take this and make it more subtle, then it makes for a great transferable skill that will help you with acting in front of a camera. 
 
Now you have some experience under your belt you can start creating your online presence, this includes things like an Acting CV, a headshot, an account on a casting website like Spotlight, Backstage, or Mandy, and a showreel. All of these are vital for an actor to get themselves known and will help you to sell yourself on any roles you may audition for.  
A headshot is essential and will be the first thing a casting director sees when looking at you for a role, so make sure it's a good one, it should always be up to date and hopefully highlight your defining features. There are lots of places that can take a professional headshot for you (including IPM) if you find yourself needing one. An acting CV is a great way to show all your experience in theatre and amateur films while also highlighting your skills, training, and what you can bring to a role. As long as its concise and easy to read you should eventually find some success with it.  
Once you have a headshot and an acting CV ready, you should create an account on any of the casting websites listed above, Spotlight is a great one to start but has some criteria before you can make an account as an actor, such as needing one feature role with equity or two credits where you were contracted as a performer. This is one way of getting an account, another is through training for 1-year full time or 2 years part time, this could be something like acting classes for two years with a reputable studio such as IPM, or going to an acting school full time for a year at a level of at least RQF level 5. Finally, you can get an account through a recommendation from an already registered agent, if you are lucky enough to have an agent already then assuming they are verified by spotlight this is the quickest way. 
You should also make yourself a showreel of your work, try to utilise clips that show off your strengths and skills as an actor and only footage that represents you well. However you decide to make your showreel, at the end of the day what's most important is that it represents you well as an actor and you are happy with its contents. After all of this your online presence should start to come together and you should be able to start getting your name out there. 
Assuming you can get an account on spotlight, you can start auditioning for roles. However, until you have an agent you will have to represent yourself and really put yourself out there as much as you can, because for the time being no one else will. You should try to audition to as many roles as possible, on top of just getting general experience for the roles themselves and also the auditions, this will help you to fill out your acting CV as you slowly replace your older roles. You will also meet lots of people doing this, even if things don't go your way you will still be getting your face out there and you may find you are a good fit for a different role to the one you auditioned for. 
You should have hopefully met lots of other actors and other people in the industry during your time acting. This is a good start to your networking, knowing as many people as possible is incredibly important for an actor and is vital to making sure people hear of you and your work. Things you can do to help further your networking could be attending seminars and workshops on acting, posting about your roles on social media, and even creating your own website. You could show clips of yourself and include your headshot and acting CV on your website. Getting to know other actors can also be a great help, despite the fact they are your competition they go through all the same struggles you do when trying to land roles, you could end up helping each other out with tips or tricks you have both learnt. Again, all of this helps you meet similar minded people and ultimately gets you out there, which can lead to anything happening. 
At this point you should have a good online presence and hopefully have auditioned for a few roles, maybe even gotten cast for them. But any actor should look at getting an agent eventually, someone who will negotiate for you and will competently sell you as an actor to the right people. It's also incredibly helpful if your agent knows lots of casting directors, this would greatly increase your chances of getting an audition which naturally makes you more likely to be cast in something. When looking for an agency try to find one that has the connections you are interested in, this will help you be more likely to find the roles you want. If you are struggling when looking for an agent, try and find an agency that doesn't have what you offer as an actor, this should help you to be accepted as you will be filling a niche that agency isn't already promoting. ​

Dyslexia, often misunderstood as a barrier to success, has proven to be a hidden strength for many actors. In the world of TV and film, where scripts, character analysis, and on-the-spot creativity are essential, dyslexic actors often bring unique talents that set them apart from their peers. 
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects around 10% of all people however, with arts this is predicted to triple! People who struggle with dyslexia often excel in creative thinking and problem solving, making them fantastic and resilient performers despite troubles with reading and writing.

Dyslexia is often associated with just difficulty in reading, but it also comes with strengths that are particularly valuable in the acting world:

1. Enhanced Creativity
   Many individuals with dyslexia excel in creative thinking and problem-solving. They approach challenges from unique perspectives, making their performances dynamic and original.
2. Strong Emotional Intelligence
   Dyslexia can heighten emotional sensitivity and empathy, crucial traits for actors. These qualities allow dyslexic performers to connect deeply with their characters and convey authentic emotions on screen or stage.
3. Exceptional Memory for Dialogue
   While reading scripts may take more time, many dyslexic actors develop exceptional auditory and visual memory. Once they hear or see a scene, they can often recall dialogue and blocking with remarkable accuracy.
4. Improvisation Skills
   Dyslexia often forces individuals to think on their feet in everyday situations. This adaptability translates well to acting, where improvisation and quick thinking can make or break a performance.

Some of the most celebrated actors have been diagnosed with dyslexia, a fabulous show of not letting anything hold you back from your dreams. 

• Jennifer Anniston - Known best for her role in 90’s sitcom Friends as Rachel Green, she is a very successful comedic actor and in recent years delved more into drama. In 2020 and 2022 she received a SAG award for her role in hard-hitting drama The Morning Show. 

Diagnosed later in life Anniston, says she “went to get a prescription for glasses…I had to read a paragraph, and they gave me a quiz, gave me 10 questions based on what i’d just read, and I think I got three” and opened up on how her school life was a struggle as she couldn’t retain much information but attributes that struggle to developing a good sense of humour, something that landed her a job in one of the biggest sit-coms of all time!

• Whoopi Goldberg - She has achieved the very prestigious EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards) one of only 21 people in the world to have achieved this. Coming from a working class background, she dropped out of high school at 17 and became heavily involved with drugs, making her successes even more inspiring.

Speaking on how she thinks her dyslexia has affected her she stated “I think perhaps it made me more introspective. Made me more thoughtful, maybe slightly slower in how I do things because it takes me a minute sometimes to figure things out.” Perhaps her thoughtfulness is what makes her performances so nuanced, perhaps she is successful not in spite of dyslexia but because of it!

• Keanu Reeves - In 2022 Keanu was named the 4th best actor of the 21st century. His performances in The Matrix and John Wick franchises are thought of as cult classics beloved by thousands.  

He, like many dyslexic individuals, found his school life to be a struggle and was expelled. Opening up about his early years, Reeves said “because I had trouble reading I wasn’t a good student” he turned to acting as a coping mechanism “I didn’t finish high school. I did a lot of pretending as a child. It was my way of coping with the fact that I didn’t really feel like I fit in” 

• Tom Holland - Best known as the most recent Spiderman, Tom is a BAFTA award winning screen actor, one of the most promising talents of his generation. 

The only performer on this list to get his diagnosis young, Tom was diagnosed with dyslexia at 7 and received support throughout his school years. When he was asked advice on how he juggles an acting career with dyslexia he said “It’s just about taking your time, and giving yourself an appropriate amount of time to do the things you need to do” 

• Salma Hayek - Moving to america from Mexico at 25 to pursue a career in Hollywood, Salma didn’t just have to learn how to thrive in the industry despite her dyslexia, but learned a whole new language and she still ended up being a highly successful screen actor, most notably portraying artist Frida Kahlo.

Salma has now found a way to manage her difficulty while mastering her craft. “It doesn’t bother me now… Some people read really fast, but you’ll ask them questions about the script and they’ll forget. I take a long time to read a script, but I read it only once, I directed [The Maldonado Miracle] and I never brought a script to set” 

Being a neurodiverse performer can have many challenges but it also makes you a highly creative individual which is a huge advantage in the acting world.
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We have some tips here that are sure to help you thrive in your passion: 

1. Use the technology available, in recent times there has been an increase in text-to-speech apps and audio books to help aid in script reading and learning. Hearing the script can aid you in memorising and visualising the script. 
2. Focus on your visualisation skills, Creating mental images of your scenes and dialog will help you see the script as a story to learn. 
3. Collaborate with the directors and coaches, Communicate your needs with directors or acting coaches. They can help tailor rehearsals or provide additional resources to support your process. Although this can be scary, a supportive agent will make all of the difference and remember, dyslexia is covered by the Equality Act 2010, meaning educators and employers alike are obligated to provide reasonable adjustments or support.
4. Break the script down, Divide scripts into manageable sections and focus on one part at a time. Annotate your script with notes, highlighting key emotional beats or character motivations.
5. Practice improv, Confidence can be a real mental block for any performer, but especially those struggling with dyslexia. The brain make-up causes issues with memory and comprehension, but then the anxiety that brings on can be the mind-killer. Understanding the workings of improvisation can reassure you that, being on set is something you can handle!

The creative arts and entertainment industry is becoming more aware of the need for inclusivity and representation, not just in terms of race, gender and sexuality but also disabilities and neurodiversity. Actors with dyslexia bring invaluable skills and new perspectives that are vital to be celebrated by casting directors, agents and the world. 

As an actor it is essential to stay mindful and present as it helps reduce stress and anxiety both on screen and in your daily life. With benefits ranging from emotional intelligence to building resilience in a notoriously difficult industry, we have some proven tips to help you stay mindful in your journey as an actor.  

Acting demands presence, emotional depth and resilience, as an actor, you must bring your whole self into performances, balancing the pressure with being fully present and aware. Mindfulness is a powerful tool you as an actor can use to aid your mental health and emotional well-being.

‘Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that.’
-Jon Kabat-Zinn

On set, mindfulness will allow you to remain versatile and composed with the pressure and chaos of a film set, whether you have had last minute scene and script changes or you need to stay focused during long days and takes, mindfulness will allow you to remain grounded. 
Off set mindfulness will promote self care, emotional balance and confidence ensuring you can pursue your passion of acting without the pressures or burning out. 

Here are some practical mindfulness exercises tailored for actors:

• Breathing Exercises: Practising deep breathing before auditions or scenes will help nerves and centering yourself, this crucial step will reduce performance anxiety and help you feel more connected in the present moment, allowing a natural performance.
• Body Scanning: Taking a few minutes to notice areas of tension in your body will allow you to release them, promoting relaxation and physical awareness. A step a lot of seasoned actors will do as this allows them to become aware of their physical state to portray characters authentically 
• Visualisation: Allow your mind to succeed and imagine performing the role successfully and focus in on the emotions and energy you want to bring to the role, allow yourself to build the confidence needed and prepare your mind in embodying the role fully.
• Mindful Observation: Spending some time observing props, costumes and your setting in detail will improve your focus and attention to the nuances in the scene, this small but vital part will allow for genuine reactions and add authenticity to your performance. 
• Gratitude Practice: Reflect upon what you are grateful for and how far you have come to help shift your mindset from stress to positivity before performances, doing so will allow you to remove any negative feelings, improving your creativity and presence.

These tips will not only enhance your performances, but also nurture the well-being of the person behind the role (you)! By cultivating your presence, emotional intelligence and resilience, you will improve your craft and find balance in your personal and professional life.
Thriving on staying present, Acting goes hand in hand with mindfulness. Helping you focus on your scene partner, setting and dialog without the pressures of internal thoughts. When you are present, your performance will feel more authentic and natural, following from this, mindfulness will also help process your emotions both on and off screen. With great emotional intelligence comes exceptional understanding of the character you are portraying, allowing for deep and meaningful performances that connect with an audience. Emotional intelligence will also aid you in auditions and on set anxiety, controlling your emotions, breathing and grounding exercises will set you up to perform with confidence and power, maintaining a sharp focus and creativity, all of which will help you stand out as an actor.
It is no secret the world of acting is full of rejection, criticism, high expectations and enormous pressure. Practising mindfulness will help you understand self compassion, resilience and being kind to you and others without losing confidence or passion for your craft.

But how can I incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine? 

Consider these daily practises;

• Start your day with a few minutes of meditation to set a calm and relaxing tone, this can be done with reflection, reading or some time outside. 
• Ground yourself with breathing or exercises such as body scanning or 5 senses before stepping into any role of performance. 
• Reflect on performances, without judgement, and focus on what you have done well and what you could improve
• Focus on the present moment and become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement with mindful yoga.

These daily practices will prevent burnouts, maintain balance and allow you to grow and stay open to new challenges and opportunities. Additionally, mindfulness builds stronger connections with scene partners by improving your ability to listen and engage spontaneously. Over time, these practices refine your ability to absorb feedback, identify areas for growth, and approach challenges with calm and resilience.
Though as an actor you may always be looking to improve your acting skills, mindfulness is essential in taking care of your mental, emotional and physical well-being. Through this you can remain present, emotionally available and creatively inspired, while navigating the pressures of this industry with confidence and a thick skin.
So whether you're preparing for an audition, stepping into a new role, or reflecting after a performance, mindfulness can guide you toward a more fulfilling and connected acting journey.

As an upcoming actor you’ve probably heard about spotlight but what exactly is it? 

Established in 1927, Spotlight is a casting website in the UK and is used to cast a variety of projects. From smaller projects to famous TV shows and feature films, Spotlight is more or less used by everyone including some of the biggest casting directors as it is considered industry standard. New roles are posted on there everyday.

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While there are other casting websites on the market, Spotlight is definitely the most recognisable and has been for years. There are a few requirements that apply for actors but it is definitely worth joining if you are eligible. 

In order to become a spotlight member you need to have at least one featured role with an equity or equivalent union contract or two contracted professional performance credits. If you don’t have either of them but do have at least a year of full time professional performance training equivalent to an RQF level 5 or two years of part time training, including IPM Acting classes, you will also be eligible for a membership. If you don’t have any of the requirements the best thing to do is try and get some experience in the industry and there ways to do this, the biggest one being through networking and contacts.
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Spotlight allows actors to create a profile where they can post their headshots, showreels, credits, contact details, training and if they have representation. All this information is then available for casting directors and agents who are looking for actors to cast or represent. 

Being on spotlight provides many benefits. It allows casting directors and industry professionals to easily find actors which can lead to more opportunities and auditions. It also is a great platform for actors to network with each other and industry professionals such as directors and producers.

Under 18s can get a spotlight membership, however, they must be signed with an agent to be eligible. Parents and guardians can not act as a child performer’s agent - the agent must be spotlight registered and experienced. Unlike Spotlight for over 18s, for young performers only the agent can see advertised roles and are the only who can put the young performer forward.

A majority of agents require actors to have a spotlight page as it is the most efficient way to put clients forward for roles, however, if you don’t have representation you’re still able to use the site you’ll just be down as self-represented. This means that you will have to be proactive in promoting yourself and putting yourself forward for suitable roles. If you have representation, once you’ve got a role your agent will be the main point of contact for the casting director and will deal with contracts, however, self-represented you will be the main point of contact.

If you are considering taking your acting career seriously, joining spotlight is definitely worth it. It provides a lot of brilliant opportunities for up-and-coming actors and is a great way to connect with others in the industry. 

Getting into character is crucial for artists to fully immerse themselves in a role. It allows them to deliver a more powerful and authentic performance that truly resonates with the audience. From understanding the character's background and motivations to embracing their emotions and physicality, it's all essential in creating a believable and captivating portrayal. By delving into the character's past, you can explore what drives their actions and understand how their journey unfolds. This deep understanding helps create performances that feel genuine and leave a lasting impact.

Here are some top tips on getting into character:

1. Do your research: Dive into your character's world. Read the script, study the time period, and understand the context. The more you know, the better you can embody the character.

2. Connect with their emotions: What do they feel? How do they express themselves? Tap into those emotions and let them guide your performance.

3. Find their physicality: How does your character move and carry themselves? Do they have any unique gestures or mannerisms? Explore these physical aspects to bring your character to life visually.

4. Experiment with voice and speech: Play around with your character's voice. Do they have a specific accent, tone, or way of speaking? Practice and refine it to make your character's voice distinct.

5. Practice improvisation: Try improvising as your character. This helps you understand how they would react and respond in different situations, making your performance more natural and spontaneous.

6. Seek feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from directors, fellow actors, or acting coaches. They can provide valuable insights and help you fine-tune your portrayal.

7. Stay in character: Even when you're not on stage or in front of the camera, try to stay in character. This helps you maintain the consistency and authenticity of your performance.

8. Try it in front of a camera: Even if it is just your phone this gives you a chance to watch it back and see if you believe the performance as well as showing others.

By conducting thorough research, connecting with the character's emotions, exploring their physicality, refining voice and speech, practicing improvisation, seeking feedback, and maintaining consistency, actors can create captivating performances. It is a journey that requires dedication, skill, and a deep understanding of the character's motivations and background. So, embrace the process, immerse yourself in the role, and let your talent shine on the screen.

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Monologues can be used to see a performer's acting ability, imagination, and understanding of a project's overarching narrative.

But what is a monologue? A monologues is a long speech performed by one character in a screen or stage production. They can help you further your skills, confidence and performance.
They are often used for auditions and self tapes, therefore it is important to ensure you are confident and calm when performing. 

Here are some essential tips to help you master your monologue!

• Read through the entire monologue - don't rush, take your time getting to know the script.
• Look up all the words you may not be familiar with - a better understanding of the vocabulary will help your delivery. 
• Try to pick a unique monologue - overdone and famous monologues can be risky with so many other people performing it.
• Don't worry about mistakes, just keep going and be confident. 
• Show your personality - it is important to be yourself and perform naturally. 

Memorising a monologue is also essential for any kind of audition, although mistakes can be looked past - it is important to always be as prepared as possible.

Here are some more top tips for memorising your monologues!

• Breaking your monologue up into beginning, middle and end may help in remembering it until you’re ready to piece it all together. 
• Visualise it ! You can watch the performance of it to help you memorise it via visuals but always remember to not copy the performance completely as this can be risky with you being compared to the original.
• Connect with it - if you can identify with the intentions, you will feel the emotions, and you can relate to the conflict.

Using all these you will - in no time - become a monologue master!

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The casting directors of ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Captain America’ reveal common mistakes that actors make in showreels, and what you should include in yours!
 If done well, a showreel is your key to getting more acting work. It’s the trailer that showcases you – and your talent – and can help make a first impression on casting directors. If a picture is worth a thousand words, just imagine how much your acting showreel says about you.
A bad showreel, however, can have the opposite effect, which is why understanding what casting professionals are looking for in a showreel is vital – as is avoiding the common mistakes that actors make.
 
What is a showreel in acting?
An acting showreel is video material of a performer acting on camera, so that casting professionals can get a better idea of who they are as an actor and what they can do. 
As Thom Hammond of Hammond Cox Casting says, “It’s not about having a great film showreel [or] lots of television drama. [...] It’s just having something that we can see of you on camera.”
It’s important to remember that an acting showreel should be simple and practical. It isn’t a short film – it doesn’t need to be beautiful or have music. Thom stresses that it just needs to be, “Some quick, accurate video.”
 
How long should an acting showreel be?
It’s recommended that you don’t have too much footage on your showreel. Frank Moiselle CSA advises that, “Two minutes is long enough, three minutes is plenty.”
Casting professionals are busy people and won’t have time to sit through showreels that are much longer than this.
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