Spotlight 101: What Every Aspiring Actor Needs to Know

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. 

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