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Today, The Spotlight casting directories contain listings for over 30,000 entertainment professionals including actors, actresses, child artists, presenters and stunt artists.
The directories are used widely by casting professionals in TV, radio, theatre and film when seeking talent for their latest productions. The books are published annually and feature photographs and agent contact details for every artist listed.
On the web
You can also access The Spotlight Interactive at www.spotlightcd.com, where more detailed information is featured about every artist, including their credits, specialist skills, voice clips and show-reels. The website features a search engine allowing casting directors to search for actors or actresses by very specific criteria, and also lists "behind-camera" specialists such as Directors, Stage Managers, Choreographers and Casting Directors.
Joining Spotlight
You must have professional experience or training at a recognised drama school to appear in Spotlight. To become a member, you need to apply in writing with a CV to: 'Applications', at the address at the bottom of this page.
Drama training
The Spotlight always advises hopeful actors to undertake full-time training at a recognised drama school, which is either a member of the CDS (Conference of Drama Schools) or offers NCDT (National Council for Drama Training) accredited courses. You can search for courses using the UKP-Arts Course Finder above!
In your final year of training at one of these schools you will be invited to appear in Spotlight Graduates: a specialist directory which introduces new acting talent to the industry. It is published annually in March and is distributed to all major UK Agents and Casting Directors, giving you vital industry exposure prior to your final showcases.
The Spotlight also visits most drama schools once a year to talk to students, and offers a free service to CDS schools called The Performance Calendar, where school principals can list their upcoming showcases and make sure that key industry figures attend. There is also an annual Spotlight prize of £2,500 for the two most promising final-year students from a CDS school.
Career advice
Once you are a member of Spotlight, you also have access to a free telephone advisory service, which offers impartial career advice from drama school onwards.
Visiting Spotlight
The Spotlight offices are open Monday - Friday from 10-5pm. Anyone is welcome to visit, browse through their directories and ask questions. They offer free Internet access to Spotlight Interactive, so you can update your CV once you are a member. They also have a collection of photography portfolios to help you choose a photographer for your next promotional shoot.
Contacting The Spotlight
To become a member or if you just need some more help and advice, use the following contact information:
The Spotlight
7 Leicester Place
London WC2H 7RJ
t: 020 7437 7631
f: 020 7437 5881
w: www.spotlightcd.com
e: info@spotlightcd.com |
