Blog Posts

An actor in old time clothes delivering a monologue onstage during a play.
Jun 27, 2023

Tips for Performing Your Best Monologue

At an open house event hosted by Spotlight, our sister site, Joe Richardson of the Guildford School of Acting led a wonderful session on auditioning for drama school. Here’s a recap of Joe’s sound advice on how to get your… Read More

A group of diverse choir members singing.
Jun 26, 2023

What’s Your Vocal Range and Voice Type?

Casting professionals will often search for singers whose vocal range and voice type suit a particular role. Clearly indicating these fantastic skills on your resume is integral to landing that perfect job. All the musical terminology can be confusing, and… Read More

A bearded casting director calling over an actor from the bench.
Jun 21, 2023

Casting Directors Discuss How Talent is Selected

In television and film casting, the decision of selecting an actor for a role typically rests with the production team, which includes the director, casting director, the producers and executive producers. While the casting process can be complex and involve… Read More

A nervous actress on an audition surrounded by lights, cameras and a mic.
Jun 20, 2023

5 Tricks to Manage Audition Nerves

When Dallas Buyers Club casting director Allison Estril was asked if casting directors can see past an actor’s nerves in the audition room, she recalled her own acting experiences. “This is a very good question. When I started out, I… Read More

Actors on stage performing a play. One recites a monologues, others sit in silence.
Jun 13, 2023

The Actor’s Job: Shining a Light on the Human Spirit

Every person has a story, and despite knowing this, there are moments when we may feel alone in our struggles as we navigate through our daily lives. But when we go to the theater, turn on the TV or watch… Read More

An actor on a blue stage giving a performance in front of a packed house.
Jun 12, 2023

Acting Coach Caryn West on the Importance of Knowing Your Character’s Function

What is your character’s function in the role and the scene? According to Caryn West, the answer to this question makes all the difference in giving a great performance. West is an acclaimed acting coach and teacher who is known… Read More

Actress Lupita Nyong'o smiling and striking a pose on the red carpet.
Jun 6, 2023

The Power of the Actor’s Giving Frame of Mind

Acting requires a deep emotional investment from the actor, which emerges from a profound commitment to the craft, plus collaboration with others to achieve a creative vision. It is a form of artistic expression that goes beyond rational calculations and… Read More

Twilight Actor Taylor Lautner in a suit and tie at an event smiling.
Jun 5, 2023

Should Actors Read Social Media Comments About Themselves?

Twilight star Taylor Lautner recently had a rude awakening when he checked his social media after an outing and saw a number of negative comments about him “not aging well.” In response, the actor posted a video where he said,… Read More

An actor on stage at the height of his acting career.
Jun 28, 2023

Seven Signs You Have A Professional Acting Career

I’ll never forget the eye-opening moment when I was asked by an agent whether or not I wanted to be an actor. I was crushed. After all, this was years into my ‘career’ (or what I thought was my career)…. Read More

Ana ctress with a very good hosting agent.
Jun 23, 2023

The Top 3 Things a Hosting Agent Looks for in a Reel

If you want a successful career in broadcast hosting, one of the first things you need to do is find a great agent to represent you. It may sound simple, but it’s tougher to get your foot in the door… Read More

Mockups for an actor's website.
Jun 16, 2023

Tips for Actor Websites

Do actors really need a website? According to casting director and social media consultant Amy Jo Berman, the answer is no; actors do not need their own websites to achieve their career goals. However, she firmly believes actors should have… Read More

Acting students listening to their teacher, who is also a casting director.
Jun 9, 2023

Listening is Key: What Directors Look for From Actors in Auditions

I was speaking with a group of television and film directors and asked them what are the top 3 things they look for when watching actors audition. One of those items we agreed was essential: “listening and reactions.” Here, we’ll dive in… Read More

Lucas Cruikshank, who as Fred Figglehorn, has taught us plenty of advice.
Jun 2, 2023

Lessons from Fred Figglehorn

For anyone who’s witnessed the irrepressible, obnoxious, high-pitched YouTube character Fred Figglehorn, you know that he can be a very annoying force of nature. The energetic and erratic Fred rants, raves, whines and fibs, yet he has endeared himself to… Read More