Blog Blog Posts

An actress in front of a camera auditioning for a role.
Jul 5, 2023

How To Prepare for an Audition

Audition preparation is a vital and indispensable aspect of the performing arts world, serving as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring actors, musicians, dancers and artists of all kinds. With diligent and thorough preparation, performers can truly showcase their talents,… Read More

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

A bearded acting teacher training two of his students.
May 31, 2023

4 Insights for New Talent from Acting Coach Larry Moss

The legendary acting teacher Larry Moss has directed numerous theater productions and coached countless actors for stage and screen for over forty years. Among the celebrated talents he’s worked with are Helen Hunt on her Oscar-winning role in As Good… Read More

A vocal coach training one of her students.
May 30, 2023

Teachings of Master Vocal Coach Patsy Rodenburg

Patsy Rodenburg is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading voice coaches with over 40 years of experience of bringing people “into the center of their voice and presence.” She served as the Head of Voice at the Guildhall… Read More

Jenna Ortega attending an event in front of a black and white backdrop.
May 23, 2023

17 Famous Actors on the Teachers That Changed Their Lives

Teachers provide a strong influence on our lives, and create the foundation that many of us need to pursue our interests and careers. In the spirit of gratitude, let’s look at the words of acknowledgment and appreciation that famous actors… Read More

A group of actors on a casting call sitting next to a cartoon robot, also waiting to be called.
May 22, 2023

AI’s Impact on Actors

Artificial intelligence is rapidly and continually evolving, and is now widely available across the globe. The widespread and accelerated distribution of this technology is sure to impact various sectors, including the entertainment industry. With the world poised for significant change,… Read More

Actress Sarah Michele Gellar wearing a black shirt with pink hearts.
May 16, 2023

Playing Characters You Despise

Actors are always seeking new opportunities—a compelling and challenging role, a chance to work with intriguing people in the business, a considerable financial opportunity. But what if the next gig comes with the price tag of loathing the character you… Read More

Casting Director Erica Hart attending an event wearing a red top and red pants.
May 15, 2023

Insights from Broadway Casting Directors

Celebrated theater casting directors shared valuable insights with performers during a recent SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations on Broadway interview. They shared worthwhile advice about actor tapes, what gets lost in the self tape audition process, and their perspective on one-line roles…. Read More