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Hi there. I'm 21 and have just graduated University studying Science. I was pressurised to study a 'real' topic by my parents, although my plan was always to go into acting. I'm aware that without a Spotlight membership, your chances of paid work are pretty much minimal. I have had acting classes in the past and taken part in a number of student and unpaid projects - although Spotlight require formal training (which at this point would not be an option as it's so expensive) or 4 professional paid acting credits. I also have a number of auditions with agencies quickly approaching, but all will require clients to have a Spotlight membership if accepted.

I was just wondering if anyone has any words of advice on where I could go from here? Nows the time to really go for this as i've put it on hold for three years, but pretty much feel stuck and out of options.

Thanks for your time,

Bebo

Hi bebo and welcome to NAPM.

I think there is quite a lot you can do without Spotlight entry. You are quite right that it is something you will need, but you can work towards it - it probably won't be a quick process though. If an agent is interested enough in you then they should be prepared to accept you without a Spotlight entry, on the understanding that you will get Spotlight entry as soon as you are eligible. On the other hand, the agents may say "come back when you have Spotlight entry and a bit more on your CV" or they may very well say "let us know when you are in something we can come and see".

It is quite possible that you will be accepted for membership of Casting Call Pro. Although they do stipulate the same entry criteria as Spotlight, they don't seem to be as...umm....robust...in checking applications. With membership of CCP you can then apply for paying jobs (though there aren't many) on their site. You could also (if you've got enough money after paying for CCP ) join Castweb who regularly carry a lot of very good information about paid work - particularly commercials. Getting some featured work in commercials may be your best route to Spotlight (not that it's easy, but it's possible) because CDs for commercials tend to call in quite a few people for auditions and don't particularly mind if you have no representation.

You are very unlikely to be able to get any paid TV or Film work without an agent.

You can also research small scale theatre companies. They often have websites which give details about how they go about casting.

You can consider trying to get a showreel together - this can be a very good tool to interest agents (and, once you are in Spotlight, Casting Directors). Apply for as many student and low budget films as you can - or you could consider paying for a "shot from scratch" reel - do plenty of research though because some of them are dreadful!!

I recommend getting the Actors Handbook or Yearbook (whatever it's currently called). You can get previous years' second hand copies very cheaply from Amazon market place. There are lots of contacts in the book but also some very interesting and informative articles for people just starting out.

Simon Dunmore's, "An Actor's Guide to Getting Work" could also be useful. Also, "Make Acting Work" , Chrys Salt and "So You Want to Tread the Boards" - Jennifer Reischel. They will all give you more information about how the profession works.

Work is really, really, really hard to come by . I know some truly wonderful actors who have trained at top drama schools and who have agents who haven't had a single acting job so far this year...

Thankyou so much for such a detailed reply. I'm already on Casting Call Pro and subscribe to CastWeb but will definately look into your suggestions. I guess Spotlight need to have high requirements to ensure that no time-wasters are considered for projects. I'd love to do a MA in acting but the course fees are really expensive so I think it might be best to work for a couple of years and get some money together - kind of annoying but I guess if i'm serious about this type of work it will be worth waiting for! Thanks again for your reply, really appreciate your time.

All the best,

Bebo