Skip to a section:<\/p>\n
There are many different ways to get into the performing arts. The most important thing at the start of your career is to train and gain experience.<\/p>\n
A lot of actors start off in small low-budget stage or film productions to build up their experience and from there they start moving on to bigger jobs, so they can gain more credits. Read our advice about\u00a0how to gain experience when you’re starting out<\/a>\u00a0for more tips.<\/p>\n Going to a drama school to gain a thorough grounding in performing techniques will give you the building blocks for a successful career and allows you to mix with other like-minded people to gain those all-important connections that will help you as you progress. If drama school is something you’re considering, read our guide to the different\u00a0training routes for performers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Networking with other members of the industry is also a good way to meet people and learn about how things work. We know it can be daunting but we have lots of advice about\u00a0how to network as a performer<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are a number of ways that you can qualify for Spotlight membership. To join us, a new performer will need to have one of the following:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you’re a\u00a0graduate<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0young performer aged under 18<\/a>\u00a0then there are different ways to join and you can find more information about\u00a0how to join Spotlight here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Equity<\/a>\u00a0represents both professional performers and creative practitioners. Its key purpose is to negotiate minimum terms and conditions of employment, as well as offer support and advice on contractual and legal issues.<\/p>\n The union also provides a campaigning voice, ensures equal opportunities and helps set standards across the industry.<\/p>\n Spotlight is impartial when it comes to advising performers but a good starting point is the\u00a0Contacts<\/a>\u00a0section of our website, which provides listings for everything from agents to casting directors, photographers to drama schools. You can use this tool to search your local area for agencies that could be best suited for you.<\/p>\n As a general rule, you should never pay an agency any\u00a0upfront fees<\/a>\u00a0and you should always check any contract you are asked to sign. Read our helpful article about\u00a0finding and signing with an agent<\/a>\u00a0for more advice.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Contacts<\/a>\u00a0section of our website\u00a0will give you the details of lots of photographers who specialise in headshots.\u00a0It\u2019s important to choose a photographer who caters to your needs as a performer. For example, don\u2019t choose a photographer that specialises in musicians when you are an actor or dancer.<\/p>\n Your photograph is the first thing casting directors will see when you apply for jobs, so you want them to be good quality and appealing.<\/p>\n We have lots of\u00a0advice on headshots<\/a>\u00a0and also a guide detailing\u00a0what you can expect on your first headshot session<\/a>. It’s also worth reading our article about\u00a0how to spot photoshoot scams<\/a>\u00a0so you don’t end up dealing with unscrupulous companies or individuals.<\/p>\n Spotlight is unable to pass on fan mail on your behalf even for unrepresented performers. If you wish to send fan mail then you will need to research who the performer\u2019s agent is, and contact their agent\/PR directly.<\/p>\n Spotlight can provide agent details if the agent and performer both appear on Spotlight.<\/p>\n If you have any concerns about the contract you are signing please seek advice before agreeing to sign it. You should never agree to terms you are not completely comfortable with. You may wish to speak to\u00a0Equity<\/a>\u00a0or seek\u00a0legal advice<\/a>\u00a0for peace of mind.<\/p>\n Our\u00a0top tips for understanding contracts<\/a>\u00a0may also be useful.<\/p>\n Our Contacts listings<\/a>\u00a0are free to use and contain resources across the industry. We also provide free articles and videos\u00a0online so take a look at our website’s\u00a0News and Advice section<\/a>\u00a0for lots more industry advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We answer the questions most frequently asked about starting out as a performer. Skip to a section: How do I become an actor? How do I join Spotlight? Is there a union for performers? How do I know what agency is right for me? Where can I find a headshot photographer? Does Spotlight pass on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":945,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-help-and-faqs"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>How do I join Spotlight as a performer member?<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Is there a union for performers in the UK?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Where can I get advice on which agency is right for me?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>I need to have my headshots done, which photographer should I use?<\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Can Spotlight pass on fan mail?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Can I get information about someone’s agent?<\/h3>\n
<\/a>I am concerned about the contract I am being asked to sign, what should I do?<\/h3>\n
How do I find out more about the industry?<\/h3>\n