Top 5 Resources... Number 5 - Casting Call Pro

Casting Call Pro is a website that allows for actors in the UK to electronically submit for projects and maintain an active online profile and resume that can be viewed by various industry people throughout all of England. Unlike many acting websites, Casting Call Pro allows you to customize your own hyperlink with many different audio visual materials. This enables working actors to upload reel footage, photos, and C.V.s, as well as chat on message boards about both industry related topics and life as an actor. You can also email frequent industry contacts. Casting Call Pro has become one place that I can use to access all these great tools. This makes it easier for the entire casting process all around. Time is not wasted by having actors have many different sets of hyperlinks for different mediums, and casting directors and other industry contacts have one place they can go if they want to find a significant amount of information about what type of opportunities and talents I can bring to their projects.

Another great benefit of Casting Call Pro is the ability to submit yourself for projects, even if you already have representation. Often times, submissions can only go via an agent or manager once an actor decides to be represented by them. With Casting Call Pro, you can always be rest assured that you are in full control of your submissions and your career.

Casting Call Pro is pioneering a new wave of web tools that actors will be using for many years to come. I defiantly think every industry professional should take a look at the Casting Call Pro website and see what types of services they offer.

Top 5 Resources... Number 1 - Spotlight

For me, as an actress, singer, dancer and TV presenter, it is imperative that I try to get as many auditions as possible. One of the best resources for this is Spotlight. Spotlight is a data base of professional performers in the UK. You must have earned a certain amount of credits in order to become a member. Upon joining, you are featured in the Spotlight Directory which comes in the form of both a book and a website. Casting directors, directors, producers, etc. can subscribe to the Spotlight Directory to enable them to search through and find appropriate actors/dancers/presenters/etc. that they are looking for.

I find Spotlight very useful since they also deal with the submissions for projects. This means that my agent, can submit me for work via the Spotlight interactive website without having me in the office or having to be with her.

When I was between agents, Spotlight emailed the submission breakdowns to me directly so I was able to submit myself in lieu of an agent. This was an invaluable opportunity for me to learn about the submission process and to see exactly what sort of work was being cast at the time. Submitting myself for projects also allowed me to learn about which types of roles I am strongly suitable for in the casting processes, as well as the different proportions of jobs there are everyday for working actors. (musical theater vs. film vs. stage) I would strongly advise any would-be actor in the UK to join Spotlight as it is the best way to get seen by casting directors, and it enables you the opportunity to submit for numerous projects which are often cast exclusively via the Spotlight link. Most agents insist on you being a member. Spotlight sells hard copies of the Directories and also a book called Contacts. This is the description of the book, Contacts, as displayed on the official Spotlight website:

"Contacts is the essential handbook for anyone working or looking to get started in the UK entertainment industry.

The new 2010 edition contains revised listings for over 5000 companies, services and individuals across all branches of Television, Stage, Film and Radio.

Whether you're looking for an agent or a casting director, a theatre or a rehearsal room, a photographer or a voice coach, wigs or props - Contacts can help.

Contacts also features pages of helpful advice for artists starting out in the industry, including valuable insights from leading industry professionals."

All in all, Spotlight is an excellent tool for any actor that is serious about wanting to expand their potential, learn how to market themselves, and who wants to take initiative and drive to move their career forward.

Top 5 Resources... Number 3 - Pineapple Studios

Pineapple Studios is a famous dance studio in Covent Garden, London, where numerous dance classes and professional, industry auditions are held. It is a great place to meet other dancers and performers; to network; and to make new friends in the industry.


I often attend ballet and jazz classes at Pineapple Studios. I find, in general, the classes are very well structured and well organised. I particularly love the Classical Ballet class taught by Ian Knowles. Ian is a wonderful teacher - so motivating and knowledgeable, and he makes each and every class a joy to be a part of. I have learnt so much from his classes.

I also love the Molly Molloy's Jazz class, which is currently taught by Linda. It is a full workout and is extremely technical. For the final 30 minutes of the class, you are taught a routine that is always so inspiring, challenging and enjoyable to learn and perform.
You can check out the timetable of classes at the Pineapple Studios website for the latest information on classes and teachers.

Pineapple Studios also offers therapies such as physiotherapy, reflexology, osteopathy and massage.


The Notice Board at Pineapple Studios is a great resource for auditions. It is often full of advertisements for auditions for musicals, music videos, TV shows, dance companies, short films, etc. It's a great way to discover new castings that are often not advertised on other sites.

Pineapple offers classes for beginners who are wanting to learn to dance; professional dancers who want a great class to keep them in peak physical condition; and training dancers who would like extra classes to give them more confidence and more strength to their work.