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The Spotlight Podcast

The Spotlight Podcast

Written by: Spotlight
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About this listen

 The Spotlight Podcast is for actors and performers navigating the performing arts and entertainment industry. Brought to you by Spotlight, the home of casting, our monthly podcast shares practical tips and expert advice for building and sustaining a successful performing career. Every episode we invite a guest to the studio to shine a spotlight on topics that affect the everyday work of actors and performers. Join us as we chat to casting directors, industry experts, performers, actors and agents about topics as varied as performer working rights, audition tips, how to make the most of your Spotlight membership through to an insider look at how projects are cast. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Find out more at https://www.spotlight.com/join-us This podcast is brought to you by Spotlight, supporting the careers of performers since 1927. From our beginnings as a printed directory where talent displayed their headshots, Spotlight quickly became a cornerstone of the performing arts industry. Today, our cutting-edge software service takes our directory online and empowers performers to showcase their talents by creating dynamic profiles, making them accessible to a vast network of casting directors and independent project creators. It’s our mission to simplify the discovery of new talent and ensure the continued vibrancy of stages and screens worldwide.Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Tips for Self-Assessment Tax Returns, Expenses and Making Tax Digital

    Tips for Self-Assessment Tax Returns, Expenses and Making Tax Digital
    Dec 18 2025

    Join us on this episode of The Spotlight Podcast for tax tips accountant and tax expert, Mark Carr from Streets. Mark offers his expertise as we discuss Self-Assessment deadlines, allowable expenses, and the forthcoming shift to Making Tax Digital.

    Tune in to learn:

    • How to register as self-employed and the steps for the Self-Assessment process.
    • The difference between registering as a Sole Trader versus setting up a Limited Company, and which might be right for your income level.
    • The golden rule for keeping track of your finances and Mark's advice on common mistakes.
    • A detailed breakdown of allowable expenses for performers – from your Spotlight membership, travel and training to surprising claims like cosmetic work – and what you absolutely cannot claim.
    • Everything you need to know about the forthcoming shift to Making Tax Digital (MTD) and how to prepare for it now.

    Listen to this essential episode of The Spotlight Podcast and ensure you meet the January deadline, minimise your tax bill, and stay on the right side of HMRC.

    Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

    Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, TV, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.
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    40 mins
  • Spotlight on Welsh Culture: An Interview with Minister Jack Sargeant

    Spotlight on Welsh Culture: An Interview with Minister Jack Sargeant
    Nov 7 2025

    In this insightful episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Jack Sargeant, the Welsh Labour Party's Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. A strong advocate for inclusivity and Welsh industry, the Minister dives into the heart of the performing arts, offering a perspective crucial for every working actor.

    Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

    Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, tv, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and start looking for auditions today. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.
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    31 mins
  • Who's Really Deciding the Future of the Arts? Lord Chris Smith Explains

    Who's Really Deciding the Future of the Arts? Lord Chris Smith Explains
    Oct 3 2025

    For performers, the decisions that shape their careers often feel distant, made behind closed doors by policymakers. In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Lord Chris Smith, the UK’s first Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and a lifelong advocate for the performing arts, to pull back the curtain on how cultural policy is made and why your voice is critical.

    Never miss an episode: subscribe to The Spotlight Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

    Join Spotlight to be discovered by casting professionals working in theatre, film, tv, voice over, commercials and more! Find out about our membership options and start looking for auditions today. Ready to take the next step in your performing career? Apply today.
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    37 mins
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