The Spotlight Prize is our annual event where selected graduate nominees showcase their talents in front of industry professionals. Since the 50s, its has been an exciting opportunity for graduates to perform in front of an audience of leading industry figures, helping to establish their careers as professional performers. Previous finalists include Bessie Carter, Jodie Whittaker, Ben Wishaw, Edward Bluemel, Rosalind Eleazar, Sam Heughan, Gwendoline Christie, Joel Fry and Yasmin Mwanza amongst others.

Over 70 drama schools and universities were invited to nominate a student from their graduating class to submit a self-tape audition for this year’s Spotlight Prize. The 19 finalists were selected by a panel of industry experts based on the quality of their audition. This year one of the 19 graduates nominated by their drama schools will take away the prize for Best Actor (Stage) and Best Actor (Screen), winning themselves £2000 and joining a glittering alumni of previous winners.

We’re delighted to welcome back Paulette Randall MBE to direct the finalists as they film their monologues for the Best Actor (Screen) award and thrilled that Atri Banerjee will be directing their stage performances as part of the Best Actor (Stage) award.

Click below to find out more about our 2022 nominees and watch their performances.