ActorCV presents a comprehensive directory for UK theatre and screen actors — with plain-English descriptions so you know what each link is actually for.
Essential
Agents
Casting Directors
Unions & Bodies
Training & Education
Scripts & Resources
Theatres – London
Theatres – Britain
Theatre Companies
Fringe & Spaces
Children’s & TIE
Photographers – Portrait
Photographers – Production
Publications
Voice & Audio
Screen & Film
Digital Performance
Tickets
Dance
Technical & Suppliers
Essential Starting Points
If you do nothing else, know theseSpotlight Added
The UK’s primary actor directory — casting directors use it every day. Most professional actors carry a Spotlight membership. It’s the closest thing the industry has to a central register.
EssentialEquity
The UK trade union for actors and performers. Protects your rights, sets minimum rates, and provides legal support. Worth joining even early in your career.
EssentialThe Mandy Network Added
Formerly Casting Call Pro (CCP) — rebranded as The Mandy Network. Hundreds of UK casting calls per week across theatre, film, TV and commercials.
The Stage
The industry newspaper. News, reviews, and crucially — jobs. The Stage jobs board is one of the main places theatre companies advertise acting work.
EssentialCasting Directors Guild
The professional body for UK casting directors. Lists verified members — useful for checking whether a casting director is legitimate.
Casting Callback Added
A free casting platform — unusual in an industry where actors often pay to find work. Covers theatre, film, TV and commercials with verified employers.
FreeAgents
Always check whether an agent’s books are open before submitting. Most accept email submissions only — check each agency’s website for their current policy.
Amanda Howard Associates
London-based agency representing a broad range of stage and screen talent.
Amber Personal Management
Personal management agency with clients across theatre, film and TV.
APM Associates
Boutique agency with a reputation for personal client care.
AWA
UK talent agency representing actors across stage and screen.
BAM Associates
Talent agency covering stage, screen and commercial work.
Billboard Personal Management
Long-established personal management company.
Brunskill Management
Represents actors and presenters with credits across major broadcasters.
Carey Dodd Associates
Agency with a focus on quality stage and screen work.
Caroline Dawson Associates
London agency representing theatre and television performers.
Caroline Phillips Management
Personal management representing a selective roster of clients.
CiekaBailey Associates
Agency representing performers across stage and screen.
David Daly
Established agency with experience across commercial and dramatic work.
Eamonn Bedford Agency
Representing actors for stage, screen and commercial work.
Emma Engers Associates
Boutique agency known for close working relationships with clients.
Gavin Barker Associates
Represents performers with strong West End and touring credits.
Global Artists
Mid-size agency covering theatre, television and international work.
Hobsons
Long-standing London agency with particular strength in voiceover and presenting.
Identity Agency Group
One of the UK’s leading agencies for diverse talent, with a strong EDI focus.
Independent Talent Group
High-profile agency representing names across film, TV and stage internationally.
International Artistes
Established agency representing performers across entertainment.
Jane Hollowood Associates
Personal management with a focus on stage and television work.
Jane Lehrer Associates
Boutique personal management, clients across stage and screen.
Jeremy Brook Ltd
UK talent agency representing performers across all media.
Jessica Carney Associates
Personal management representing theatrical performers.
JPA Associates
Talent agency covering stage, screen and commercial sectors.
Keren Rose
Personal management representing actors across theatre and television.
Lovett Logan Associates
Agency representing performers with stage and screen credits.
Macfarlane Chard
Established agency with clients in drama and light entertainment.
Mahoney Bannon Associates
UK talent agency covering all performance sectors.
Marmont Management
Represents performers across stage, screen and commercial sectors.
Milburn Browning Associates
Personal management agency representing actors for stage and screen.
Nancy Hudson Associates
London agency with a range of stage and screen credits.
Pelham Associates
Brighton-based agency — useful to know if you’re based outside London.
Pemberton Associates
Represents actors across major theatre and television productions.
Performance Actors Agency
UK agency representing performers across stage and screen.
Rebecca Singer Management
Personal management agency with theatre and television clients.
Rowe Associates
UK agency representing actors across stage and screen.
Sandra Singer Associates
Well-established agency with a strong track record in musical theatre.
Sharon Henry Management
Personal management representing performers across all media.
Simon & How
Respected agency with a theatrical focus and strong casting relationships.
The Artists Partnership
Major agency representing leading names in film, theatre and television.
Vagabonds Management
Boutique agency specialising in theatrical and fringe performers.
Casting Directors
Casting directors work on specific productions and do not generally hold open submissions. Your best route is through your agent or via Spotlight. The CDG (above) maintains a verified list of members.
Aisha Bywaters
Casting credits across British theatre and television.
Ali Coffey
Irish and UK stage and screen casting.
Andrea Clark
UK casting director for stage and screen.
Andy Brierley
Theatre and screen casting professional.
Anna McAuley
Stage and screen casting across the UK and Ireland.
Barry Coyle
Casting director with credits across stage and screen.
Charlotte Chapman
UK casting director across theatre and television.
Claire Bleasdale
Theatre and television casting across the UK.
Claire Catterson
Casting director with stage and screen credits.
Claire Curry
Casting for theatre and screen productions.
Des Hamilton
Extensive credits in both stage and screen casting.
Emma Callinan
Theatrical casting with strong regional theatre relationships.
Ginny Schiller
Freelance casting director with a strong theatrical record.
Gilbert & Covell (Katy Covell & Ollie Gilbert)
Casting for theatre and television across the UK.
Harry Blumenau
Casting director working across theatre and television.
Heather Basten
Theatrical casting with a strong fringe and new writing record.
Hammond Cox (Michael Cox)
UK casting for theatre and screen.
Ilene Starger (US)
US-based casting director — useful for actors with transatlantic ambitions.
Jane Anderson
Casting for theatre and screen; long-standing industry presence.
Jessica Ronane
Casting director known for new writing and diversity in casting.
Kathleen Crawford
UK casting director across stage and screen.
Kharmel Cochrane
Highly regarded for independent film and stage casting.
Leila Bertrand
UK casting director with screen and stage credits.
Louise Collins
Casting across theatre, TV and film.
Louise Cross
Theatrical and screen casting; associated with regional companies.
Nancy Bishop
International screen casting, often involving UK actors for European productions.
Pearson Casting
UK and US productions — a useful transatlantic contact.
Sally Broome
Theatrical and screen casting across UK productions.
Sarah Crowe
Well-regarded theatrical casting with strong RSC connections.
Shaheen Baig
Award-winning casting director for film and television.
Stephen Crockett / Will Burton (Grindrod & Burton)
Casting for theatre and television across the UK.
Stephen Moore
Casting for theatre and screen; long career in the industry.
Stuart Burt
Screen and theatre casting; associates with major companies.
Sydney Aldridge
Casting director working across theatre and television.
Unions, Guilds & Industry Bodies
Equity
The UK union for actors and performing artists. Negotiates minimum terms, provides legal advice, and campaigns for the industry.
Agents Association of Great Britain
The trade body for UK talent agents — useful for checking whether an agent is a registered member.
Arts Council England
The national funding body for arts in England. Their site lists grants and funding available to performers and companies.
Arts Council Northern Ireland
Funding and development support for arts in Northern Ireland.
Creative Scotland
Scotland’s arts funding and development agency — equivalent of Arts Council England.
Arts Council of Wales
Funding and support for arts and culture in Wales.
Association of Lighting Designers
Professional body for lighting designers — useful context for production environments.
BECTU
Union for technical and backstage workers in broadcasting, entertainment and theatre.
Casting Directors Guild (CDG)
Professional body for UK casting directors. Members must meet professional standards — a good legitimacy check.
CDS – Conference of Drama Schools
Lists all accredited UK drama schools in one place. Essential starting point for anyone researching formal training.
Centre for Performance Research
Research and resources for contemporary performance practice.
Directors Guild of Great Britain
Professional body for directors across all media — useful if you direct as well as perform.
Independent Theatre Council (ITC)
Management association for independent small-scale theatres and touring companies. Their job board is a good source for fringe and touring work.
National Association of Youth Theatres
Umbrella body for youth theatre across the UK.
Professional Lighting and Sound Association
Trade body for the entertainment technology industry.
Society of British Theatre Designers
Professional body representing designers working in UK theatre.
Society of London Theatre (SOLT)
Represents West End and major London venue producers. Organises the Olivier Awards.
Stage Management Association
Professional body for stage managers — useful for understanding who does what in production.
Theatrical Management Association
UK trade body for theatre managers and producers.
UK Theatre Added
Industry body for producing and presenting theatres across the UK. Useful for understanding how the wider sector is structured.
Training & Education
Actors Centre
Professional development for working actors — not a drama school. Workshops, classes, and industry events in London.
ALRA – Academy of Live and Recorded Arts
Based in London and Lancashire. Offers conservatoire-style actor training.
American Musical Theatre Academy
UK campus offering musical theatre training with a US-influenced approach.
Arts Educational
London school specialising in musical theatre and acting; strong West End connections.
ASAD – Academy of Science of Acting and Directing
London-based acting school with a distinctive methodology.
Birmingham School of Acting
Part of Birmingham City University — accredited acting training in the Midlands.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
One of the UK’s leading conservatoires, attached to Bristol Old Vic theatre.
CDS – Conference of Drama Schools
Lists all accredited UK drama schools. The essential starting point for researching formal training.
Start hereCentral School of Speech and Drama
Part of University of London. Strong across performance, directing and applied theatre.
Centre for Performance Research
Research, resources and events for contemporary and experimental performance.
Compass Theatre – Ickenham
Community and training theatre in West London.
Drama Centre London
Part of Central Saint Martins — known for a rigorous method-based approach.
Drama Studio London
One-year intensive postgraduate acting course — fast-track professional training.
East 15
Part of University of Essex — known for physical and devised theatre.
Guildford School of Acting
Accredited drama school at the University of Surrey — strong musical theatre programme.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Located in the Barbican — one of Europe’s leading conservatoires for drama and music.
Italia Conti
One of the UK’s oldest performing arts schools, based in London.
LAMDA
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art — leading drama school with a strong Shakespeare tradition.
Mountview
Drama school in London with a strong musical theatre offering alongside drama.
Oxford School of Drama
Small, intensive drama school with a strong reputation for producing working actors.
RADA
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art — one of the UK’s most prestigious drama schools.
Redroofs
Performing arts school in Maidenhead — covering acting, dance and singing.
Ridgeway Studios
Performing arts training and studio space.
Rose Bruford College
Accredited drama conservatoire in Sidcup, Kent — broad range of performance programmes.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Scotland’s national conservatoire for music, drama, dance and production.
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
National conservatoire for Wales, based in Cardiff.
ScreenSkills Added
Industry skills body for UK screen. Training, bursaries and career advice for film and TV — valuable for actors moving into screen work.
The Rep College
Actor training with a focus on repertory and classical performance.
Vocaltech
Specialist vocal training and music performance education.
Scripts, Resources & Audition Material
Concord Theatricals Updated
Now the UK home of Samuel French — the world’s largest theatrical licensing company. Buy or license scripts for plays and musicals, from classics to new writing.
Stage Plays
UK publisher and licensing agent for a wide range of plays — good for less mainstream titles.
Nick Hern Books Added
Publisher specialising in contemporary British and international plays. The leading source for new writing from the National, Royal Court and Almeida — excellent for current audition monologues.
Monologue Archive Added
Free online collection of classical and contemporary monologues. Useful for finding audition material — always verify against published editions.
FreeTheatres – London
Adelphi
West End venue on the Strand — long-running musicals and major productions.
Aldwych
West End receiving house on the Aldwych.
Almeida
Islington-based theatre known for bold new productions and star-led revivals.
Ambassadors
Intimate West End theatre in St Martin’s Lane.
Apollo / Duchess / Garrick / Lyrics / Vaudeville
Group of Nimax-operated West End theatres.
Apollo Victoria
Large West End house near Victoria station — home to long-running musicals.
Arcola
Dalston venue with a strong track record of transfers and career-launching productions.
Barbican
Major international arts centre in the City — large-scale productions and world-class visiting companies.
Bloomsbury – UCL
Theatre at University College London — performances and events.
Bridge Theatre
Modern theatre beside Tower Bridge, run by Nicholas Hytner. Flexible staging and adventurous productions.
Bunker Theatre
South London theatre with a new writing focus.
Bush
Shepherd’s Bush new writing theatre — strong track record of premiering important plays.
Cambridge Theatre
West End venue in the Seven Dials area.
Charing Cross Theatre
Intimate venue beneath Charing Cross station — strong musical theatre programme.
Coliseum (ENO)
English National Opera at the London Coliseum — performs opera in English.
Delfont Rooms
Delfont Mackintosh studio and event space.
Donmar Warehouse
Intimate studio theatre in Covent Garden — consistently one of London’s finest.
Gielgud
Shaftesbury Avenue West End theatre, part of Delfont Mackintosh group.
Greenwich Theatre
Producing theatre in South East London with a community and youth focus.
Haymarket – Theatre Royal
One of the oldest working theatres in London — major productions and star vehicles.
Her Majesty’s
Haymarket theatre, home of The Phantom of the Opera for decades.
Jermyn Street Theatre
Tiny but influential basement theatre near Piccadilly — a launching pad for new work and revivals.
Leicester Square Theatre
Mid-size venue in the heart of the West End — comedy, cabaret and new work.
Lilian Baylis / Peacock / Sadler’s Wells
The UK’s premier dance venue group, in Islington — three stages across London.
London Palladium
Iconic variety and musical theatre venue on Argyll Street.
Lyceum Theatre
West End theatre, long-running home of The Lion King.
Lyric Hammersmith
West London theatre with strong community and education work alongside major productions.
Marylebone Theatre
Newer venue with a strong fringe-to-mainstream programme and a growing reputation.
National Theatre
One of the world’s great theatres on the South Bank. Three stages plus extensive free NT Learning resources.
New London Theatre
West End venue in Drury Lane.
Noël Coward Theatre
West End theatre in St Martin’s Lane.
Novello
West End theatre on the Aldwych, part of Delfont Mackintosh group.
Old Vic
Historic 1,000-seat theatre near Waterloo — West End standard productions with an independent spirit.
Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park
Outdoor venue running May–September. Regular musicals and Shakespeare — beloved summer institution.
Orange Tree
Richmond theatre-in-the-round — reputation for rediscovered plays and new writing.
Palace Theatre
Large West End theatre on Cambridge Circus.
Phoenix / Piccadilly
West End venues operated by Ambassador Theatre Group.
Prince Edward / Prince of Wales / Queens / Wyndhams
Delfont Mackintosh-operated West End theatres.
Royal Albert Hall
Iconic South Kensington venue — concerts, opera, and large-scale events.
Royal Court
The UK’s leading new writing theatre — instrumental in launching many major careers.
Royal Festival Hall / Southbank Centre
Major arts complex on the South Bank — music, dance, literature and performance.
Royal Opera House
Covent Garden — home of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Open-air Elizabethan playhouse on Bankside. Also runs the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Soho Theatre
Comedy, new writing and cabaret in the heart of the West End. Active development programme for new work.
St Martin’s
Home of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap — the world’s longest-running play.
The Other Palace
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s studio theatre near Victoria — specialist musical theatre development.
The Print Room
London theatre with a focus on intimate, European-influenced work.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
One of London’s oldest and largest theatres — major musicals and events.
Trafalgar Studios
Twin studio theatres in Whitehall — intimate space for new and classic work.
Wigmore Hall
World-renowned recital hall in Marylebone — principally classical music.
Young Vic
Waterloo theatre renowned for adventurous, inclusive programming and director development.
Theatres – Britain
Basingstoke Haymarket
Anvil Arts venue in Basingstoke — producing and receiving.
Bath Theatre Royal
One of the oldest continuously running theatres in Britain outside London.
Belfast Lyric
Northern Ireland’s principal producing theatre.
Blackpool Grand
Grand Victorian theatre in Blackpool — touring productions and pantomime.
Bradford – Alhambra
Major Bradford venue for touring musicals, ballet and pantomime.
Bristol Old Vic
The oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world. Major regional powerhouse.
Buxton Opera House
Edwardian opera house in Derbyshire — hosts the Buxton International Festival.
Cambridge Corn Exchange
Large events venue in Cambridge used for concerts and productions.
Cheltenham Everyman
Producing and receiving theatre in Cheltenham.
Chichester Festival
Major producing house with a prestigious summer festival tradition.
Clwyd Theatr Cymru
North Wales producing and receiving theatre.
Coventry Belgrade
Producing theatre — historically important as a pioneer of Theatre in Education.
Dartford Orchard
Major Kent receiving house for touring productions.
Derby Playhouse
Derby’s producing theatre.
Dukes Theatre – Lancaster
Producing theatre in Lancaster known for outdoor promenade productions.
Dunfermline Alhambra
Scottish venue for touring productions and events.
Exeter Northcott
South West producing and receiving theatre.
Glasgow Theatre Royal
Historic receiving house in Glasgow — Scottish Opera’s main venue.
Glasgow Tron
Glasgow’s city-centre producing theatre with a strong new work programme.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Important South East producing and receiving house — frequent pre-London tryouts.
Hayes – Beck Theatre
West London receiving venue for touring productions.
Home Manchester
International arts centre combining theatre, film and visual arts in Manchester.
Hornchurch Queens
Producing theatre in Hornchurch, Essex — significant East London regional house.
Ipswich Regent
Large receiving venue in Ipswich for touring productions and events.
Jersey Opera House
Channel Islands venue for touring theatre, music and dance.
Leeds Playhouse
One of the UK’s leading producing houses outside London.
Leicester Curve
Major producing venue known particularly for musical theatre.
Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse
Twin-venue operation in Liverpool — both producing and receiving.
Llandudno Venue Cymru
North Wales’s principal receiving venue for touring productions.
Manchester Lowry
Major Salford arts complex — theatre, art gallery and events.
Manchester Royal Exchange
Theatre-in-the-round in Manchester’s historic Exchange building — landmark regional work.
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Grand Victorian receiving house in Newcastle, presenting touring productions.
Northern Stage
Newcastle’s main producing theatre — a significant regional voice.
Nottingham Playhouse
Major East Midlands producing theatre.
Oxford – New Theatre
Large Oxford receiving venue for touring musicals and productions.
Oxford Playhouse
Producing and receiving theatre in Oxford city centre.
Pitlochry Festival
Scottish repertory theatre running a celebrated summer season of plays in rotation.
Reading – Hexagon
Reading’s main venue for touring productions and events.
Rose Theatre Kingston
Producing theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames — strong regional profile.
Salisbury Playhouse
Producing theatre in Wiltshire with a loyal regional audience.
Scarborough – Stephen Joseph
Alan Ayckbourn’s famous home theatre — world premieres happen here regularly.
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Wales’s most important producing theatre for English-language work.
Southampton – Mayflower
Large receiving house in Southampton for major touring shows.
Storyhouse – Chester
Award-winning producing venue combining library, cinema and theatre.
The Theatre, Chipping Norton
Producing and receiving theatre in the Cotswolds.
Warwick Arts Centre
Major arts complex at the University of Warwick — theatre, music and visual arts.
Watford Palace
Community-rooted producing theatre in Hertfordshire.
West Berkshire Playhouse (Watermill)
The Watermill Theatre in Newbury — intimate producing house with a fine reputation.
West Yorkshire Playhouse
Now operating as Leeds Playhouse — see above.
Wimborne Tivoli
Dorset venue for touring and community productions.
Winchester Theatre Royal
Hampshire receiving theatre for touring productions.
York Theatre Royal
Producing and receiving theatre in York with a strong community programme.
Theatre Companies
Birmingham Rep
One of England’s most important regional producing theatres.
Border Crossings
International and intercultural theatre company making work across global traditions.
Box Clever Theatre
Education touring company performing to young audiences in schools and venues.
Cheek By Jowl
Internationally renowned company known for distinctive classical productions.
Citizens Theatre – Glasgow
Major Scottish producing theatre with a long tradition of adventurous work.
Clod Ensemble
Physical performance company combining movement, music and text.
Compass Theatre – Ickenham
Community and studio theatre company in West London.
Creation Theatre
Oxford-based company known for immersive and site-specific productions.
Donmar Warehouse
Producing venue and company — see Theatres London.
English National Opera (Coliseum)
Major opera company performing in English at the London Coliseum.
English Touring Theatre
Major touring company taking quality productions to venues across England.
Epsilon Productions
UK theatre production company.
Ex Machina
Robert Lepage’s celebrated international theatre company (Quebec-based, but tours widely to UK).
Filter Theatre Company
UK company known for playful, music-driven productions and original approaches to text.
Flying Pig Productions
UK theatre production company.
Forced Entertainment
Influential Sheffield-based experimental company — significant in contemporary performance.
Foursight Theatre
Midlands-based touring company with a strong community engagement programme.
Graeae Theatre Company
Leading company of Deaf and disabled theatre artists — important for inclusive practice.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Important South East producing house — frequent pre-London tryouts.
Hampstead Theatre
Leading new writing venue in North London — often a stepping stone to major transfers.
Headlong
Touring company producing bold, politically engaged new work and reimagined classics.
HOME Manchester
International arts centre combining theatre, film and visual arts in Manchester.
Hull Truck
Producing house in Hull with a strong tradition of new writing and community work.
Imitating The Dog
Leeds-based company fusing digital media with live performance in inventive ways.
Improbable
UK company making unexpected, collaborative theatre — also known for Open Space facilitation.
Kaos Theatre
London-based company known for physical and visually innovative productions.
Library Theatre – Manchester
Manchester’s producing theatre — now incorporated into HOME Manchester.
London Bubble Theatre
Community theatre company in South East London with a strong participatory focus.
Lung Theatre
Verbatim theatre company creating work from real testimonies — notable for political impact.
Natural Theatre Company
Bath-based company known for site-specific and outdoor performance.
Northern Broadsides
Yorkshire-based touring company producing Shakespeare and new work with a Northern voice.
Out Of Joint
Touring company associated with new writing and political theatre.
Paines Plough
UK’s leading touring new writing company — commissions and produces new plays nationwide.
Red Shift
Touring company with a strong classical repertoire.
Ridiculusmus
Two-person company making distinctive, darkly comic theatre.
Rocket Theatre
UK theatre production company.
Royal Court
The UK’s leading new writing theatre — see Theatres London.
RSC
Royal Shakespeare Company — the country’s foremost classical theatre company.
Shared Experience
Touring company known for physical, text-based adaptations of literary classics.
Soho Theatre
Comedy, new writing and cabaret — active development programme for new work.
Sphinx Theatre
Women-led touring company with a strong commitment to gender equality in theatre.
Stamford Shakespeare
Annual outdoor Shakespeare festival at Tolethorpe Hall in Rutland.
Storyhouse – Chester
Producing venue in Chester combining library, cinema and theatre.
Talawa Theatre Company
The UK’s primary Black-led producing company — important for diversity and representation.
Theatre 503
Battersea new writing venue — runs a major international playwriting award.
Theatre Babel
Scottish company known for international classical work and cross-cultural theatre.
Theatre Tours International
Producer of international touring productions.
Traverse Theatre
Scotland’s new writing theatre — particularly prominent during the Edinburgh Fringe.
Trestle
Masked and physical theatre company with a long history of touring work.
Vox Motus
Scottish company creating intimate, visually extraordinary theatrical experiences.
Fringe Venues & Spaces
London’s pub theatres and fringe venues are where many professional careers effectively begin. Casting directors attend, and the right production gets noticed.
Arcola
Dalston venue with a strong track record of transfers and career-launching productions.
Bunker Theatre
South London new writing theatre.
Charles Cryer Theatre / Sutton
South London venue for fringe and community productions.
Compass Theatre – Ickenham
Community and studio theatre in West London — also used as rehearsal space.
Delfont Rooms
Studio and events space operated by Delfont Mackintosh.
Epsilon Productions
Fringe production company.
Etcetera Theatre – London
Small fringe venue above the Oxford Arms pub in Camden — regular home for new short work.
Finborough Theatre
Earl’s Court — tiny but one of the most respected fringe venues in the UK. Many West End transfers.
Flying Pig Productions
UK fringe production company.
Hen & Chickens – Islington
Pub theatre above a bar — reliable fringe venue for new writing and comedy.
Lion and Unicorn Theatre
Kentish Town fringe venue known for new writing and LGBTQ+ work.
Marylebone Theatre
Newer fringe-to-mid-scale venue in central London with a growing reputation.
New Red Lion – Angel
Islington pub theatre — fringe productions in a compact but welcoming space.
Old Red Lion – Angel
Islington pub theatre with a history of career-making productions.
Omnibus Theatre Clapham
Arts centre in a converted library — strong fringe and community programme.
Rosemary Branch Theatre
Islington pub theatre with an eclectic programme of fringe work.
Tabard Theatre – Chiswick
West London pub theatre with a loyal audience and good reputation for new writing.
The Courtyard – London
Fringe venue and performance space in London.
The Print Room
London venue with a European-influenced programme of intimate work.
Theatre 503
Battersea’s new writing venue — major international playwriting award.
Children’s Theatre & TIE
Chicken Shed
Inclusive theatre company in North London — performances and education across all abilities.
Forest Forge
Rural touring and TIE company based in Hampshire.
Golden Egg Productions
Production company specialising in children’s theatre and family entertainment.
Heart N Soul
Pioneering arts organisation led by and for people with learning disabilities.
Hiss & Boo
Pantomime and family show production company — a regular source of seasonal work.
Northern Stage Company
Newcastle’s producing theatre — strong TIE and young people’s programme.
Oily Cart
Pioneering company making theatre for the very young and for people with complex needs.
Onatti Productions
Educational theatre company performing foreign language plays to school audiences.
Pentabus
Rural touring company making new plays about the world outside cities.
Pilot Theatre
York-based touring company making work for young adults — strong digital presence.
Playbox Theatre
Warwick-based youth and community theatre company.
Riding Lights
York-based theatre company making work from a Christian perspective — tour extensively.
Shakespeare 4 Kidz
Company making Shakespeare accessible for young audiences through touring productions.
Storyhouse – Chester
Producing venue with a strong young audiences programme.
Tara Arts
Multicultural theatre company based in Wandsworth — pioneering diverse and intercultural work.
Unicorn Theatre
London’s dedicated professional theatre for young audiences — beside Tower Bridge.
White Horse Theatre
German-based company performing English-language educational theatre to European schools.
Young Vic
Strong education and young company programme alongside main house productions.
Photographers – Portrait & Headshots
Your headshot is your first impression with a casting director. Use a photographer who specialises in actors — they understand what a casting director actually needs to see.
Anna Hull
Actor portrait photographer based in London.
Bruce Haydn
Headshot and portrait photographer for actors.
Carl Proctor
London-based actor photographer with a relaxed, informal style.
Caroline Webster
Portrait photographer specialising in actor headshots.
Faye Thomas
Actor and performer headshot photographer.
Geoff Nichols
Photographer specialising in actor portraits.
Geraint Lewis
Award-winning photographer shooting both actor portraits and production photography.
Geraint Todd
Actor portrait and production photographer.
Harry Livingstone
Specialist actor headshot photographer.
Helen Murray
Shoots both actor portraits and production photography for major venues including the National.
Ikin Yum
Actor and performer headshots with a modern, editorial feel.
Jennie Scott
Actor portrait photographer based in the UK.
Jim Creighton
Portrait and headshot photographer for performers.
Johan Persson
Shoots both portraits and high-profile production photography across major venues.
John Clark
Actor headshot and portrait photographer.
Jon Holloway
Actor portrait photographer.
M.A.D. Photography
Actor headshot and portrait photography.
Marc Brenner
Production photographer whose work appears in major West End and national theatre programmes.
Matt Crockett
Production and portrait photography across major UK theatre and opera.
Myah Jeffers
Actor portrait photographer known for work with Equity-represented performers.
Peter Simpkin
Specialist in actor headshots — widely used by agents and drama school graduates.
Ric Bacon
Specialist actor headshot photographer — known for natural lighting and honest results.
Robert Workman
Actor portrait and production photographer.
Ruth Crafer
Portrait photographer specialising in actors and performers.
Sam Irons
Popular headshot photographer — well regarded for natural, unposed results.
Simon Annand
One of the most sought-after actor portrait photographers in the UK — also shoots production photography.
Highly regardedTristram Kenton
One of the UK’s most published theatre production photographers — also shoots portraits.
Wolf Marloh
Berlin and London-based actor photographer with a distinctive European style.
Yellow Belly Photography
Actor headshot photography in London.
Photographers – Production
Ellie Kurttz
Production photographer with credits at major London theatres including the National.
Geraint Lewis
Award-winning photographer for theatre production work.
Geraint Todd
Production photographer for theatre and performance.
Helen Murray
Production and portrait photography for major UK venues including the National Theatre.
Johan Persson
High-profile production photography across international theatre and opera.
John Wilson
Production photographer working across UK theatre and events.
Manuel Harlan
Production photography with extensive credits at the RSC, National and West End.
Marc Brenner
Production photographer whose work appears in major West End and national programmes.
Mark Douet
Award-winning production photographer with a long career in UK theatre.
Matt Crockett
Production and portrait photography across major UK theatre and opera.
Myah Jeffers
Production and portrait photographer for theatre and performing arts.
Ros Kavanagh
Production photographer based in Ireland working across UK and Irish theatre.
Simon Annand
Renowned for both actor portraits and production photography across major venues.
Topher McGrillis
Production photographer for theatre and live performance.
Tristram Kenton
One of the UK’s most published theatre production photographers.
Publications & News
The Stage
The trade newspaper for the performing arts. News, reviews, opinion, and the industry’s main job listings board.
EssentialOfficial London Theatre
What’s on across London theatre, including discount ticket offers via the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
WhatsOnStage Added
Reviews and listings for theatre across the UK — with an active readership and annual public-voted awards.
Voice & Audio
Matinee Multilingual
London voiceover studio specialising in multilingual recording and post-production.
Inter Voice Over
International voiceover agency and resource — useful for commercial or multilingual voice work.
Voices.com Added
Global platform connecting voice artists with clients. Widely used for commercial and corporate voiceover work.
Screen & Film
BFI – British Film Institute Added
The UK’s lead organisation for film. Funds, distributes and archives British cinema. Their site has resources on working in film and navigating the screen industry.
ScreenSkills Added
Training, bursaries and career guidance for UK screen workers. Valuable for actors transitioning to film and TV.
The Mandy Network
Covers film and TV casting as well as theatre — a primary source for screen casting calls in the UK.
Cast Web
Online casting resource used by smaller companies and independent film producers.
Digital Performance & Internet Production
A growing and legitimate part of the acting professionInternet-first production — drama made for online distribution rather than the stage — is an increasingly valid part of the acting world. The companies and platforms below commission, distribute and support digital performance work, from audio drama to self-published video.
Big Finish Productions
The UK’s leading audio drama producer — best known for Doctor Who but spanning dozens of series. A significant employer of professional actors working entirely outside the live theatre model.
Major employerWireless Theatre Company
UK’s leading internet radio drama producer. Commissions and distributes original audio plays — a good first port of call for actors interested in digital audio work.
Goldhawk Audio
Quality audio drama company producing original series for digital distribution.
BBC Sounds – Drama
BBC’s audio platform, including radio drama and commissioned podcast drama. BBC Radio 4 remains one of the largest commissioners of audio drama in the world.
ACX / Audible
Amazon’s audiobook and audio drama marketplace. Actors can audition for audiobook narration and drama productions directly — a growing source of work.
Noiser
High-production drama podcast company producing original audio drama series for Spotify and other platforms. Increasingly commissioning professional casts.
Acast
Major podcast hosting and distribution platform — home to many independent audio drama series. Useful for finding and distributing drama podcast work.
Vimeo
The preferred platform for independent filmmakers and internet drama producers — higher quality and more professional context than YouTube for distributing original work.
YouTube
The world’s largest video platform and a legitimate distribution channel for internet drama, web series and self-produced performance work.
Riverside.fm
Professional remote recording platform used by audio drama producers and podcasters for high-quality multi-participant recording. Essential kit knowledge for digital performers.
Backstage – Audio & Digital Casting
US-originated but widely used in the UK — Backstage has a strong section for audio drama, podcast and digital casting calls.
Mandy Network – Audio & Radio
The audio and radio casting section of The Mandy Network — a good source of digital and audio drama casting calls.
Tranquility Base Presents
Independent UK production platform creating original music and film, with tutorials and creative resources.”
Ticket Agents
Useful for keeping track of what’s on and what’s getting attentionCheap Theatre Tickets / Theatre Guru
Discount tickets and theatre listings across London and UK.
London Theatre 1
Reviews and listings with a focus on fringe and mid-scale London theatre.
Official London Theatre
The Society of London Theatre’s official listings site — includes the TKTS discount booth.
Seat Plan
Crowd-sourced seating reviews — know which seats to book (and which to avoid) before you buy.
Theatre.London
London arts listings and ticketing resource.
UK Theatre Web
Nationwide theatre listings and what’s on guide.
Dance
ballet.co
News and resources for the ballet and dance world.
Cirque du Soleil
International circus company — occasionally recruits UK-based performers.
Clod Ensemble
Physical performance company combining movement, music and text — listed under Theatre Companies above.
Dance Umbrella
Annual contemporary dance festival and year-round producing organisation based in London.
Dance Works
London dance studio offering classes across all styles for professionals and students.
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
UK awarding body for dance qualifications — relevant if you teach or want to verify credentials.
Jerwood Dance Space
Rehearsal and performance space in London used extensively by dance and theatre companies.
London Dance
Listings and resources for London’s dance scene — classes, auditions, events.
Pineapple Dance Studios
London’s iconic dance studios in Covent Garden — classes across all styles for professionals and students.
Light, Sound, Technical & Suppliers
Autograph
Leading sound design and hire company in UK theatre.
Marcus Hall Props
Major props hire company used extensively by UK theatre and television productions.
PRG
Production Resource Group — large-scale lighting, audio and video for live events and theatre.
Stage Electrics
Major supplier of lighting equipment and production services across the UK.
Stage Depot
Online supplier of staging, drapes and technical theatre consumables.
White Light
UK’s largest lighting rental and sales company for live performance and events.