University News Last updated 15 May
Acting students Lauren Park and Ethan Rodmell have been selected as finalists in the Spotlight Prize, an annual competition where the best drama school graduates from across the UK and Ireland compete to perform in front of an exclusive industry panel.
A total of 40 finalists is split across two dedicated categories: The Screen Prize and The Stage Prize. Lauren was nominated for The Screen Prize, while Ethan was nominated for The Stage Prize.
The pair were selected by staff from the School of Acting due to their high-quality performance work across their final year, as well as their digital and live showcase material.
After graduation, Lauren and Ethan will be stepping into the professional performance industry with ambitions to continue to work across stage and screen.
Lauren said: "I feel incredibly grateful to be a finalist in the Spotlight Prize, I never expected to be chosen and feel so lucky to be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to performing in front of industry professionals, connecting with agents and casting directors and to show who I am as a performer. I’m passionate about creating work that blends comedy with emotional depth - stories that make audiences laugh and cry all at once.”
Ethan said: “I’m incredibly proud to be a Spotlight finalist. I’m a lad from Halifax who’s grafted for years, so getting this recognition feels like a proper milestone. It’s a reminder that if you keep your head down and put the work in, things do start to move. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and grateful to be named alongside such brilliant finalists.”
Course Director for BA Acting Bryn Holding said: "I am overjoyed that both Lauren and Ethan have been selected as finalists at this year's Spotlight Prize. It is such a prestigious event. This opportunity will ensure they are both able to showcase their talent to a room full of industry professionals. We hope it will be a great launch pad for their future careers and all of us at RBC wish them the very best of luck."
The Stage Prize finalists will perform in front of an audience of top casting directors, agents and producers at the annual Spotlight Prize Showcase on Wednesday 8 July, when the winners will be announced. The winner takes home £2,000 and a one-year Spotlight membership.