12 of our favourite podcasts for actors to get acting tips, industry news or practical performing advice
Listening to podcasts has fast become a popular pastime. They’re engaging, informative, and there are plenty to choose from. It’s estimated that there are now around 5 million podcasts worldwide, with 70 million episodes between them.
A good way to find a podcast you’ll enjoy is to ask your friends what they’ve been listening to, or look online to see which podcasts are popular in the topics you’re interested in. Once you’ve inevitably and eagerly devoured all the episodes that the Spotlight podcast has to offer – especially if you’re an actor – here are 12 other acting podcasts we think you’ll find interesting:
- Acting with Asha
- British Theatre Guide
- Crossing the Line
- The Empire Film Podcast
- In the Room
- Kermode & Mayo’s Take
- Little Gold Men
- The Proper Class Podcast
- Run at it Shouting
- Two Actors Walk into a Bar
- The Voiceover Social
- West End Frame: In the Frame
Acting with Asha
Hosted by British actress, Jade Asha, this intimate podcast centres around the highs and lows of the acting industry and Jade’s 15 years of personal experience within it. Episodes range from accents, becoming a voice over artist and audition advice to pushing through career slumps, writing your own work and discussions with guest stars from various areas of the industry.
British Theatre Guide
If you’re looking to keep up to date with news, features and interviews with actors, writers, directors, producers and critics from the world of UK theatre, then this is the podcast for you. The first episode was released back in November 2012, and they’ve been releasing new episodes regularly ever since. Whether you’re a theatre fan curious about what exciting new show is on, or an aspiring theatre-maker looking to see what annual festivals and prizes are out there, you’ll be sure to find something of interest.
Crossing the Line
This podcast takes you behind the scenes of popular productions by interviewing key people who worked on them – actors, directors, writers, casting directors, make-up and SFX artists, agents, and more. It’s a great way to gain insight into other roles in the performing arts industry and develop an understanding of what goes into making your favourite films and TV shows.
The Empire Film Podcast
Anyone who claims to love film will know Empire. What you may not know is that they also have a weekly podcast – and it’s just as fun and informative as their web and magazine content. With highly desirable A-list guests, this is an excellent podcast for your regular fix of movie news and nonsense.
In the Room
For any actor who’s ever wondered, “How do I get in the room?”, this podcast helps you find the answer. Hosts Matthew Philip Harris and Christian Lee Smith are both actors themselves, and eager to discover their own answers alongside their listeners. With discussions and advice about industry essentials like self-tapes and showreels, and interviews with casting directors, agents, producers and more, there’s plenty to learn from the hosts.
Kermode & Mayo’s Take
You won’t get any acting tips or industry advice from this one, but sometimes it’s good to have a laugh and remember that performing arts is a fun and exciting industry to work in. Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo regularly review films and TV shows, offering recommendations on what to watch – another great way to broaden your horizons. The amount of film knowledge these two have is incredible but be warned: this podcast may contain dad jokes.
Little Gold Men
We all wonder how the other half live. This is the acting equivalent of that – a look into the award shows, red carpet premieres, whisper campaigns, and more that go on in glamorous Hollywood. A podcast from Vanity Fair, it features conversations about the best of television and films, special guest appearances, and a deep dive into the Oscar’s history.
The Proper Class Podcast
Actor Laura Checkley and theatre director, Hannah Chissick, host this podcast, in which they discuss all things acting with each other and their guests. All of this is centred around being from a working-class background – providing an interesting perspective when hearing about Laura and Hannah’s journey and rise to where they are now. We all know performing arts hasn’t always been the most inclusive of industries, so it’s uplifting to hear the experiences of those who succeeded despite this.
Run at it Shouting
Originally a drama society, Run at it Shouting now creates industry workshops and events. The podcast episodes are recordings of these sessions and range from Q&As with casting directors to classes on working with Pinter and interviews with agents, actors and casting professionals.
Two Actors Walk into a Bar
There are plenty of jokes in this podcast, as the title would imply. Actors Scarlett Briant and David McCulloch discuss and laugh about their frustrating, noteworthy and ridiculous experiences in the performing arts industry and their daily lives. A great opportunity to hear a fellow actor vent and realise it isn’t just you who feels that way about certain things.
The Voiceover Social
One for the voice over artists, or anyone thinking of transitioning into voice work. This monthly podcast is presented by vocal coach, Nic Redman, and voice actor, Leah Marks, whose banter centres around interviews, investigations and problem solving all relating to voice work. Whether it’s accents, breathing exercises, or making animal noises, this podcast has you – and your voice – covered.
West End Frame: In the Frame
An excellent go-to for anyone who wants to keep up with the latest theatre news and reviews. Each week, host Andrew Tomlins is joined by a co-host guest from the industry – including West End performers, producers and journalists.
If you haven’t found the right one for you here, rest assured – there are many other excellent podcasts for actors out there. If you can’t find one that’s right for you, maybe you should make a podcast yourself. You never know what opportunities a good podcast could lead you to.
If we’ve missed a podcast about acting that you love to listen to, and you think is perfect for actors, let us know by tweeting us @SpotlightUK
And if you haven’t already, listen to the Spotlight podcast for conversations with inspiring casting directors, performers, agents, Spotlight experts and theatre, film and television creators.
