Acting Tips from BBC Casting Director Sarah Hughes

"Bring a positive attitude into the audition room."

Since 2000, Sarah Hughes has cast a range of BBC programmes. Series include Jonathan Creek, Grass, Love Soup, Parents Of The Band, 2 Pints, Pulling, John Sullivan's Rock & Chips, The Old Guys, Freedom and The Great Outdoors. She has also been Alan Ayckbourn's casting director since 1991, casting world premieres of his plays at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, in the West End, at the National Theatre and on Broadway.

Top Tips From Sarah Hughes

• Think about who you are as an actor and sell that.
• Bring a positive attitude into the audition room.
• Think about what you want and focus your CV around this.
• Get feedback on your showreel and rejig so that your strongest scenes go first.
• Write to casting directors you’d like to be seen by.
• Be proactive and network.

Post-event Feedback from Mandy Members

Extremely useful. Sarah was honest with her feedback and indicated where I was going wrong.
- Jamie Moore

Really encouraging! She was lovely and confirmed all my ‘what if’ thoughts and answered all my questions honestly. 
- Becky Graham

Brilliant! Really helpful and honest. I left feeling confident about my next move. 
- Emma Read

VERY useful. She speaks her mind and the session helped my confidence and got rid of the doubts I had about my showreel - she was awesome!
- Sophia Del Pizzo

Very relaxed and open discussion. 
- Craig McDonald-Kelly

Very good opportunity to meet Sarah - she has a very warm approach.
- Stephanie Jory

Very useful! Candid words on both my attitude and approach to work. 
- Amy Newton

Great. Wonderful to hear clear and helpful advice you can trust. 
- Alexander Jeremy