We are delighted to share some exciting news from Court Theatre Training Company. our final-year BA (Hons) Acting student, Kate Gerdena, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Screen Spotlight Prize.

Recognised as one of the industry’s most respected showcases for emerging acting talent, the Spotlight Prize has launched the careers of many celebrated performers over the years. For 2026, the competition introduces an expanded format featuring 40 finalists divided into two categories: The Screen Prize and The Stage Prize.

Selected from more than 60 drama schools across the UK and Ireland, Kate’s achievement is a remarkable recognition of her talent, dedication, and hard work. She now joins a distinguished legacy of past finalists that includes Dame Judi Dench, Brian Cox, and Bessie Carter.

As part of the final selection process, the Screen Prize finalists will work in June with acclaimed director Paulette Randall MBE, known for her work on EastEnders and Waterloo Road. Finalists will perform specially directed screen pieces, demonstrating their ability to master the subtle craft of acting for camera.

The final Spotlight Prize showcase will take place on Wednesday 8 July 2026 in front of leading casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. The Screen Prize performances will be screened in the main theatre space immediately following the Stage Prize presentations.

Everyone at Court Theatre Training Company is incredibly proud of Kate and this outstanding accomplishment. We wish her every success as she takes this exciting next step in her professional acting journey.

As a proud partner of the Federation of Drama Schools, Court Theatre Training Company is committed to delivering professional actor training that meets nationally recognised industry standards. Our fast-track training programme is designed for dedicated performers seeking intensive, focused development within a supportive and rigorous environment.

Our BA (Hons) Acting degree, validated by Buckinghamshire New University, provides students with practical training, industry insight, and the opportunity to develop creatively and technically for careers across both stage and screen.

For anyone considering a future in acting, this achievement highlights the calibre of opportunities available to our students and graduates.

Learn more about our BA (Hons) Acting degree and apply here:
https://courttheatre.org.uk/ba-hons-acting/