Final-Year BA (Hons) Acting Student Kate Gerdena Represented Court Theatre Training Company as a Finalist at the 2026 Spotlight Prize Showcase

Court Theatre Training Company was proud to attend the prestigious Spotlight Prize Showcase on Wednesday 8 July 2026, celebrating the very best emerging acting talent from across the UK and Ireland. Among this year’s finalists was our final-year BA (Hons) Acting student, Kate Gerdena, who was selected as a finalist for the highly regarded 2026 Screen Spotlight Prize.

As part of the Screen Prize journey, Kate worked in June with acclaimed director Paulette Randall MBE, whose extensive credits include EastEnders and Waterloo Road. Under Paulette’s direction, finalists developed and performed specially created screen pieces, showcasing their ability to bring authenticity, subtlety, and emotional depth to acting for camera.

The Screen Prize performances were presented in the main theatre space following the Stage Prize presentations, with the work viewed by leading casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. The showcase provided a valuable opportunity for finalists to demonstrate their skills and connect with influential figures from the entertainment industry.

Paul Taylor, Executive Director at Court Theatre Training Company, said:

“Being recognised as a finalist for the Spotlight Prize is an exceptional achievement and a testament to Kate’s talent, commitment, and dedication throughout her training. We are incredibly proud to see one of our students representing Court Theatre Training Company on such an important industry platform. The Spotlight Prize celebrates the next generation of outstanding performers, and Kate’s inclusion among this year’s finalists is a wonderful reflection of the hard work and professional standards she has demonstrated throughout her training.”

Selected from over 60 drama schools across the UK and Ireland, Kate’s achievement is a testament to her talent, commitment, and continued growth as a performer. Her recognition places her among an exceptional group of emerging actors who have been acknowledged through the Spotlight Prize, joining a distinguished list of past finalists including Dame Judi Dench, Brian Cox, and Bessie Carter.

Everyone at Court Theatre Training Company is immensely proud of Kate’s success and the dedication she has shown throughout her training. We look forward to seeing her continue to develop and thrive as she takes this exciting step towards a professional career in acting.

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

Our BA (Hons) Acting degree, validated by Buckinghamshire New University, offers students practical training, industry insight, and the opportunity to develop the creative, technical, and professional skills required for careers across stage and screen.

Kate’s success highlights the quality of opportunities available to our students, and the level of preparation they receive as they progress into the professional acting industry.

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