Celebrating a rising actor from our Acting for Stage and Screen drama school programme.

Elliot Holt has been named a finalist for the Spotlight Prize 2026 Stage Award, a fantastic achievement and a real moment of recognition for his work as an emerging actor. Chosen from a group of highly talented performers across leading UK drama schools, Elliot’s selection reflects both his skill and the strength of his training through the Acting for Stage and Screen course. It is an exciting step forward and puts him in front of some of the industry’s top casting directors, agents and producers.

This year’s finalists will perform monologues at the Spotlight Prize Showcase on Wed 8 July 2026, directed by actor, writer and Open Door founder David Mumeni (Bridgerton, Big Mood). Elliot will take to the stage to share his work and connect with the wider industry. It is a rare opportunity for a drama school student to be seen at this level so early in their career, and one he has more than earned.

We are genuinely proud to see Elliot reach this stage and represent PPA among such a strong group of finalists. Alongside this, finalists are in the running for a £2,000 prize and a one year Spotlight membership. It is a brilliant achievement, and we are excited to see what comes next for Elliot as he continues to build his career.

Take a look at the announcement on the Spotlight website here: https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/spotlight-prize-2026-finalists-announced/