St Mary’s University Acting Graduate Named Finalist Amongst the Most Promising Emerging Performers for Spotlight Prize

BA Acting student from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Rolene-Annie Samba Lukeni, has been named one of just 20 finalists for this year’s Spotlight Prize, an award that recognises the most promising drama school graduates in the UK and Ireland.

This year, 65 drama schools and universities – including LAMDA, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Mountview and Guildhall School of Music and Drama - nominated a standout student from their graduating class. Entertainment industry experts reviewed each nominee’s self-taped audition and selected the finalists to perform in front of an audience of casting directors, agents, and producers.

The drama students will now prepare for the two-part Spotlight Prize Showcase in July - a long serving career-launching platform. Under the direction of British Theatre Director, Paulette Randall MBE, each student will film a screen performance. Then, directed by actor David Mumeni, they will perform live on stage in front of an invited audience of key-decision makers in the entertainment industry. Of the finalists, two winners will be selected for Best Screen Performance and for Best Stage Performance.

Rolene-Annie expressed her excitement for her recent achievement: “Being selected for the Spotlight Prize feels like the beginning of something really exciting. It’s great that I get to represent St Mary’s – my time there taught me so much. This recognition reflects the environment they provide, and I’m grateful for the continued support of my lecturers and fellow students as I prepare to stand alongside such talented emerging artists.”

Francesco Gabriele, Senior Lecturer in Screen Acting who coached and directed Rolene-Annie for this year’s Spotlight Prize, said: “Working with Rolene Annie has been a great pleasure, and we are fortunate to have so many talented students at St Mary's University. Her selection as a finalist among some of the UK’s top drama schools is a great honour and a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work we invest in nurturing our students. Congratulations to Rolene and to the team for the outstanding work they continue to do."

Mark Street, Senior Lecturer for Drama at St Mary’s University, expressed the university’s pride in Rolene-Annie’s achievement: "I am thrilled that Rolene-Annie has been recognised for her talent. We are a close community here at St Mary’s, with a growing presence in the arts, and we are all so proud of her achievement. We will continue to support her through to the final in July.

Rolene-Annie’s success is a great opportunity and significant milestone for both her and St Mary’s University, as she prepares to share the stage with the UK and Ireland’s most promising emerging drama students.