A graduate from St Mary's University has been named a finalist for the prestigious Spotlight Prize 2026, recognising some of the most promising emerging acting talent across the UK and Ireland.
BA Acting graduate Ashik Rasool has been selected as one of just 20 finalists nationally for this year’s Spotlight Prize category, chosen from nominees representing 75 drama schools and universities.
The achievement marks the second consecutive year that a St Mary’s graduate has been named a Spotlight prize finalist, placing the University alongside some of the UK’s leading drama schools, including Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and other nationally recognised conservatories.
The Spotlight Prize gives drama school graduates the opportunity to demonstrate their talents in front of a room full of industry professionals. As part of the final showcase in July, Screen Prize finalists will perform monologues on camera directed by acclaimed theatre and television director Paulette Randall MBE.
Ashik said :"Younger me would never believe this. I got into acting because I grew up watching films and never quite saw myself represented on screen. As someone from a South Asian background, that absence stuck with me and now it's a big part of why I do what I do. I want to tell stories that feel real and relatable, and hopefully inspire others who've felt the same way I did to see a place for themselves in this industry. I'm very grateful for this opportunity."
Mark Street, Senior Lecturer for Drama at St Mary’s University, expressed the university’s pride in Ashik’s achievement: “We are thrilled to see Ashik named as a finalist for the Spotlight Prize 2026. This recognition reflects both his talent and commitment as an actor. It is also a testament to the high level of training delivered on the BA Acting programme and the ambitious spirit we encourage within our students.
We are incredibly proud of his achievement, and we look forward to seeing what he does next. We’ll be supporting him every step of the way.”