QMU student shines with place in sought-after Spotlight Prize final
Erin Clark, a 4th-year Acting & Performance student from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been named a finalist in the prestigious Spotlight Prize 2026 - one of the performing arts industry’s most esteemed platforms for emerging talent.
Erin's shortlisting marks the University's third Spotlight Prize nomination in four years - a shining reflection of the talent QMU nurtures.
This year, the Prize has expanded its format to recognise a broader range of performance skills, with finalists divided across two dedicated categories: Screen and Stage. Erin has been nominated in the Screen category for her exceptional monologue extract submission taken from Criminal: UK by George Kay, a critically acclaimed Netflix series.
Erin is an actor from Ayrshire based in Edinburgh who is a core member of theatre company ‘The Dead Parrot Collective’. She is highly skilled in immersive theatre and has a passion for telling working class stories.
Matt Hood, Spotlight’s Managing Director, said: “The 2026 Spotlight Prize finalists are a testament to the future of our industry. Selecting this group was an immense task, as each performer brings a unique, vital energy to the craft. We are incredibly proud to showcase these exceptional graduates and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll undoubtedly make on stage and screen.”
Shortlisted from over 60 drama schools across the UK and Ireland, this year’s finalists follow in the footsteps of acclaimed past Spotlight Prize finalists including Dame Judi Dench, Brian Cox, Bessie Carter, Ben Whishaw, Jim Broadbent, Edward Bluemel and Rosalind Eleazar.
The 2026 Spotlight Prize Showcase will take place on Wednesday 8 July in London, where awards will be presented for Best Stage and Best Screen performance. An esteemed industry jury will have the difficult task of selecting one winner for each prize, with both winners taking home £2,000 and a one-year Spotlight membership.
QMU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Erin and looks forward to supporting her as she prepares for the final stage of this incredible opportunity.
A full list of finalists and further details about the Spotlight Prize 2026 can be found at: Spotlight Prize 2026 Finalists Announced.
Take a look at Erin's shortlisted submission:
For further media information contact: Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk.
