Alumni spotlight on 23 year old Ruby Allen who recently wrapped on a her first over-seas production horror fantasy film The Elder Scrolls: Morrorwind in Hong Kong. The opportunity followed her working on The Belfast Grand Central Station national ad campaign Imagine where we can go that saw her featured in video ads and billboards across Belfast as well as a number of theatre performances. Since graduating from BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen in 2024 Ruby has worked on a dynamic range of projects, read on to find out more about how she broke into the stage & screen industry as a an acting graduate.

Tell us about working on your first over-seas production in Hong Kong, The Sleeper: A Morrowind Story 

I recently worked on a film project in Hong Kong where I played a Nordic warrior in a fantasy horror production inspired by The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind. The project was produced by a Sunderland-based company called Sunderverse Media. I came across the opportunity through social media and was cast remotely. It was a paid role, with flights and accommodation covered by the production.

In terms of skills, adaptability was key. I didn’t receive the full filming schedule until arriving in Hong Kong, so being prepared, flexible, and professional at all times was essential. I worked closely with a multinational cast and crew, which required strong communication skills and a personable approach on and off set. Creatively, I focused on building a layered character and helping to create a believable world both on camera and behind the scenes with my fellow actors. There were several learning curves as well. It was my first time travelling to Hong Kong, so navigating a completely new environment was a challenge, especially as an unrepresented actor managing contracts and logistics independently. Physically, working long hours in extreme heat and humidity while wearing armour and costume was demanding, but it taught me a lot about endurance and maintaining performance under pressure. Overall, it was a hugely valuable experience that strengthened both my professional and personal skill set.

You also featured in a national ad campaign for Belfast Grand Central- Imagine Where We Can Go – how did the opportunity come about?

The Belfast Grand Central Station project was my first professional job and an advertising campaign for the new train station in the city I’m from, which made it particularly special. I played a young professional in an advert focused on themes of inclusivity and adventure, built around the slogan “Imagine where we can go. ” That message closely reflected my own position at the time, as a young professional actor with a world of possibilities ahead of me. I secured the role by directly emailing the advertising agency responsible for the campaign, sending over my professional details and Spotlight profile. From there, they reviewed my materials and offered me the role.

The project required me to develop new skills, as it was my first time working on an advert. I had to quickly understand a different format of filming and navigate contractual concepts I hadn’t encountered before. It was also a non-speaking role, which meant I needed to make the character feel layered and alive purely through physicality, expression, and presence within a very short piece of screen time. In terms of impact on my career, this was my first professional credit and my first experience working within this genre, which immediately strengthened my professional profile for future applications. More importantly, it gave me confidence. It showed me that while the industry is challenging, opportunities are possible if you are proactive, reach out to people directly, and effectively use the professional tools and training you’ve been given.

Can you tell us about a project you feel most impacted your career to date?

An impactful opportunity in my career so far was working professionally with Theatre Space on their Summer of Shakespeare. Through this project, I met and collaborated with a wide range of talented creatives from across the North East and further afield, which helped me expand my professional network and gain valuable experience in a strong repertory-style environment. That opportunity directly led to further work later in 2025, when I was contacted and asked to return for their Christmas production. I went on to play the lead role in a small-scale touring show featuring original music, a beautifully designed set, and a three-actor cast. This tour reinforced how one opportunity can lead directly to another through building trust and strong working relationships.

I’ve also learned that many career-shaping moments come from opportunities you might not immediately recognise as such. Open calls, and auditions are valuable — even when they don’t result in an immediate booking. Every audition is a chance to be seen, demonstrate your skills, and make an impression on casting directors and creatives. Even if you don’t secure the role, those connections can lead to future opportunities through recommendations or future auditions. Another key opportunity was filming a feature film with a director and two actors I had previously met at university. While the project was not funded, completing a feature-length film so early in my career was a major achievement. The film is currently in post-production, and having it listed on my professional profile has already opened doors to auditions I wouldn’t have accessed previously. Before this, my screen experience was limited to short-form work, but spending two months filming a feature has given me substantial on-set experience and made my profile more attractive to casting directors and agents.

How did your degree in BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen prepare you  for entering the acting industry?

The degree prepared me for entering the acting industry by emphasising the importance of professionalism, collaboration, and being someone people want to work with. I was taught early on that building strong relationships with peers and industry professionals is essential for booking work and being consistently seen for opportunities, and this mindset has stayed with me since graduating. The programme gave me the skills and tools to become a well-rounded, prepared, creative, and dynamic actor. Being Spotlight accredited was a major advantage, as it allowed me to access one of the industry’s most important platforms for securing professional work as a new graduate. The course also ensured I understood how to use these tools effectively, which has directly supported my transition into the industry.

My experience at the school was extremely positive. The lecturers nurtured my talent and encouraged me to believe in myself, while also teaching me how to develop confidence, manage nerves, and enjoy the process rather than panic under pressure. That support helped me grow not only as a performer but as a professional entering a demanding industry. The course was highly collaborative, particularly with the film programme, which meant I gained extensive experience in screen acting alongside stage training. This allowed me to graduate with a strong showreel and valuable on-set experience, giving me a competitive edge when entering the industry. Overall, the degree has helped me thrive, stay driven and determined, and step into the acting industry with confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose.

What is your advice for acting graduates and starting out?

My main advice for students about to graduate and start out in the industry is to stay determined and driven. There will be a lot of “no’s” and often no response at all, and it’s important not to let that discourage you. This is a normal part of the industry, not a reflection of your talent. Opportunities will come if you stay present, consistent, and keep applying yourself. Hustle is a key word when you’re starting out. You have to apply, audition, and keep putting yourself forward without letting up. Each job you secure leads to better opportunities, stronger connections, and more confidence in your work. Unpaid work can be valuable, especially early on, as it can help you build showreel footage and gain essential on-set experience. At the same time, it’simportant to know your worth as a performer and remain available and ready for paid contracts. Finding a healthy balance between gaining experience and valuing your time is key.

Don’t be afraid to take risks or step outside your comfort zone. Often, it’s the jobs that challenge you most that end up elevating your career. Finally, keep your professional profile, such as Spotlight, up to date and clear, and refresh your headshots when you’re able. Treat yourself and your career like a professional business from day one