The Drama Coach Podcast

Lisa Southam
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated weekly

A podcast for young or emerging performers and the people supporting them - whether you or your child are just starting out or already navigating auditions, training and performances. Hosted by actor, drama coach and parent Lisa Southam, with honest, practical insight from solo episodes and guest conversations. No hype - just real guidance to build skills, confidence and a love for the craft. @TheDramaCoach https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: ‘Soft Music’ by Nastelbom via Pixabay Sponsored by SceneTribe https://scenetribe.com

  1. 2 days ago

    Real People Casting: What Actors Can Learn from Authentic Casting - with Casper Black

    What does “real people casting” actually mean - and what can actors and young performers learn from it? In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m joined by casting director Casper Black, founder of Casper Black Casting, to explore the world of real people casting across commercials, documentaries, branded content and television. We talk about the crossover between actors and real people casting, why authenticity matters, and how performers can sometimes accidentally make themselves look too much like actors when a brief is asking for something natural and unperformed. Casper also shares practical advice on self-tapes, reading briefs carefully, real family and couple castings, chemistry on camera, rejection, professionalism, pay and knowing when an opportunity is right for you. In this episode, we cover: what “real people casting” actually means authenticity versus performance why actors shouldn’t automatically dismiss “real people” briefs how to avoid over-performing in a casting tape what casting is really looking for in families and couples self-tape basics - lighting, framing and sound why reading the brief properly matters professionalism, reliability and duty of care opportunities for young performers and their families why silence doesn’t always mean rejection One of Casper’s strongest messages is simple: if a casting is asking for the real you, don’t try to manufacture authenticity. Let casting actually see you. After we finished recording, Casper messaged with one extra piece of advice she wished she’d included: For a real people casting tape - don’t rehearse it. Just go for it. The aim is for casting to meet you, rather than a polished or practised version of you. And if you really feel you need a rehearsal, record that first run anyway - it may turn out to be the most natural version. Website: casperblackcasting.comInstagram: @casperblackcasting Casper also recommends joining the free Casper Black Casting mailing list, where actors, parents and real people can hear about current casting opportunities and receive fuller breakdowns and timelines. Follow The Drama Coach: Instagram/TikTok: @TheDramaCoach Website You can also find me, Lisa Southam - actor, drama coach and podcast host, on Instagram at @lisa.southam.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe to The Drama Coach Podcast and share it with another performer or parent who might find it useful.

  2. Season 3 Trailer

    The Performer’s Toolkit - Series 3 Trailer

    Series 3 of The Drama Coach Podcast is coming on 19th September 2026. This season, we’re going beyond acting technique and looking at the bigger picture - the things performers need to know to build, navigate and sustain a career in the industry. Across The Performer’s Toolkit, I’ll be joined by actors, casting directors, agents, directors, coaches and other industry professionals to talk about: Casting and auditions Representation and agents Creating your own work Working professionally on set Career longevity The realities of building a sustainable performing career Expect honest conversations, practical advice, different perspectives and plenty you can put into action. Because becoming a better performer isn’t just about becoming a better actor. There’s always more to learn. 🎙️ Series 3: The Performer’s Toolkit launches 19 September 2026. Follow The Drama Coach Podcast now so you don’t miss it. Find me on socials @TheDramaCoach

  3. 13 Sept

    Series 2 Wrap-Up: The Biggest Lessons for Actors & Young Performers

    That’s a wrap on Series 2 of The Drama Coach Podcast! In this special round-up episode, I’m looking back at some of the biggest lessons, ideas and reminders from an incredible series of conversations with actors, coaches, casting directors, voice professionals and industry experts. We revisit some of my favourite takeaways from: Laura Graham May - finding your own path through drama and performance Kate Harbour - why voice acting is acting Rosie Stancliffe - voice, identity and truthful performance Katie and Ethan - university, drama school and choosing the training route that suits you Brian Maitland - social media, visibility and staying safe online Jamie Boddy - the business of acting and understanding your personal brand Adam Stadius - what drama schools are really looking for Helen Goldwyn - building a long-lasting creative career Liane Marie - what casting directors actually want from your self-tape Alexa Morden from The 98% - agents, representation and knowing your worth Derek Barr - craft, mindset, business and staying ready Kateland Cunningham - trusting yourself as an artist and letting go of perfection Looking back across the whole series, one message keeps coming through: There is no single correct route into this industry. Learn the craft. Understand the business. Stay curious. Stay safe. Keep training. Take the advice that helps you - but don’t lose yourself in the process. I also share a little about my 1:1 coaching for actors and young performers. If you’d like support with acting technique, self-tapes, auditions, monologues, screen acting, confidence or working out what to develop next, you can find details here: Coaching: www.thedramacoach.co.uk And finally… Series 3 is coming. The Performer’s Toolkit launches 29 September, with practical conversations around self-tapes, showreels, screen acting, casting, auditions, stronger choices and what performers can actually work on between opportunities. Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss it. Thank you to every guest who contributed to Series 2 - and most importantly, thank you for listening, sharing and supporting the podcast. Onwards to Series 3. 🎭 Follow on Socials: @TheDramaCoach

  4. 5 Sept

    S2 Ep24: Acting, Singing and Trusting Your Creative Instincts

    In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by actor, singer and coach Kateland Cunningham. Based in Los Angeles, Kateland works with performers across acting and vocal training, bringing together classical vocal technique, Stanislavski-based acting work and a student-led approach to learning. This conversation explores what it really means to grow as a performer - not just technically, but creatively and personally too. Lisa and Kateland talk about acting training, singing, confidence, intuition, perfectionism, safe learning spaces and why young performers need to feel ownership over their own creative choices. They also discuss the difference between teaching and coaching, how performers can build a process that works for them, and why being a successful artist should not mean sacrificing happiness. In this episode, they discuss: Kateland’s journey from childhood commercial work to theatre, singing and coaching Why student-led teaching can help performers grow with more confidence The difference between coaching for an urgent audition and teaching for long-term development Stanislavski, truthful acting and finding a process that works Why intuition matters in acting, singing and choosing material Helping young performers take ownership of their choices Perfectionism, people pleasing and the pressure to get everything right Why safe creative spaces matter, especially for younger performers The importance of supportive networks and healthy industry connections Why singers do not need to rush to define their voice type What success can mean beyond roles, credits or external approval This is a thoughtful episode for young performers, parents, teachers and coaches who want to understand training in a deeper, healthier and more artist-led way. Find Kateland: TikTok: @traininganartist Website: KatelandCunningham.com Mentioned in this episode: Rosie’s voice episode - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YRBwv1IKD3b SceneTribe - https://scenetribe.com The Drama Coach - https://thedramacoach.co.uk Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.

  5. 1 Sept

    S2 Ep 23: What Training Doesn’t Always Teach You

    Training matters. Drama classes, youth theatre, LAMDA, musical theatre, screen acting courses, university drama courses and drama school can all help young performers build confidence, craft, discipline and creativity. But even brilliant training does not always teach you how the acting industry actually works. In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa talks about the gap between training and the real industry - and why older teens, drama students, early career actors and parents can sometimes feel lost when acting starts to become more professional. Because acting is not only about being good in the room. It is also about self-tapes, headshots, profiles, casting platforms, agents, emails, deadlines, availability, rejection, safety, networking, visibility and knowing when to say yes or no. This episode looks at how performers can start bridging that gap in a calm, practical and realistic way. In this episode, Lisa talks about: Why training still matters The difference between craft and career Why there is no clear map in the acting industry Headshots and first impressions CVs, profiles and keeping materials updated Casting platforms and choosing the right tools for your stage Why self-taping is now part of the craft Professional communication and replying properly Availability, reliability and reputation Money, unpaid work and knowing the value of your time Safety, boundaries and red flags Rejection, silence and staying steady Networking without being fake or pushy Social media, visibility and healthy boundaries Creating your own work instead of only waiting to be chosen What parents can do to support young performers well Why older teens and early career actors need to start taking ownership This episode is for young actors, older teens, drama students, early career performers, graduates and parents who want to understand what comes after training. Because becoming an actor is not just about talent. It is about craft, professionalism, resilience, curiosity, safety and learning how to keep going when the path is not perfectly clear. Useful links: Find Lisa on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: @TheDramaCoach Email Lisa: lisa@thedramacoach.co.uk This episode is supported by SceneTribe - the creative industries network built around the work you’ve done and the people you’ve done it with. Find out more at: www.scenetribe.com Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.

  6. 29 Aug

    S2 Ep22: Craft, Mindset and Staying Ready - Acting Advice with Derek Barr

    In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by Derek Barr - actor, acting coach and founder of The Acting Masters. Derek has worked across television, film and theatre, and now coaches actors through The Acting Masters with a strong focus on craft, mindset and the business of building a sustainable acting career. This conversation is especially useful for teens, young adults, emerging actors and the parents supporting them. Derek talks honestly about what actors can actually work on between jobs, how to approach auditions and self-tapes, and why mindset matters just as much as talent. Rather than waiting, hoping or comparing, Derek encourages actors to keep training, keep improving and stay ready for the next opportunity. In this episode, we talk about: What it really means to treat acting as a craft Why actors need to work on craft, mindset and business together How to stay ready between auditions and acting jobs Why Derek believes actors are not there to get a job - they are there to do a job Practical self-tape advice, including framing, lighting, stillness and eyelines Why technical distractions can get in the way of performance How to watch your own work back without spiralling into overthinking Derek’s three-take approach to self-tapes Casting type and actor branding for emerging performers What actors should understand before seeking representation How parents can help protect a young actor’s confidence Why online training and Zoom auditions are now essential acting skills The importance of taking action, even when you do not feel ready This is a really practical and encouraging conversation for anyone who wants to take acting seriously without losing the joy of it. Derek’s advice is clear: keep doing the work, keep building your confidence, and remember that acting is not about being perfect - it is about being truthful. Find Derek Barr and The Acting Masters: Website: https://theactormasters.comCommunity/training platform: https://www.skool.com/the-acting-masters Find Lisa Southam - The Drama Coach: Website: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk Blog: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk/blog/ Instagram & TikTok: @thedramacoach Listen to more episodes of The Drama Coach Podcast for conversations about acting, training, self-tapes, confidence, auditions, agents and supporting young performers. Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

  7. Trailer

    Trailer - The Drama Coach Podcast

    Welcome to The Drama Coach Podcast - practical, honest conversations for performers and parents of young performers navigating acting, training and the industry. Hosted by actor, drama coach and podcast host Lisa Southam, the podcast covers acting technique, self-tapes, auditions, agents and representation, confidence, casting, working on set and the things nobody really explains when you're starting out. You’ll hear from actors, casting directors, agents, directors, coaches and other industry professionals - alongside practical solo episodes you can put into action. Whether you're just starting out, supporting a young performer or already working and looking to keep developing, there’s something here for you. Follow The Drama Coach Podcast and start exploring the episodes. The Drama Coach PodcastHosted by Lisa Southam - actor, drama coach and podcast host. Follow @thedramacoach on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

  8. 25 Aug

    S2 Ep 21: Self-Tapes - Beyond the Basics

    In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa talks about how young performers, older teens and early career actors can move beyond the basic self-tape setup and start making stronger, clearer acting choices. Self-tapes are now a huge part of the acting world - but not every tape needs the same approach. A TV drama tape, drama school monologue, comedy scene, commercial casting, musical theatre submission or voiceover-style read may all need slightly different energy, style and focus. In this episode, Lisa explores how to work out what kind of self-tape you are making, what the viewer needs to see, and how to make choices that feel truthful, specific and connected - without over-performing or trying too hard to “stand out”. This episode covers: Why the purpose of the self-tape matters The difference between screen, stage, comedy, commercial and drama school tapes Wardrobe choices - suggesting character without dressing up When props help and when they distract How to slate clearly and confidently Why too many takes can kill spontaneity How to watch yourself back without self-criticism The changing role of parents as teen performers get older Why older teens need to start taking ownership of their self-tapes How specificity makes a tape more watchable Common self-tape mistakes to avoid Why not booking the role does not mean the tape was bad A simple self-tape checklist before you send A strong self-tape is not about perfection. It is about truth, clarity, connection and making choices that suit the role, the project and the purpose of the audition. This episode is ideal for young actors, teen performers, early career actors, drama students and parents supporting young performers through auditions. Useful links: Find Lisa on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: @TheDramaCoach Email Lisa: lisa@thedramacoach.co.uk This episode is supported by SceneTribe - the creative industries network built around the work you’ve done and the people you’ve done it with. Find out more at: www.scenetribe.com Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A podcast for young or emerging performers and the people supporting them - whether you or your child are just starting out or already navigating auditions, training and performances. Hosted by actor, drama coach and parent Lisa Southam, with honest, practical insight from solo episodes and guest conversations. No hype - just real guidance to build skills, confidence and a love for the craft. @TheDramaCoach https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: ‘Soft Music’ by Nastelbom via Pixabay Sponsored by SceneTribe https://scenetribe.com

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Southam
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lisa Southam
  • Show Website
    The Drama Coach Podcast

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