The Drama Coach Podcast

Lisa Southam
  • 5.0 (1)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
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A podcast for parents of young performers – and young actors themselves, whether you or your child are just starting out or already navigating auditions and performances. Hosted by actor and drama coach Lisa Southam, who also navigates this world as a parent, this podcast shares honest, practical insight into self-tapes, training and the realities of the industry. No hype – just real guidance to build skills, confidence and a love for the craft. Follow @TheDramaCoach Courses, resources and more: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Intro/outro music: ‘Soft Music’ by Nastelbom (via Pixabay)

  1. 15 HR AGO ·  BONUS

    Your Child Isn’t Booking Roles? Here’s What’s Really Happening

    In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most common questions parents ask: “Why isn’t my child booking roles?” If your child is auditioning but not getting cast, it can feel confusing and, at times, disheartening. You might be thinking: “They’re talented… so why isn’t it happening?” In this episode, I gently reframe that question. Because in most cases, it’s not about talent - and it’s not about something being “wrong”. I break down what’s actually going on behind the scenes in casting, including: Why booking a role isn’t just about abilityThe reality of “no’s” and why silence is completely normalThe difference between a good audition and a booked jobWhat parents should focus on instead to support their child properlyThis episode is for parents who want a clearer, calmer understanding of the industry, and how to support their child without adding pressure. Because when you understand the process, everything starts to feel more manageable. Listen if: Your child is getting auditions but not bookingYou’re unsure how casting decisions are actually madeYou want to support your child in a more grounded, helpful wayYou’re finding the ups and downs of the industry difficult to navigateWhere to find me: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/thedramacoach https://www.tiktok.com/@thedramacoach https://www.youtube.com/@thedramacoach For questions or podcast topic requests: Music: Soft Music by Nastelbom

    8 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    From Auditions to Confidence - Starting Out as a Young Actor

    In this episode, I’m joined by Tommy - an actor who began acting in 2014 and is now working professionally across commercial and modelling projects. We talk about what it’s really like starting out in the industry today - from stepping into professional work, to navigating auditions, building confidence and handling the realities of social media. Tommy also shares openly about dealing with negative comments online, and how he’s learned to stay grounded and not take things personally - something that will be incredibly valuable for young performers putting themselves out there. We cover: Making the transition into professional actingGetting signed and stepping onto setWhat auditions are really like when you’re starting outSocial media - the positives, the pressures and how to handle itBuilding confidence and staying groundedWhat young performers should focus on early onThe reality of the industry vs expectations This is an honest, practical conversation about starting out as a young actor today - and what actually helps along the way. Find Tommy: TikTok: @tommyferguson1806 Instagram: @tommyferguson1806 Find me: Instagram: @TheDramaCoach TikTok: @TheDramaCoach YouTube: The Drama Coach More support, coaching and resources: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

    1hr 10min

  3. SEASON 1, EPISODE 12 TRAILER

    New Here? Start With This Episode

    If you’re new to The Drama Coach Podcast - this is the perfect place to start. In this episode, I’m bringing everything together and giving you a clear overview of what this podcast is, who it’s for, and how it can support you - whether you’re a parent of a young performer, or a young actor navigating the industry yourself. I share a little about my background as an actor, drama coach, licensed chaperone and mum to two working young performers - and how that shapes the conversations we have here. Across the podcast, you’ll find a mix of practical solo episodes and honest conversations with actors, agents and industry professionals. We cover everything from auditions and self-tapes to training, confidence, rejection and what it’s really like working in the industry at a young age. But more than anything, this podcast is about doing things properly. Building real skills. Understanding the industry. And protecting confidence along the way. If you’re not sure where to begin, I also point you towards a few key episodes to get you started. If you’re looking for calm, clear and honest guidance in an industry that can often feel overwhelming - you’re in the right place. If you want a small extra edge: pin this episode and rename it later if needed. “Start Here” episodes often become your most important long-term entry point. Start here: Recommended episodes Do You Actually Need An Agent Yet? https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LNbKD3ljB2b Asking My Agent: What They Look For and How It All Works https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sLbJ4rbtuW3kIZUuiiQTb Inside a Talent Agency: Auditions, Self-Tapes and What Matters Most https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VB5GI2ljB2b The Acting Terms Everyone Uses (But No One Explains) https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Q5wZPKgDTR5rfQhevFTDr You can find more support, tips and resources here: Website: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedramacoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedramacoach YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedramacoach If you’d like to get in touch or have a question for the podcast, you can email me at: If you’re ready to go deeper, you can explore my courses here: https://courses.thedramacoach.co.uk Intro and outro music: Soft Music by Nastelbom

    5 min

  4. 2 MAY

    Wellbeing, Training and Social Media - What Young Performers Really Need

    In this episode, I’m joined by Audrey Elizabeth from Elites Creative - a talent agent and public presence strategist with over 20 years’ experience working with young performers. We explore what wellbeing really means in practice, and how it connects to training, auditions, social media and building a strong sense of identity in the industry. This is an honest, grounded conversation about what actually supports young performers - and what can sometimes get in the way. We cover: What wellbeing looks like for young performers todayThe role of training environments and theatre schoolsWhat agents are really noticingSocial media, personal brand and parent-managed accountsBuilding confidence and a grounded sense of selfSupporting young performers without adding pressureWhether you’re a young performer or a parent navigating this world, this episode offers practical insight and reassurance. Find Audrey / Elites Creative: TikTok: @audrey_elitecreative Instagram: @audreyelizabethofficial Instagram: @elitecreativecasting Find me: Instagram: @TheDramaCoach TikTok: @TheDramaCoach YouTube: The Drama Coach More support, coaching and resources: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay) Transcripts created automatially by Spotify

    54 min

  5. 26 APR

    The Acting Terms Everyone Uses (But No One Explains)

    Have you ever heard terms like “self-tape”, “pencilled” or “on hold” and thought - wait, what does that actually mean? Because in this industry, there’s a lot of language that gets thrown around - and if you’re new to it, it can feel confusing, overwhelming… and honestly, a bit intimidating. In this episode, I break down the key acting terms you’re likely to hear - across auditions, training and on set - and explain them in a clear, simple way that actually helps you use them. This is a really practical one - whether you’re a young actor just starting out, or a parent supporting your child through auditions and training. We cover: audition terms like self-tapes, slates, recalls, being pencilled and availability checkstraining terms like showreels and workshopson-set language you might hear when you step into professional workIf you’ve ever felt unsure of the “industry language” - this will help you feel more confident, more informed, and much more in control of the process. And if there’s a term you’ve heard and still don’t understand, send it in - I’d love to include it in a future episode. 🔗 CONNECT WITH ME Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @TheDramaCoachCourses & resources: https://courses.thedramacoach.co.ukMore links: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

    25 min

  6. 25 APR

    Oracy, Acting and Confidence - What Young Performers Really Need

    In this episode, I’m joined by Georgie Ross, Director of Teaching and Learning at The Oracy Group. We explore the role of oracy - spoken communication - and why it’s so important for young people, both in education and beyond. This is a really practical conversation around how communication skills are developed, how drama supports that process, and what parents and educators can do to help build confidence in a clear and grounded way. We cover: What oracy actually means in practiceWhy listening is just as important as speakingHow oracy shows up in classrooms, auditions and everyday lifeThe link between drama, communication and confidenceSupporting young people with conversations, debate and expressionSocial media and how it’s shaping communicationSimple ways parents can support communication at homeWhether you’re a young performer, a parent, or working in education, this episode offers clear and practical insight you can use straight away. Find Georgie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-ross Find me: Instagram: @TheDramaCoach TikTok: @TheDramaCoach YouTube: The Drama Coach More support, coaching and resources: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Resources mentioned: English Speaking Union - Talk for Life Campaign Education Endowment Foundation - Oracy Research University of Cambridge - Oracy Programme Book: Drama and Oracy - Unlocking Potential (link coming soon) Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

    33 min

  7. 18 APR

    What Is a Monologue - And How Do You Actually Prepare One?

    In this episode, I break down what a monologue actually is - and how to approach one in a clear, practical way. Whether you’re preparing for an audition, a self-tape, LAMDA, or performance work, monologues can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I take you step by step through how to choose, understand and perform a monologue with confidence. This isn’t about overacting or trying to impress - it’s about making clear choices and bringing the piece to life in a truthful, grounded way. We cover: What a monologue is (and what it isn’t)Choosing the right piece for youUnderstanding the character and contextBreaking the text down into clear, playable momentsLearning your lines without sounding rehearsedPerforming for stage vs screen vs self-tapeCommon mistakes and how to avoid themIf you’re working on a monologue right now, or know you need one soon, this will give you a clear starting point and a structure you can come back to. If you’d like more support with this, I’ve created a full course where I guide you step by step through the entire process - from choosing the right piece, to performing it with clarity and confidence: https://courses.thedramacoach.co.uk You can also find the monologue course along with more courses, resources and coaching, via the link in my bio. Find me: Instagram: @TheDramaCoach TikTok: @TheDramaCoach YouTube: The Drama Coach More support, coaching and resources: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

    22 min

  8. 18 APR

    Balancing School and Acting - with Lacey

    Join me as I chat with 11-year-old actor Lacey about her real-life experiences in the industry so far - from her first time on set to managing auditions, handling rejection, and balancing acting with school life. This is an honest, grounded conversation that offers valuable insight for both young performers and their parents - especially if you're just starting out. Lacey shares what it actually feels like to be on set, how she approaches self-tapes, and the routines that help her stay organised and confident. We also talk about the challenges of NDAs, navigating disappointment, and finding joy in both screen and theatre work. A calm, practical and reassuring listen - straight from a young actor living it. ✨ In This Episode We Cover: First experiences on set - excitement, nerves, and learning fastWhat NDAs really mean (and how to manage them as a young actor)Handling rejection and staying positiveBalancing school, self-tapes and auditionsSelf-tape routines and learning linesThe difference between in-person auditions and self-tapesFinding inspiration through theatre and backstage experiencesWorking with parents on set vs licensed chaperonesBuilding routines, organisation and confidence⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Lacey and her love for dance 01:01 - First on-set experience and initial feelings 01:43 - Meeting new people and overcoming nerves 02:13 - Taking direction and building confidence on set 03:20 - How sets support young actors 03:54 - Understanding NDAs and keeping things confidential 04:34 - Managing secrecy at school 05:04 - Advice for young actors with NDAs 07:57 - Handling rejection and staying positive 09:01 - Family casting and audition experiences 10:26 - Callbacks and dealing with disappointment 11:25 - In-person auditions vs self-tapes 12:32 - Managing emotions and setbacks 14:03 - Supporting young actors through rejection 15:06 - Balancing acting with school life 16:04 - Creating routines that work 17:22 - Learning lines and recording techniques 18:39 - Improving self-tapes and taking feedback 20:04 - Love of theatre and backstage inspiration 36:45 - Watching theatre: screen vs live 37:31 - What inspires her most about theatre 40:20 - Quick fire: lessons, proud moments and advice 42:12 - Connecting with other young actors 📱 Follow & Connect Follow Lacey on Instagram: @lacey.southam (pending approval) Follow me for more acting tips and podcast updates: @TheDramaCoach Music by nastelbom - soft music 495878

    43 min
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About

A podcast for parents of young performers – and young actors themselves, whether you or your child are just starting out or already navigating auditions and performances. Hosted by actor and drama coach Lisa Southam, who also navigates this world as a parent, this podcast shares honest, practical insight into self-tapes, training and the realities of the industry. No hype – just real guidance to build skills, confidence and a love for the craft. Follow @TheDramaCoach Courses, resources and more: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Intro/outro music: ‘Soft Music’ by Nastelbom (via Pixabay)

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Southam
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lisa Southam
  • Show Website
    The Drama Coach Podcast

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