The Acting Coach Network Podcast

Savanna Madden

The Acting Coach Network Podcast is your go-to space for growing a thriving, joyful acting business - without the burnout. Whether you’re a solo coach or a theatre school owner, you’ll get mindset tools, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes strategies to help you attract more students and love your work. I’ve got a free gift just for you: ‘5 Smart Ways to Scale Your Acting Coaching Business’ — a simple, actionable guide packed with ideas to help you grow your business without burning out. Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, it’s full of tips I wish I’d known sooner. You can download it right now: https://subscribepage.io/5smartwaystoscaleyouractingcoachingbusiness Follow on instagram: @TheActingCoachNetworkJoin our Facebook Community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/theactingcoachnetworkYoutube: @TheActingCoachNetwork

  1. Building Legacy, Leading With Impact and the Class Business Awards With Kristine Monaghan

    6D AGO

    Building Legacy, Leading With Impact and the Class Business Awards With Kristine Monaghan

    In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I’m joined by business mentor and class based industry leader Krissy Monaghan for a conversation that is honest, practical and incredibly value packed. Krissy has spent over a decade in the children’s activity and performing arts business space and has experienced growth from every angle. From building and leading large networks to mentoring business owners through their next stage of expansion, she brings clarity, focus and real world strategy to everything she does. Krissy shares why messy action will always beat perfection, how consistency compounds over time, and why focus is the most underrated skill for business growth. We talk about stepping into CEO leadership, navigating growth without burnout, and why what got you here will not get you to the next level. Krissy also gives a glimpse into her next era, including the launch of the Class Business Awards, a new initiative designed to celebrate excellence, leadership and impact across the class based business industry. The Awards sit alongside her wider mission to raise standards, build strong communities and create a lasting legacy for business owners in this space. If you are feeling stuck, distracted, overwhelmed or unsure how to step into your next era, this episode will give you clarity, confidence and permission to do things your way. WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE: • Why messy action and consistency always win • How structure and routine protect you from burnout • What it really means to step into CEO leadership • Why focus matters more than following trends • How to avoid comparison and distraction • The importance of mission, values and long term vision • Why money is not always the real motivator • How to decide what support you need at each stage of growth • A look into Krissy’s next era and the launch of the Class Business Awards Krissy primarily builds her community on Facebook, where she runs regular live sessions, free events, challenges and masterclasses. You can find her by searching: Kristine Monaghan Coach She is also on Instagram under Children’s Activity Business Club. Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    38 min
  2. Making Dance Accessible for All with Jack Seager

    DEC 15

    Making Dance Accessible for All with Jack Seager

    In this episode I chat with Jack Seager, founder of the Community Interest Company Jack Seager School of Dance. Jack is deeply committed to making dance accessible for every child and every family, and he shares the powerful story behind building a dance school rooted in community, inclusion and opportunity. Jack takes us through his journey from young performer to business owner, opening up about the realities of establishing a CIC, navigating funding, and creating a space where students feel valued, supported and inspired. We explore what it takes to lead with heart in the performing arts industry and the balance between resilience, emotional connection and the drive to make a genuine difference. We discuss • Dance as an art form that should be accessible to everyone regardless of background • How establishing a CIC creates opportunities for community focused work • The role of funding in keeping training affordable for families • Why building a strong and supportive community accelerates growth • The challenges of marketing to local schools and navigating gatekeepers • The importance of adapting teaching styles to meet diverse student needs • How emotional connection with students shapes the work in both beautiful and complex ways • The confidence and resilience needed to thrive in the arts • The power of collaboration over competition • The importance of returning to the deeper reason behind your passion and your purpose This conversation is full of insight, encouragement and real behind the scenes wisdom for anyone who cares about inclusive arts education or is building a mission led business in the performing arts. You can connect with Jack here: Instagram Facebook https://jackseagerschoolofdance.co.uk/ Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    40 min
  3. Leadership, Resilience and Growing a Franchise. A Powerful Conversation with Rascals Founder Diane Neave

    DEC 8

    Leadership, Resilience and Growing a Franchise. A Powerful Conversation with Rascals Founder Diane Neave

    In this incredibly heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Diane Neave, founder and franchisor of Rascals Theatre School. Diane opens up about her remarkable journey, from building a thriving franchise to receiving a life changing cancer diagnosis at the most pivotal moment of her business journey. Diane speaks with honesty and warmth about navigating chemotherapy, surgery and recovery while continuing to lead her business and support her franchisees. She shares the truth behind balancing treatment with teaching, the resilience she discovered within herself and the powerful perspective shift that came from surviving such a tough season. Inside this conversation you will hear: • How Diane built the Rascals franchise model and what inspired the rebrand • The moment she found her lump and the reality of hearing her treatment plan • How she kept her business moving forward during diagnosis, treatment and recovery • What her cancer journey taught her about leadership, letting go and trusting others • The very real challenges of stepping back from teaching when her body needed rest • Why creatives often have a powerful natural resilience • The role her horses played in keeping her grounded throughout treatment • How winning the Business Success Awards Against All Odds category became a defining moment • Her renewed energy for life, business and doing what she loves • The importance of external support, coaching and surrounding yourself with the right people • What she would say to anyone going through a difficult season right now Diane also shares what is next for Rascals, including new franchise openings, continued growth and her desire to step into her role as full time franchisor when the time is right. This is an episode filled with courage, insight and honesty. You will walk away feeling inspired, grounded and reminded of your own strength. Connect with Diane and explore joining the Rascals franchise: Website: www.rascals-uk.com/franchise Instagram: @rascals_theatre_school Facebook: Rascals Theatre School Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    46 min
  4. The Trinity Acting Method: Flexibility, Truth and Twenty Years of Craft with Matt Zina

    DEC 1

    The Trinity Acting Method: Flexibility, Truth and Twenty Years of Craft with Matt Zina

    In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Matt Zina to dive deep into his brand new book The Trinity Acting Method, a method twenty years in the making and already an Amazon bestseller on pre sale alone. Matt opens up about the limiting beliefs that almost stopped him writing the book, the mindset work that helped him break through them and the yearly exercise he gives his actors to shed old stories that hold them back. He explains how the Trinity Acting Method was built: from emotional start points, intensity scales and sense memory inspired “wooden box” work, through to the physical application actors need in high stakes scenes. Together they explore why modern actors need techniques that are adaptable and why Matt built a method that meets people where they’re at, whether they’re total beginners or established professionals. He shares powerful stories from students like Zak Sutcliffe and Zanda Emlano, how top tier actors still learn new concepts from his work and why he believes no one should be excluded from training. This conversation is packed with mindset, method and heart. If you’re an actor, acting coach or drama teacher looking for accessible tools that actually work, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to try the Trinity for yourself. You can connect with Matt here: www.linktr.ee/mattzina Grab your copy of the book here Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    57 min
  5. How to Become Confident with Tax and VAT as a Creative with Sam Cantrell

    NOV 24

    How to Become Confident with Tax and VAT as a Creative with Sam Cantrell

    In this episode of The Acting Coach Network podcast, I sit down with accountant and business owner Sam Cantrell, the woman behind In for a Penny Accountancy Services and the hugely popular Accounting for the Arts community. Sam has become the go to financial guide for creative entrepreneurs, theatre school owners and performing arts organisations who want clarity and confidence around their accounts, tax responsibilities and systems. Together, we explore the realities of managing money in a creative industry. Why so many performing arts professionals avoid looking at their numbers, how to finally get organised without overwhelm and why knowing your figures is one of the most empowering things you can do as a business owner. Sam also breaks down the topics that so many creative business owners find confusing. From bookkeeping and accounting software to VAT, turnover thresholds and the upcoming Making Tax Digital changes. She shares what every theatre school, dance school and acting coach needs to know, plus practical steps to get ahead before new rules come into force. Expect clear explanations, supportive advice and a completely judgement free approach. Sam is known for her friendly expertise and her ability to make even the scariest financial tasks feel achievable. Inside this episode you will learn: • The real reason so many creatives avoid their finances • Why knowing your numbers is a genuine superpower for growth • How Accounting for the Arts began and why Sam is so passionate about supporting this niche • The biggest misconceptions about tax returns and bookkeeping • What Making Tax Digital will mean for your business and what to do now • When VAT applies to theatre schools and how the private tuition exemption works • Why putting VAT onto your fees is essential for business sustainability • The accounting software Sam recommends for creative business owners • How to build financial systems that support both your creativity and your business • What to do if your accountant does not understand the performing arts world • The one thing Sam wishes every theatre school owner knew about bookkeeping Whether you run a theatre school, coach privately or work across multiple creative income streams, this episode will help you feel more confident, more informed and far less alone when it comes to your finances. Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    36 min
  6. Visibility, Balance, and Meta Ads: How to Grow a Business That Works for Your Life With Gwen Baird

    NOV 17

    Visibility, Balance, and Meta Ads: How to Grow a Business That Works for Your Life With Gwen Baird

    In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I'm joined by certified business coach and Advanced Meta Ads Strategist Gwen Baird for an honest conversation about visibility, alignment and what it really takes to grow a creative business without burning out. Gwen shares her journey into the online world more than twenty years ago, how living with an invisible illness has shaped the way she runs her business, and why building a business that works for your life matters more than ever. Together, Savanna and Gwen explore the biggest visibility challenges creative entrepreneurs face and the core foundations you need before you ever start running Meta ads. This episode dives into practical and realistic strategies for business owners who want to attract more leads, improve their marketing, and build confidence in their message. Gwen talks about how to know when you’re truly ready for Meta ads, why ads amplify what already exists in your business, and how to align your offer, your audience and your content so your ads can actually convert. You’ll also hear helpful insights about • finding balance as a business owner with an invisible illness • the difference between being busy and actually growing your business • why creatives often undercharge for their work • shifting from passion project to CEO mindset • building a long term business strategy that supports your lifestyle and energy • creating simple forward planning systems that make ads work harder for you If you’re a creative, acting coach, theatre school owner or service based business owner who feels stuck, stretched or unsure of your next steps, this episode will help you understand what to focus on first so you can grow your business with clarity and confidence. Gwen also shares details about her brand new Meta Ads Mastery programme, designed to help business owners understand and run their own Meta ads with confidence. You can connect with Gwen here: Advanced Meta Ads Mastery Instagram: @GwenBairdOnline Facebook: @GIBaird LinkedIn: Gwen Baird Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    52 min
  7. Self Belief, Acting Ambition and Drama Coaching with Heather Nye

    NOV 10

    Self Belief, Acting Ambition and Drama Coaching with Heather Nye

    In this episode I am joined by actor and drama coach Heather Nye, whose journey into the performing arts and coaching world is rooted in courage, self belief and a deep commitment to helping young people grow in confidence. Heather started out volunteering in drama classes simply because she loved working with children and wanted to be part of something creative. That choice led her to discover a passion for teaching, pursue professional acting, and eventually become a franchise owner with The Drama Centre. Today she teaches across schools, runs her own drama club, and continues to build her acting career with curiosity and determination. We explore what it means to build a business while pursuing performance opportunities, how mindset and emotional tools support the creative journey, and the role confidence plays both in the classroom and on stage. Heather speaks honestly about choosing the harder but more fulfilling path, navigating vulnerability, and trusting yourself even when the future feels uncertain. In this episode we discuss: • How acting training can strengthen your teaching practice • The mindset tools that support confidence and resilience in business • Why choosing the harder path can lead to greater fulfilment • How to navigate vulnerability, rejection and self doubt in the arts This is a warm and open conversation about creativity, resilience and backing yourself through the ups and downs of building a life in the arts. You can connect with Heather here: Instagram: @heather_thedramacentre and @heatherlynye Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    45 min
  8. How MN Awards Is Changing the Future of Drama Education with Tom Newton

    NOV 3

    How MN Awards Is Changing the Future of Drama Education with Tom Newton

    In this episode of the Acting Coach Network Podcast, I sit down with Tom Newton, co-founder of Middleweek Newton Talent Management, MN Academy, and the groundbreaking MN Awards - the first Ofqual recognised awarding body to specialise exclusively in film and television. Tom shares his journey from actor training to casting professional, agent, and now education entrepreneur, and the pivotal role screen acting has played throughout his career. Together, Savanna and Tom chat about: The story behind launching Middleweek Newton Talent Management from a spare bedroomHow MN Academy and Cromer Studios became creative hubs for innovationThe five-year journey to Ofqual recognition and the resilience it demandedWhy screen acting deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with theatre in drama educationHow teachers can bring film, TV, and digital media confidently into their classroomsThey discuss the significance of CPD training for teachers, and the future directions for MN Awards, including new qualifications in filmmaking. The conversation emphasises the need for resilience, innovation, and the recognition of screen acting as a vital discipline in the performing arts. This episode is a must-listen for acting coaches, theatre school owners, and educators who believe the future of performing arts training lies in embracing both stage and screen.  Connect with MN Awards: Website: www.mnawards.co.uk (Book your CPD here) Instagram: @mnawards Facebook: @mnawards Adult Classes: www.mnacademy.co.uk Agency: Middleweek Newton Talent Management Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice 7 Day Audio Series Here Grab my LAMDA Teacher Training Course Here Follow me on Instagram here Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - savanna@savannamadden.com Check out YouTube here

    44 min

About

The Acting Coach Network Podcast is your go-to space for growing a thriving, joyful acting business - without the burnout. Whether you’re a solo coach or a theatre school owner, you’ll get mindset tools, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes strategies to help you attract more students and love your work. I’ve got a free gift just for you: ‘5 Smart Ways to Scale Your Acting Coaching Business’ — a simple, actionable guide packed with ideas to help you grow your business without burning out. Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, it’s full of tips I wish I’d known sooner. You can download it right now: https://subscribepage.io/5smartwaystoscaleyouractingcoachingbusiness Follow on instagram: @TheActingCoachNetworkJoin our Facebook Community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/theactingcoachnetworkYoutube: @TheActingCoachNetwork