The Drama Coach Podcast

Lisa Southam
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast for parents of young performers - and young actors themselves - 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. 18h ago

    S1 Ep24: Acting, Technology and Truth - What’s Changing for Actors

    In this episode, I’m joined by Richard Cambridge - actor, producer, and co-founder of WeAudition and VertiCast. This is a really insightful conversation that sits at the intersection of acting and technology - and what’s changing within the industry as a result. Richard shares his journey as an actor and producer, and how his own experiences led him to create platforms that are now supporting actors all over the world - particularly when it comes to self-tapes, readers, and remote working. We talk honestly about self-tapes - something I know so many parents and young performers are navigating - and why the reader plays such an important role in the quality of a tape. We also explore what actually matters when it comes to auditions, how much to focus on setup, and what casting directors are really looking for beyond the technical side. Alongside that, we open up the wider reality of the industry - from working at a high level, to travel, disruption, and the impact that can have on everyday life. We also touch on mental health at the beginning and end of the episode, and the importance of staying grounded in an industry that can feel unpredictable. We cover: Acting and technology - what’s changing in the industry The rise of self-tapes and remote readers Why a good reader matters more than you think Practical tips for parents supporting self-tapes at home What casting directors are really looking for Working on set and preparing for high-level projects The reality of travel, disruption and last-minute changes Long-running TV vs shorter projects Wellbeing, balance and staying grounded as an actor Richard also shares thoughtful advice for both young performers and parents navigating this space. You can find Richard and his work here: Instagram: @richcambridgeInstagram: @weaudition https://www.weaudition.com/https://verticastapp.com/ If you found this episode helpful, feel free to share it with someone who might benefit, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. You can find more support, resources and coaching via @TheDramaCoach across socials. Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

    1h 6m

  2. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Staying Safe in Castings: What Performers and Parents Need to Know

    In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa talks about an urgent and important topic: Staying safe in castings. Prompted by a serious conversation about unsafe and questionable casting situations, this episode is aimed at young performers, parents, carers, teachers and anyone supporting actors as they begin to navigate the industry. The performing arts industry can be exciting, creative and full of opportunity - but it is also important to understand boundaries, red flags and the right to question something that does not feel safe or professional. Lisa talks through practical ways to approach castings, self-tapes, online messages and audition opportunities with more awareness and confidence. This is not about scaring young performers away from the industry. It is about helping them feel informed, supported and able to pause, ask questions and speak up when something does not feel right. In this episode, Lisa talks about:Why safety should always come before any opportunityRed flags in casting notices, messages and audition requestsWhy young performers should not handle industry communication aloneThe importance of checking who is behind a castingWhy vague, rushed or secretive communication can be a warning signSelf-tape safety and age-appropriate materialOnline messages, social media approaches and direct contactWhy parents and young performers should ask questions without embarrassmentThe difference between nerves and genuine discomfortWhy “being professional” does not mean saying yes to everythingTrusting your instincts and getting a second opinionUsing reputable sources, agents, unions and trusted adults for guidanceHow parents can stay calm, curious and supportiveWhy no role, credit or opportunity is worth compromising your safety Key reminders:If something feels rushed, secretive, inappropriate or unclear, pause.If someone tells you not to tell your parent, agent, teacher or trusted adult, that is a serious red flag.If a casting request involves young performers, communication should be professional, transparent and age-appropriate.It is always OK to ask who is involved, where the casting is taking place, what the material is, how footage will be used and whether the opportunity is paid.It is always OK to say no, ask for advice and protect yourself. This episode is especially useful for:Young performersParents of young actorsTeen actorsDrama studentsActing teachers and coachesParent-managed performer accountsAnyone applying for castings onlineAnyone navigating self-tapes, agents, social media or early industry opportunities Please share this episode with anyone who supports young performers. The more we talk openly about safety, boundaries and professional standards, the better protected young performers can be. Useful links:Equity - Casting and Auditions:https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/casting-and-auditionsEquity - Staying Safe at Castings and Auditions:https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2020/staying-safe-at-castings-and-auditionsNSPCC - Safeguarding in the Performing Arts:https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/for-performing-artsSpotlight - Young Performer Support Hub:https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/young-performers/young-performer-resources-industry-hub/Spotlight - A Guide to Auditioning Safely:https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/the-essentials/a-guide-to-auditioning-safely/SAG-AFTRA - Young Performers:https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/young-performersSAG-AFTRA - Safety Tips for Young Performers:https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/young-performers/parents/safety-tipsSAG-AFTRA - Young Performers Handbook:https://www.sagaftra.org/sites/default/files/sa_documents/young_performers_handbook.pdf Find Lisa:Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook: @TheDramaCoach The Drama Coach Podcast supports young performers and parents with confidence, performance skills and practical industry guidance.

    39 min

  3. 6d ago

    S1 Ep23: What Progress Really Looks Like for Young Performers

    In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m talking about what progress really looks like for young performers - especially those starting to take acting a little more seriously. When a child begins moving from drama as a hobby into auditions, self-tapes, LAMDA, agents, screen work, theatre or early industry opportunities, it can be hard to know how to measure progress. Of course, roles, recalls, distinctions, auditions, agents and credits can all be exciting. But they are not the only signs that a young performer is growing. In this episode, I explore the quieter, often more important signs of progress: Listening, taking direction, becoming more independent, making clearer acting choices, improving self-tapes, recovering from mistakes, handling disappointment, communicating more clearly, being better in the room, and still finding joy in the work. This is a practical and reassuring episode for parents and carers who want to support their child without measuring everything by parts, marks, agents or results. Because progress isn’t always a role, agent or credit. Sometimes it’s the young performer who tries again, listens more carefully, takes a note, supports someone else, asks better questions, or learns that their worth is not tied to one result. You can find me across social media at @TheDramaCoach. For coaching, courses, resources and useful links, visit: linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach You can also visit: www.thedramacoach.co.uk Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

    46 min

  4. Jun 6

    S1 Ep22 The Reality of a Life in Acting - Training, Touring and Telling New Stories

    In this episode, I’m joined by Emile Clarke - an actor, theatre-maker and headshot photographer - for a really thoughtful and honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a sustainable career in this industry. We talk about Emile’s journey as a neurodivergent actor, and how understanding yourself - rather than trying to fit a mould - can become one of your greatest strengths. We also explore the realities of touring life, what headshots are really for (and where actors often go wrong), and how authenticity, self-awareness and storytelling sit at the centre of everything. As always, this episode is about giving young performers and their parents a clearer, more grounded understanding of the industry - and how to approach it in a way that supports both confidence and longevity. We cover: Neurodivergence in acting - and how it can be a strength, not a limitation The realities of touring - lifestyle, logistics and what to expect Headshots - what actually works, and common mistakes actors make Authenticity and self-awareness - why they matter more than “performing” Representation, diversity and telling your own story Supporting young performers - from both an industry and parent perspective Career longevity - what it really takes to sustain a life in acting Find EmileInstagram: @locknlense @emilejclarke https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/adventures-in-hidden-histories/ Find me:Instagram: @thedramacoach YouTube: The Drama Coach Courses: courses.thedramacoach.co.uk https://ragandbonearts.com/ Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

    1h 42m

  5. May 31

    S1 Ep21: It’s Not Just Talent: What Young Performers Really Need

    In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m talking about something every young performer and parent needs to understand: Talent is wonderful - but it isn’t enough. Natural ability can be exciting. Some children have a real spark, instinct, confidence, timing, emotional truth or love of performing. But the young performers who really grow - and the ones people enjoy working with - usually have much more than talent. In this episode, I explore the other skills young performers need, including listening, focus, preparation, taking direction, resilience, kindness, reliability, curiosity, patience and being able to work as part of a team. I also talk about why feedback is not failure, why being easy to work with matters, and why parents can support their child by praising more than just natural ability. This is a practical, grounded episode for parents and carers supporting young performers through drama classes, auditions, rehearsals, exams, shows or screen work. Because drama is not just about being talented. It’s about learning how to work, listen, connect, try, fail safely and grow. You can find me across social media at @TheDramaCoach. For coaching, courses, resources and useful links, visit: linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach You can also visit: www.thedramacoach.co.uk Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

    28 min

  6. May 30

    S1 Ep20: AI, Casting and Values - What Young Performers Really Need to Know

    In this episode, I’m joined again by Julia from JK’s Management, and we’re diving into some really current and important conversations within the industry. We dip into AI - what it means for actors and voiceover, and some of the concerns and possibilities around it, particularly when it comes to young performers. But this isn’t just about AI. We also explore casting environments, parent behaviour, and the values that really matter when building a sustainable career in the industry. This is an honest, balanced conversation that gives a clearer picture of what’s actually going on behind the scenes. We cover: AI in acting and voiceover - what’s changing and what to be aware ofCommon concerns from actors and parents, and how to approach themCasting environments and what really helps young performersParent behaviour - what supports, and what can sometimes get in the wayThe values that underpin long-term success in the industryWhat young performers and parents often misunderstandWhat to focus on when starting outWe also go off on a few very real tangents along the way (including self-tapes), which reflect the reality of how these conversations actually unfold. This episode is for young performers, parents, and anyone wanting a more grounded understanding of the industry today. If you missed Julia’s first episode, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ki4LEKDnWmFTLzG7JXzGd Find Julia / JK’s Management: TikTok: @jksmanagement Instagram: @jks.management 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)

    53 min

  7. May 29

    S1 Ep19: What Makes a Good Drama Class for Children?

    In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m talking about something many parents and carers wonder about when their child shows an interest in drama, acting, theatre, screen work or musical theatre: What actually makes a good drama class? When your child says they want to do drama, it can be hard to know where to start. Should they join a local drama group, a stage school, LAMDA lessons, youth theatre, musical theatre, screen acting classes or one-to-one coaching? And once you’ve found something, how do you know if it’s the right fit? In this episode, I talk about what parents can look for in a good drama class - not just in terms of performance opportunities, but in how the class supports confidence, communication, creativity, focus, resilience and real acting skills. I explore why a good drama class should feel emotionally safe, why confidence doesn’t always look loud, and why listening, ensemble work, age-appropriate training and useful feedback matter just as much as getting the lead role. This episode also looks at how to tell whether a class is stretching your child without crushing them, why the teacher’s approach really matters, and why the best class is not always the biggest, flashiest or most “industry” sounding one. A practical, reassuring episode for parents and carers who want to support their child’s interest in drama in a healthy, grounded way. You can find me across social media at @TheDramaCoach. For coaching, courses, resources and useful links, visit: linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach You can also visit: www.thedramacoach.co.uk Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

    30 min

  8. May 27

    S1 Ep18: Beyond the Exam: How LAMDA Supports Young Performers

    In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m joined by Jules Martin, a LAMDA teacher who works with young performers and adults, supporting them through acting training, exams and communication skills. We talk about what LAMDA actually is, but more importantly, what it can build beyond the exam itself. This conversation explores how LAMDA can help young performers develop confidence, communication, clarity, text work and real acting skills - the kind of skills that support them not only in exams, but in auditions, self-tapes, classes and the wider industry too. We also talk about what good acting looks like for young performers, how to avoid overthinking or over-performing, and why the right training environment matters so much. For parents, this episode offers a useful insight into what to look for in a teacher or class, how to support your child through training, and how to keep exams and results in perspective. A really practical and encouraging conversation for young performers, parents and anyone curious about how LAMDA can support confidence, communication and acting development. You can find Jules here:Website: lamdateacher.co.ukTikTok: @lamdateacher.co.ukFacebook: Jules Martin Actor/LAMDA Teacher You can find me across social media at @TheDramaCoach. For coaching, courses and resources, visit:www.thedramacoach.co.uk Monologue Video Course can be found here: www.thedramacoach.co.uk/courses Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

    49 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, 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lisa Southam
  • Show Website
    The Drama Coach Podcast