The Drama Coach Podcast

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 [http://www.thedramacoach.co.uk] Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

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/ [https://ragandbonearts.com/] Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

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 [http://www.thedramacoach.co.uk] Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

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 of * Common concerns from actors and parents, and how to approach them * Casting environments and what really helps young performers * Parent behaviour - what supports, and what can sometimes get in the way * The values that underpin long-term success in the industry * What young performers and parents often misunderstand * What to focus on when starting out We 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 [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 [https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach] Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

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 [http://www.thedramacoach.co.uk] Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay