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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

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.uk TikTok: @lamdateacher.co.uk Facebook: 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

S1 Ep17: The Car Journey Home - Supporting Your Child After an Audition or Show

In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m talking about something that can feel small, but really matters for young performers: The car journey home. After an audition, a show, a self-tape, a festival or a drama class, children are often full of adrenaline, nerves, excitement or disappointment. As parents and carers, it’s natural to want to ask questions, offer feedback, or work out how it went - but sometimes what they really need first is a soft landing. This episode explores how we can support young performers after auditions and performances without adding unnecessary pressure. I talk about: How to avoid turning the car journey home into an instant debrief Why effort matters more than outcome What to say when your child is disappointed Why instant corrections aren’t always helpful How to praise specifically without comparing Why your calm can become their calm Simple phrases to keep in your back pocket after auditions and shows This isn’t about telling anyone how to parent. Every child and family is different. It’s simply advice to take, leave or adapt, based on my experience as a drama coach, actor, chaperone and mum. A gentle, practical episode for parents and carers supporting young performers through auditions, shows and training. 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