S2 Ep3: Supporting Artist Agencies - Should Actors Join One?

S2 Ep3: Supporting Artist Agencies - Should Actors Join One?

Supporting artist work can be a brilliant way to gain experience on professional sets, understand how filming works and build confidence around the screen industry - but it is important to approach it with realistic expectations. In this solo episode, I’m talking about supporting artist agencies: What they are, how they work, what parents should know before signing a young performer up, and why background work is different from acting roles through an agent. This episode is especially useful if your child or teen is curious about screen work, wants to understand more about being on set, or is hoping to gain experience in film and TV. In this episode, I cover: * What supporting artist agencies actually do * The difference between supporting artist work and acting roles * Why background work can be valuable experience * What parents need to check before signing up * Chaperones, licences and safeguarding * Why it is not usually a fast track to speaking roles * How to manage expectations around availability, fees and last-minute bookings * What young performers can learn from being on set * Why professionalism matters, even in the background * How supporting artist work can fit into a wider acting journey This is not about putting pressure on young performers to “get discovered” in the background. It is about understanding the industry clearly, spotting useful opportunities and making informed choices as a family. Listen to The Drama Coach Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ki4LEKDnWmFTLzG7JXzGd The Drama Coach: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk [https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk] Courses, Resources & More: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach This season of The Drama Coach Podcast is sponsored by SceneTribe - a new platform for the creative industries, helping performers, creatives and industry professionals build profiles, connect through real work and discover opportunities. Find out more at: https://scenetribe.com If this episode helps you understand supporting artist work a little more clearly, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with a parent or young performer who might find it useful. You can also follow me @TheDramaCoach for more acting tips, self-tape advice and honest conversations about the industry. Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

S2 Ep2: Drama Training & Finding Your Path

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Graham-May, founder and Artistic Director of Rag and Bone Arts in Chippenham. Laura has worked with young people for many years through drama, devising, ensemble work and creative projects. She has also taught post-16 performing arts students, giving her a brilliant perspective on what good drama training can offer at different stages. This conversation is especially useful for teens, young adults and parents who are thinking about next steps in acting, training or the wider performing arts. We talk about: What performing arts actually means - beyond just musicals Why process matters as much as performance How drama builds confidence, communication and self-awareness Supporting quieter students and those who love the spotlight Hobby vs career - and why both are valid Post-16 training and what changes at that stage Commitment, mindset and knowing yourself Other careers in theatre and the arts beyond performing Mental health, comparison and staying grounded in training Find Laura and Rag and Bone Arts: Website: https://ragandbonearts.com [https://ragandbonearts.com] Instagram: @ragandbonearts Adult provision: @ragandboneartscic Facebook: Rag and Bone Arts / Rag and Bone Arts CIC Find me: Website: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk [https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk] Courses: https://courses.thedramacoach.co.uk Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @TheDramaCoach Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

S2 Ep1: Welcome to Series 2 of The Drama Coach Podcast

In this short intro episode, I’m introducing Series 2 of The Drama Coach Podcast - and this time, we’re shifting the focus slightly. Series 1 was mainly for parents of young performers: The ones navigating auditions, agents, self-tapes, confidence, rejection and all the early questions that come with supporting a child in the industry. Series 2 is for those young performers who are starting to take acting a bit more seriously - particularly teens, young adults and anyone beginning to think about drama school, training, agents, auditions and what a creative career might actually look like. It’s also still very much for parents, teachers and anyone supporting young actors along the way. This series will include conversations with actors, agents, coaches, theatre-makers, voice artists and industry professionals - all with the aim of offering honest, useful and grounded insight. No hype. No false promises. Just real conversations about training, confidence, creativity and the industry. Thanks so much for being here - I’m really excited for this next chapter. You can find me here: Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @TheDramaCoach Website: www.thedramacoach.co.uk Courses and resources: courses.thedramacoach.co.uk Linktree: linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach Music credit: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay

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)

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 opportunity Red flags in casting notices, messages and audition requests Why young performers should not handle industry communication alone The importance of checking who is behind a casting Why vague, rushed or secretive communication can be a warning sign Self-tape safety and age-appropriate material Online messages, social media approaches and direct contact Why parents and young performers should ask questions without embarrassment The difference between nerves and genuine discomfort Why “being professional” does not mean saying yes to everything Trusting your instincts and getting a second opinion Using reputable sources, agents, unions and trusted adults for guidance How parents can stay calm, curious and supportive Why 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 performers Parents of young actors Teen actors Drama students Acting teachers and coaches Parent-managed performer accounts Anyone applying for castings online Anyone 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-auditions [https://www.equity.org.uk/advice-and-support/casting-and-auditions] Equity - Staying Safe at Castings and Auditions: https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2020/staying-safe-at-castings-and-auditions [https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2020/staying-safe-at-castings-and-auditions] NSPCC - Safeguarding in the Performing Arts: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/for-performing-arts [https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/for-performing-arts] Spotlight - Young Performer Support Hub: https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/young-performers/young-performer-resources-industry-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/ [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-performers [https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/young-performers] SAG-AFTRA - Safety Tips for Young Performers: https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/young-performers/parents/safety-tips [https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/young-performers/parents/safety-tips] SAG-AFTRA - Young Performers Handbook: https://www.sagaftra.org/sites/default/files/sa_documents/young_performers_handbook.pdf [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.