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

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.

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)