The Drama Coach Podcast

Welcome to Series 3 of The Drama Coach Podcast. This series is called The Performer’s Toolkit, and it’s all about going inside the performer’s process to explore the methods, tools and techniques behind truthful, confident work. In this opening episode, Lisa introduces the theme of the new series and looks at what it really means to build a performer’s toolkit - not just learning lines or preparing for auditions, but developing craft, confidence, curiosity, self-awareness, resilience and professionalism. Whether you’re a young performer, emerging actor, parent, drama teacher or coach, this episode sets up the conversations to come across Series 3, from acting techniques and voice work to movement, mindset, self-tapes, casting, training and the business side of the industry. In this episode, Lisa talks about: Why there is no single “perfect route” into acting What a performer’s toolkit actually is The importance of craft, curiosity and process Why actors need more than talent and instinct How parents, teachers and coaches can support performers without adding pressure Why confidence comes from preparation, understanding and practice The role of voice, body, mind, business and creative process in performance Why acting training should give performers more choice, freedom and ownership How to stay ambitious without burning out or losing yourself in the industry Series 3 will explore acting from a broader perspective, looking at practitioners, methods, tools and real industry insight to help performers keep growing one step at a time. Listen if you are: A young performer or emerging actor A parent supporting a young performer A drama teacher, acting coach or theatre practitioner Interested in acting training, auditions, self-tapes and career development Looking for practical, honest conversations about the performer’s process Find The Drama Coach: Instagram / TikTok / Facebook: @thedramacoach YouTube: The Drama Coach Website: www.thedramacoach.co.uk Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.

What does “real people casting” actually mean - and what can actors and young performers learn from it? In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m joined by casting director Casper Black, founder of Casper Black Casting, to explore the world of real people casting across commercials, documentaries, branded content and television. We talk about the crossover between actors and real people casting, why authenticity matters, and how performers can sometimes accidentally make themselves look too much like actors when a brief is asking for something natural and unperformed. Casper also shares practical advice on self-tapes, reading briefs carefully, real family and couple castings, chemistry on camera, rejection, professionalism, pay and knowing when an opportunity is right for you. In this episode, we cover: what “real people casting” actually means authenticity versus performance why actors shouldn’t automatically dismiss “real people” briefs how to avoid over-performing in a casting tape what casting is really looking for in families and couples self-tape basics - lighting, framing and sound why reading the brief properly matters professionalism, reliability and duty of care opportunities for young performers and their families why silence doesn’t always mean rejection One of Casper’s strongest messages is simple: if a casting is asking for the real you, don’t try to manufacture authenticity. Let casting actually see you. After we finished recording, Casper messaged with one extra piece of advice she wished she’d included: For a real people casting tape - don’t rehearse it. Just go for it. The aim is for casting to meet you, rather than a polished or practised version of you. And if you really feel you need a rehearsal, record that first run anyway - it may turn out to be the most natural version. Website: casperblackcasting.com Instagram: @casperblackcasting Casper also recommends joining the free Casper Black Casting mailing list, where actors, parents and real people can hear about current casting opportunities and receive fuller breakdowns and timelines. Follow The Drama Coach: Instagram/TikTok: @TheDramaCoach Website You can also find me, Lisa Southam - actor, drama coach and podcast host, on Instagram at @lisa.southam.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe to The Drama Coach Podcast and share it with another performer or parent who might find it useful.

Series 3 of The Drama Coach Podcast is coming on 19th September 2026. This season, we’re going beyond acting technique and looking at the bigger picture - the things performers need to know to build, navigate and sustain a career in the industry. Across The Performer’s Toolkit, I’ll be joined by actors, casting directors, agents, directors, coaches and other industry professionals to talk about: Casting and auditions Representation and agents Creating your own work Working professionally on set Career longevity The realities of building a sustainable performing career Expect honest conversations, practical advice, different perspectives and plenty you can put into action. Because becoming a better performer isn’t just about becoming a better actor. There’s always more to learn. 🎙️ Series 3: The Performer’s Toolkit launches 19 September 2026. Follow The Drama Coach Podcast now so you don’t miss it. Find me on socials @TheDramaCoach

That’s a wrap on Series 2 of The Drama Coach Podcast! In this special round-up episode, I’m looking back at some of the biggest lessons, ideas and reminders from an incredible series of conversations with actors, coaches, casting directors, voice professionals and industry experts. We revisit some of my favourite takeaways from: Laura Graham May - finding your own path through drama and performance Kate Harbour - why voice acting is acting Rosie Stancliffe - voice, identity and truthful performance Katie and Ethan - university, drama school and choosing the training route that suits you Brian Maitland - social media, visibility and staying safe online Jamie Boddy - the business of acting and understanding your personal brand Adam Stadius - what drama schools are really looking for Helen Goldwyn - building a long-lasting creative career Liane Marie - what casting directors actually want from your self-tape Alexa Morden from The 98% - agents, representation and knowing your worth Derek Barr - craft, mindset, business and staying ready Kateland Cunningham - trusting yourself as an artist and letting go of perfection Looking back across the whole series, one message keeps coming through: There is no single correct route into this industry. Learn the craft. Understand the business. Stay curious. Stay safe. Keep training. Take the advice that helps you - but don’t lose yourself in the process. I also share a little about my 1:1 coaching for actors and young performers. If you’d like support with acting technique, self-tapes, auditions, monologues, screen acting, confidence or working out what to develop next, you can find details here: Coaching: www.thedramacoach.co.uk And finally… Series 3 is coming. The Performer’s Toolkit launches 29 September, with practical conversations around self-tapes, showreels, screen acting, casting, auditions, stronger choices and what performers can actually work on between opportunities. Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss it. Thank you to every guest who contributed to Series 2 - and most importantly, thank you for listening, sharing and supporting the podcast. Onwards to Series 3. 🎭 Follow on Socials: @TheDramaCoach

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by actor, singer and coach Kateland Cunningham. Based in Los Angeles, Kateland works with performers across acting and vocal training, bringing together classical vocal technique, Stanislavski-based acting work and a student-led approach to learning. This conversation explores what it really means to grow as a performer - not just technically, but creatively and personally too. Lisa and Kateland talk about acting training, singing, confidence, intuition, perfectionism, safe learning spaces and why young performers need to feel ownership over their own creative choices. They also discuss the difference between teaching and coaching, how performers can build a process that works for them, and why being a successful artist should not mean sacrificing happiness. In this episode, they discuss: Kateland’s journey from childhood commercial work to theatre, singing and coaching Why student-led teaching can help performers grow with more confidence The difference between coaching for an urgent audition and teaching for long-term development Stanislavski, truthful acting and finding a process that works Why intuition matters in acting, singing and choosing material Helping young performers take ownership of their choices Perfectionism, people pleasing and the pressure to get everything right Why safe creative spaces matter, especially for younger performers The importance of supportive networks and healthy industry connections Why singers do not need to rush to define their voice type What success can mean beyond roles, credits or external approval This is a thoughtful episode for young performers, parents, teachers and coaches who want to understand training in a deeper, healthier and more artist-led way. Find Kateland: TikTok: @traininganartist Website: KatelandCunningham.com Mentioned in this episode: Rosie’s voice episode - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YRBwv1IKD3b SceneTribe - https://scenetribe.com The Drama Coach - https://thedramacoach.co.uk Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.