The Drama Coach Podcast

What did we actually learn from Series One of The Drama Coach Podcast? In this special look-back episode, I’m revisiting some of the conversations, advice and standout moments from the very first series - with clips from guests along the way. One of the biggest things I’ve taken from speaking to actors, casting professionals, coaches and other people working across the industry is that the learning never really stops. We talk about: Why curiosity is such an important part of being a performer The value of preparation - without becoming rigid Continuing to train, even when you already have experience Being open to feedback and new ways of working Professionalism in auditions, rehearsal rooms and on set What performers can learn from people working in other areas of the industry Confidence, resilience and being willing to get things wrong Why sometimes choosing to become the student again is exactly what helps you grow There are so many routes through this industry, but one message kept coming back throughout Series One: talent and training matter, but so does staying open, interested and willing to learn. Whether you’re a young performer, a parent supporting one, an adult actor finding your way into the industry, or simply someone who loves performing, I hope there’s a nugget in here that you can take away and use. 🎭 The Drama Coach Podcast is hosted by Lisa Southam - actor, drama coach and podcast host. Find me here: Instagram - @TheDramaCoach TikTok - @TheDramaCoach YouTube - The Drama Coach Actor Instagram - @lisa.southam.uk Website - www.lisasoutham.co.uk And if you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe, share the episode with someone who might find it useful, and leave a rating or review - it really does help more performers and parents find the show. Intro/Outro Music: Nastelbom - Soft Music 295878 from Pixabay

What does it really mean to stop waiting for permission and start creating your own opportunities as an actor? In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by actor, producer, author and filmmaker Jade Asha for a brilliantly honest conversation about making your own work, building a sustainable acting career and staying creative when the industry feels unpredictable. Jade shares her journey from repeated drama school rejection to creating her own projects, producing feature films and becoming a BAFTA member - alongside the mistakes, setbacks and lessons that came with it. We talk about the realities of producing independent film - from budgets, contracts and post-production to finding people you trust - and why actors considering making their own work need to understand both the creative and business sides of filmmaking. Jade also shares practical ideas for keeping your acting career moving even when you're not booking: commercial modelling, creating your own showreel material, developing additional skills, meeting other creatives and simply staying visible and involved. And perhaps most importantly, we explore mindset - why comparison rarely helps, why being an actor sometimes means becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, and why your career doesn't need to look like anybody else's. In this episode: Why Jade began writing roles for herself How creating her first feature film changed her career The realities of producing your own independent film Why finishing a project can be harder than filming it The importance of contracts, agreements and protecting your footage Why your first project doesn't need a huge budget Working with what you already have - locations, people, skills and stories Writing characters and stories that feel authentic Why actors should understand the producer's perspective The value of building a trusted creative team Why one small opportunity can lead somewhere completely unexpected Commercial modelling as another potential income stream for actors Creating your own showreel scenes and opportunities Why staying busy and visible matters Finding flexible work that can support an acting career The value of learning through doing Why you don't need to be booked to call yourself an actor Vision boards, visualisation and keeping sight of the bigger picture Jade's reminder that actors can create rather than wait for permission One of my favourite takeaways from Jade: “As an actor, you've got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” And when I asked what actors need to stop waiting for permission to do? “Create.” Jade AshaSearch Jade Asha across social media to follow her acting, filmmaking and producing work. London Independent PicturesEvents, screenings and opportunities to connect with actors and filmmakers:https://londonindependentpictures.com/events Due DatingJade's feature film Due Dating is available to watch on Amazon Prime. Acting with AshaFind Jade's podcast Acting with Asha wherever you listen to podcasts. Jade is also the author of Actorpreneur - exploring practical ways actors can take greater ownership of their careers, create opportunities and build something sustainable alongside acting. The Drama Coach PodcastHosted by Lisa Southam - actor, drama coach and podcast host. For acting tips, industry conversations and practical advice for performers and parents of young performers, follow @thedramacoach: Instagram • TikTok • YouTube Intro/Outro Music: Nastelbom - Soft Music 295878 from Pixabay

What do actors, casting directors, coaches and teachers keep saying again and again about building a sustainable life as a performer? In this slightly different episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m bringing together some of the advice that has stayed with me most from conversations across the podcast so far. These aren’t simply “best bits”. They’re the lessons I genuinely think more performers need to hear - and several are things I wish I’d understood much earlier in my own career. We talk about audition mindset, casting decisions, acting technique, drama school, discipline and what it actually means to keep developing as an artist when you’re not currently booking jobs. You’ll hear insights from: Derek Barr, founder of The Acting Masters - on why your job in an audition is to do the work, rather than trying to get the job. Casting Director Rose Rosen - on the huge number of factors involved in building a cast, and why not booking a role does not automatically mean your audition wasn’t good. Eric Geynes - on preparation, acting technique, making choices and ultimately learning to let the work go. Helen Goldwyn - on knowing your character deeply enough that you don’t need to “show” us that you’re acting. Adam Stadius from Getting to Drama School - on why training gives you technique rather than talent, and why drama school is only one route into the industry. Ned Drews - on discipline, motivation and the importance of continuing to show up even when you’re not performing at your absolute best. The big message running through all of it? Prepare. Train. Stay curious. Take the work seriously. But don’t confuse one casting decision with a verdict on your talent, anxiety with commitment, or endless preparation with better acting. And don’t spend your creative life waiting for somebody else to tell you that you’re officially allowed to call yourself a performer. If one of these guests particularly resonates with you, you can find their full conversations in previous episodes of The Drama Coach Podcast. I’ll also add direct episode links here as they become available. Follow The Drama Coach: Instagram TikTok YouTube Follow Lisa: Instagram LinkedIn If you know an actor, young performer, parent or drama teacher who would find this episode useful, please share it with them. Intro/Outro Music: Nastelbom - Soft Music 295878 from Pixabay

What makes a performer genuinely brilliant to work with? In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by director Rob Holder for a fascinating look at what’s happening on the other side of the camera. Drawing on more than 16 years of directing experience across commercials, branded content and film, Rob shares what directors need from performers - from being directable and camera-aware to understanding the pressures and practicalities of a busy set. We explore why being a great actor is only one part of being great to work with, and how communication, flexibility, professionalism and collaboration can make an enormous difference. Rob also explains why actors may be asked to repeat or completely change something that appears to be working perfectly, and how understanding shot size, eyelines, marks and physical continuity can make you more confident on camera. In this episode: What directors mean when they say an actor was "brilliant to work with" What being directable actually looks like Why giving a genuinely different option matters Adjusting your performance for a wide, mid-shot or close-up Why tiny thoughts and reactions can read beautifully on camera Marks, eyelines, focus and physical awareness Why something can feel strange to an actor but look right on camera The difference between drama, commercials and branded content Why commercial performances can combine emotion with precise physical actions What actors often don't see about the pressures facing a director and crew How to ask questions without disrupting the momentum of a shoot Why communication matters when something isn't working Being present and professional without needing to be at the centre of everything Why observing a set can be one of the best ways to learn Preparing thoroughly while remaining flexible when plans change Why rejection often has more to do with the casting brief than your performance Rob's memorable "body outline" analogy for understanding casting Why one great self-tape can lead to other opportunities Advice for young performers moving from theatre training onto screen Why sometimes the best thing a young actor can do is put the "performing" away and simply be themselves Encouragement for actors beginning their careers later in life One particularly useful takeaway from Rob is that actors don't need to understand every technical element of filmmaking - but awareness of shot size, eyeline and what the camera needs from you can make a huge difference. And when you're not needed? You don't have to prove how keen you are by constantly being in the middle of the action. Be ready, be professional, observe, learn - and step forward when needed. Rob also shares details of his upcoming found-footage police thriller and plans to document the journey from development and casting through to production and distribution. Follow the project here: Suspect Movie Newsletter A final note from Rob - what directors owe performers Rob also shared a few thoughts after recording on the responsibility directors have towards performers: Clarity - answering questions and giving enough context around why something is being repeated or approached in a particular way, including things like shot size, pace and performance specifics. Kindness - sets can be pressured environments, but civility and friendliness make a huge difference. A safe working space - giving performers room to explore, play and commit without unnecessary judgement or distraction, while keeping the wider set focused and supportive. For more acting tips, industry conversations and support for performers: Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @thedramacoach Listen and subscribe to The Drama Coach Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. SceneTribe - create your profile - It’s free for life before May ‘27 Intro/Outro Music: Nastelbom - Soft Music 295878 from Pixabay

Your child has said, “I want to be an actor!” But what comes next? Drama classes? An agent? Headshots? Spotlight? And do you really need all of it straight away? In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa Southam helps parents make sense of those first steps, with practical advice and a reassuring reminder: there is no rush. From finding opportunities to learn to supporting auditions and handling disappointment, this episode is about helping your child develop at their own pace while protecting their enjoyment of performing. In this episode, Lisa covers: Starting with your child’s love of acting and the work it involves. Why training and experience come before chasing representation. Choosing what your child needs now, without buying everything at once. Understanding how audition opportunities happen and what agents can realistically do. Recognising emotional and practical readiness for representation. Supporting self-tapes without becoming your child’s director. Getting familiar with licences, schooling, safeguarding and the questions parents should ask. Keeping drama fun and making room for other interests. Responding to rejection in a way that builds confidence and resilience. Letting go of comparisons with other young performers. An agent represents the performer; they don’t create the performer. The starting point is somewhere your child can learn, explore and enjoy acting. Whether performing becomes a profession or remains a much-loved hobby, the confidence, creativity, communication and teamwork developed through drama have value far beyond an audition. Explore the podcast’s back catalogue for more on agents, casting platforms, self-tapes, safety and training. If this episode helped you, follow The Drama Coach Podcast wherever you listen, and leave a rating or review to help other parents and performers find the show. Music: Soft Music 295878 by Nastelbom from Pixaby