In this incredibly heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Diane Neave, founder and franchisor of Rascals Theatre School. Diane opens up about her remarkable journey, from building a thriving franchise to receiving a life changing cancer diagnosis at the most pivotal moment of her business journey.

Diane speaks with honesty and warmth about navigating chemotherapy, surgery and recovery while continuing to lead her business and support her franchisees. She shares the truth behind balancing treatment with teaching, the resilience she discovered within herself and the powerful perspective shift that came from surviving such a tough season.

Inside this conversation you will hear:

• How Diane built the Rascals franchise model and what inspired the rebrand

• The moment she found her lump and the reality of hearing her treatment plan

• How she kept her business moving forward during diagnosis, treatment and recovery

• What her cancer journey taught her about leadership, letting go and trusting others

• The very real challenges of stepping back from teaching when her body needed rest

• Why creatives often have a powerful natural resilience

• The role her horses played in keeping her grounded throughout treatment

• How winning the Business Success Awards Against All Odds category became a defining moment

• Her renewed energy for life, business and doing what she loves

• The importance of external support, coaching and surrounding yourself with the right people

• What she would say to anyone going through a difficult season right now

Diane also shares what is next for Rascals, including new franchise openings, continued growth and her desire to step into her role as full time franchisor when the time is right.

This is an episode filled with courage, insight and honesty. You will walk away feeling inspired, grounded and reminded of your own strength.

Connect with Diane and explore joining the Rascals franchise:

Website: www.rascals-uk.com/franchise

Instagram: @rascals_theatre_school

Facebook: Rascals Theatre School

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

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In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Matt Zina to dive deep into his brand new book The Trinity Acting Method, a method twenty years in the making and already an Amazon bestseller on pre sale alone.

Matt opens up about the limiting beliefs that almost stopped him writing the book, the mindset work that helped him break through them and the yearly exercise he gives his actors to shed old stories that hold them back. He explains how the Trinity Acting Method was built: from emotional start points, intensity scales and sense memory inspired “wooden box” work, through to the physical application actors need in high stakes scenes.

Together they explore why modern actors need techniques that are adaptable and why Matt built a method that meets people where they’re at, whether they’re total beginners or established professionals. He shares powerful stories from students like Zak Sutcliffe and Zanda Emlano, how top tier actors still learn new concepts from his work and why he believes no one should be excluded from training.

This conversation is packed with mindset, method and heart. If you’re an actor, acting coach or drama teacher looking for accessible tools that actually work, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to try the Trinity for yourself.

You can connect with Matt here:

www.linktr.ee/mattzina

Grab your copy of the book here

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

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In this episode of The Acting Coach Network podcast, I sit down with accountant and business owner Sam Cantrell, the woman behind In for a Penny Accountancy Services and the hugely popular Accounting for the Arts community. Sam has become the go to financial guide for creative entrepreneurs, theatre school owners and performing arts organisations who want clarity and confidence around their accounts, tax responsibilities and systems.

Together, we explore the realities of managing money in a creative industry. Why so many performing arts professionals avoid looking at their numbers, how to finally get organised without overwhelm and why knowing your figures is one of the most empowering things you can do as a business owner.

Sam also breaks down the topics that so many creative business owners find confusing. From bookkeeping and accounting software to VAT, turnover thresholds and the upcoming Making Tax Digital changes. She shares what every theatre school, dance school and acting coach needs to know, plus practical steps to get ahead before new rules come into force.

Expect clear explanations, supportive advice and a completely judgement free approach. Sam is known for her friendly expertise and her ability to make even the scariest financial tasks feel achievable.

Inside this episode you will learn:

• The real reason so many creatives avoid their finances

• Why knowing your numbers is a genuine superpower for growth

• How Accounting for the Arts began and why Sam is so passionate about supporting this niche

• The biggest misconceptions about tax returns and bookkeeping

• What Making Tax Digital will mean for your business and what to do now

• When VAT applies to theatre schools and how the private tuition exemption works

• Why putting VAT onto your fees is essential for business sustainability

• The accounting software Sam recommends for creative business owners

• How to build financial systems that support both your creativity and your business

• What to do if your accountant does not understand the performing arts world

• The one thing Sam wishes every theatre school owner knew about bookkeeping

Whether you run a theatre school, coach privately or work across multiple creative income streams, this episode will help you feel more confident, more informed and far less alone when it comes to your finances.

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

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In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I'm joined by certified business coach and Advanced Meta Ads Strategist Gwen Baird for an honest conversation about visibility, alignment and what it really takes to grow a creative business without burning out.

Gwen shares her journey into the online world more than twenty years ago, how living with an invisible illness has shaped the way she runs her business, and why building a business that works for your life matters more than ever. Together, Savanna and Gwen explore the biggest visibility challenges creative entrepreneurs face and the core foundations you need before you ever start running Meta ads.

This episode dives into practical and realistic strategies for business owners who want to attract more leads, improve their marketing, and build confidence in their message. Gwen talks about how to know when you’re truly ready for Meta ads, why ads amplify what already exists in your business, and how to align your offer, your audience and your content so your ads can actually convert.

You’ll also hear helpful insights about

• finding balance as a business owner with an invisible illness

• the difference between being busy and actually growing your business

• why creatives often undercharge for their work

• shifting from passion project to CEO mindset

• building a long term business strategy that supports your lifestyle and energy

• creating simple forward planning systems that make ads work harder for you

If you’re a creative, acting coach, theatre school owner or service based business owner who feels stuck, stretched or unsure of your next steps, this episode will help you understand what to focus on first so you can grow your business with clarity and confidence.

Gwen also shares details about her brand new Meta Ads Mastery programme, designed to help business owners understand and run their own Meta ads with confidence.

You can connect with Gwen here:

Advanced Meta Ads Mastery

Instagram: @GwenBairdOnline

Facebook: @GIBaird

LinkedIn: Gwen Baird

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

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In this episode I am joined by actor and drama coach Heather Nye, whose journey into the performing arts and coaching world is rooted in courage, self belief and a deep commitment to helping young people grow in confidence.

Heather started out volunteering in drama classes simply because she loved working with children and wanted to be part of something creative. That choice led her to discover a passion for teaching, pursue professional acting, and eventually become a franchise owner with The Drama Centre. Today she teaches across schools, runs her own drama club, and continues to build her acting career with curiosity and determination.

We explore what it means to build a business while pursuing performance opportunities, how mindset and emotional tools support the creative journey, and the role confidence plays both in the classroom and on stage. Heather speaks honestly about choosing the harder but more fulfilling path, navigating vulnerability, and trusting yourself even when the future feels uncertain.

In this episode we discuss:

• How acting training can strengthen your teaching practice
• The mindset tools that support confidence and resilience in business
• Why choosing the harder path can lead to greater fulfilment
• How to navigate vulnerability, rejection and self doubt in the arts

This is a warm and open conversation about creativity, resilience and backing yourself through the ups and downs of building a life in the arts.

You can connect with Heather here:

Instagram: @heather_thedramacentre and @heatherlynye

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

Follow me on Instagram here

In this episode of the Acting Coach Network Podcast, I sit down with Tom Newton, co-founder of Middleweek Newton Talent Management, MN Academy, and the groundbreaking MN Awards - the first Ofqual recognised awarding body to specialise exclusively in film and television.

Tom shares his journey from actor training to casting professional, agent, and now education entrepreneur, and the pivotal role screen acting has played throughout his career. Together, Savanna and Tom chat about:

• The story behind launching Middleweek Newton Talent Management from a spare bedroom
• How MN Academy and Cromer Studios became creative hubs for innovation
• The five-year journey to Ofqual recognition and the resilience it demanded
• Why screen acting deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with theatre in drama education
• How teachers can bring film, TV, and digital media confidently into their classrooms

They discuss the significance of CPD training for teachers, and the future directions for MN Awards, including new qualifications in filmmaking. The conversation emphasises the need for resilience, innovation, and the recognition of screen acting as a vital discipline in the performing arts.

This episode is a must-listen for acting coaches, theatre school owners, and educators who believe the future of performing arts training lies in embracing both stage and screen. 

Connect with MN Awards:

Website: www.mnawards.co.uk (Book your CPD here)

Instagram: @mnawards

Facebook: @mnawards

Adult Classes: www.mnacademy.co.uk

Agency: Middleweek Newton Talent Management

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

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Are you ready to take your creative career to the next level? In this episode, I talk with Matt Zina, acclaimed acting coach, author, and creative entrepreneur, about how to grow your career, not just your craft.

Matt shares his insider insights on how performers and creative professionals can navigate today’s evolving entertainment industry, build a sustainable business around their art, and embrace opportunities that go beyond the stage or screen.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why speaking passionately and driving emotion can create real change in the arts.
• How to leverage social media to grow your audience and become visible online
• Matt’s bold predictions for the future of acting, including digital-first and vertical content.
• The Trinity Acting Method, a simple framework for mastering preparation, technique, and application.
• Key entrepreneurial lessons for creatives: scaling your business, hiring a team, and embracing imperfection.
• Balancing creativity, mindset, and personal life to stay inspired and productive.
• One actionable tip to overcome feeling stuck: start creating content today.

Whether you’re an actor, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will give you practical strategies, mindset shifts, and inspiration to build a thriving career in the modern arts industry.

You can connect with Matt here:

www.linktr.ee/mattzina

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

Follow me on Instagram here

Are you constantly working in your business? Teaching every class, answering every message, juggling every task and wondering how to create more freedom and growth?

In this solo episode, I share what it really means to step into a CEO mindset as performing arts business owner. I talk about how I used to teach seven days a week, when everything depended on me, and how things began to change once I started thinking like a CEO instead of just a business owner.

You’ll learn:

• The key differences between a business owner mindset and a CEO mindset
• Why investing time and money into your business is essential for growth
• How to start creating space to work on your business instead of constantly in it

If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that stepping into your CEO role isn’t about doing more it’s about thinking differently.

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

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In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak to mindset and accountability coach Kirsty Knott about her journey from a corporate HR career to coaching. We discuss the importance of mindset tools in navigating tough times, understanding procrastination, and the impact of imposter syndrome. Kirsty shares practical strategies for rewiring the brain for success, making decisions during difficult times, and finding balance in business and life. The conversation emphasises the need for action, self-awareness, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters.

Key Takeaways

• Mindset tools can help navigate tough life situations.
• Journaling and gratitude are effective coping strategies.
• Procrastination is a natural response to fear and uncertainty.
• Rewiring the brain involves practicing new beliefs and behaviors.
• Imposter syndrome is common and can be managed with positive affirmations.
• Finding balance in life looks different for everyone.
• Taking small actions can lead to significant changes over time.
• Self-awareness is key to understanding productivity patterns.
• Focus on one task at a time for better results.

If you’ve ever put off raising your prices, delayed launching a new class, or struggled to show up online, this conversation will give you the mindset tools and encouragement you need to take your next brave step.

Connect with Kirsty

• Instagram @expansionscoaching
• LinkedIn Kirsty Knott
• Unstuckable Podcast 

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

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In this episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, I’m joined by Katie Taborn, founder of Jazz Hands Performing Arts and The Performing Arts Pro.

For the past 15 years, Katie has been creating spaces where confidence can flourish through the performing arts from children’s classes and parties, to after school clubs, women’s dance workshops, and even dementia friendly sessions in nursing homes.

She opens up about:

• Growing a business while navigating single parenthood, divorce and family life
• Imposter syndrome in the age of social media
• Why kindness and collaboration matter more than competition
• Balancing work, self-belief and personal wellbeing
• Her new Business in a Box model and how it’s helping others build rewarding, flexible businesses

Katie is living proof that it is possible to run a business you love, that fits around family, and that makes a real impact in the community.

Connect with Katie

• Instagram (Jazz Hands): @JazzHandsPerformingArts
• Instagram (Business in a Box): @ThePartyEntertainerPro
• Website: www.jazz-hands-performing-arts.co.uk

Book you Free 20minute call with me here

Grab My Free Reclaim Your Voice Audio & Video Series Here

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