The Drama Coach Podcast

In this Series 3 solo episode, I’m pulling together some of the key advice that has come up again and again in my conversations with agents across The Drama Coach Podcast.

Agents may all work differently, but there are some clear themes that keep returning: professionalism, curiosity, self-awareness, resilience, useful materials, strong self-tapes and learning how to meet your agent halfway.

This episode isn’t a rule book, and it definitely isn’t a “do this and you’ll get signed” guide. Instead, it’s a performer’s toolkit - a practical, grounded look at the habits, mindset and working skills that help performers become easier to support, easier to submit and better prepared for the realities of the industry.

In this episode, I talk about:

• What an agent actually does - and what they can’t control

• Why getting an agent is the start of a working relationship, not the finish line

• The importance of professional curiosity and understanding the industry

• Why actors need to watch the kind of work they want to be in

• What makes a self-tape clean, simple and useful

• Why truth matters more than perfection on screen

• How readers and parents can support a tape without taking over

• Why endless takes can work against you

• The shift from parent-led support to performer ownership

• What “readiness” really means

• Why useful headshots, showreels, profiles and skills matter

• Self-awareness around casting, playing age and what you can truthfully carry

• Training as part of the performer’s toolkit

• Resilience, consistency and curiosity as long-term acting tools

• Why performers must not tie their self-worth to the outcome

• How parents can support older teens and emerging actors with more independence

This episode is for performers who are starting to take their acting seriously, young actors building their careers, parents supporting older teens, and anyone trying to understand representation in a more realistic and professional way.

Because representation is not just about being chosen. It’s about being ready - ready to work, ready to learn, ready to communicate, ready to handle the quiet patches, and ready to keep going without losing yourself in the process.

You can also listen back to previous agent conversations across Series 1 and 2 of The Drama Coach Podcast for more detailed advice on approaching agents, self-tapes, profiles, Spotlight and building a professional relationship.

Find out more

The Drama Coach:https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk

The Drama Coach Blog:https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk/blog/

The Drama Coach Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.

Movement is not just for dancers. It is one of the most powerful tools an actor has.

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m joined by movement practitioner, actor and highly experienced teacher Pat Garrett to explore the role physicality plays in creating truthful, believable characters.

Pat has taught movement for actors across drama schools and colleges and has worked within repertory theatre, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. She also spent more than ten years as a senior examiner for Trinity College London, assessing professional diplomas in Drama, Dance and Musical Theatre — so it is fair to say, she has seen a lot!

Together, we discuss why an actor’s physical choices matter, how movement can reveal character before a word is spoken, and why performers should develop greater awareness of what their bodies are communicating.

This is not about choreography, complicated routines or learning how to dance. It is about using the body with purpose — and adding movement to your own Performer’s Toolkit.

• Why movement is an essential acting tool

• The difference between simply moving and making purposeful physical choices

• How posture, pace, gesture and tension communicate character

• What an actor’s body can reveal before they speak

• Why movement work is not just for dancers or musical theatre performers

• How physical choices can support emotional truth

• The importance of observing how real people move

• Developing greater physical awareness as an actor

• How movement training can help performers avoid repetitive character choices

• Using the body to create more specific, confident and believable performances

Your body is already telling the audience a story.

The question is whether you are making those physical choices consciously — or allowing habit, nerves and your own everyday movement patterns to make them for you.

Movement does not need to be big or theatrical. Sometimes the smallest adjustment in posture, rhythm, focus or physical tension can completely transform a character.

Choose a character or scene you are currently working on and explore:

• Where does the character hold tension?

• What part of their body leads them into the room?

• How much physical space do they take up?

• Do they move quickly, slowly, directly or hesitantly?

• What changes physically when their circumstances change?

Try the scene again after making one clear physical choice and notice what it unlocks.

Pat Garrett is an actor, movement practitioner and experienced teacher who has taught movement for actors in colleges and drama schools.

Her career includes work in repertory theatres, at the National Theatre and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Pat was also a senior examiner for Trinity College London for more than ten years, examining professional diplomas in Drama, Dance and Musical Theatre.

“Movement isn’t just for dancers.”

Movement for actors, physical storytelling, actor training, character physicality, body language, movement practitioner, performance techniques, acting exercises, screen acting, theatre training, The Performer’s Toolkit

In this episode, we explore:Key takeawayA tool to tryAbout Pat GarrettEpisode quoteKeywords

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 

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.

Training matters. Drama classes, youth theatre, LAMDA, musical theatre, screen acting courses, university drama courses and drama school can all help young performers build confidence, craft, discipline and creativity.

But even brilliant training does not always teach you how the acting industry actually works.

In this solo episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa talks about the gap between training and the real industry - and why older teens, drama students, early career actors and parents can sometimes feel lost when acting starts to become more professional.

Because acting is not only about being good in the room. It is also about self-tapes, headshots, profiles, casting platforms, agents, emails, deadlines, availability, rejection, safety, networking, visibility and knowing when to say yes or no.

This episode looks at how performers can start bridging that gap in a calm, practical and realistic way.

In this episode, Lisa talks about:

• Why training still matters

• The difference between craft and career

• Why there is no clear map in the acting industry

• Headshots and first impressions

• CVs, profiles and keeping materials updated

• Casting platforms and choosing the right tools for your stage

• Why self-taping is now part of the craft

• Professional communication and replying properly

• Availability, reliability and reputation

• Money, unpaid work and knowing the value of your time

• Safety, boundaries and red flags

• Rejection, silence and staying steady

• Networking without being fake or pushy

• Social media, visibility and healthy boundaries

• Creating your own work instead of only waiting to be chosen

• What parents can do to support young performers well

• Why older teens and early career actors need to start taking ownership

This episode is for young actors, older teens, drama students, early career performers, graduates and parents who want to understand what comes after training.

Because becoming an actor is not just about talent. It is about craft, professionalism, resilience, curiosity, safety and learning how to keep going when the path is not perfectly clear.

Useful links:

Find Lisa on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: @TheDramaCoach

Email Lisa: [email protected]

This episode is supported by SceneTribe - the creative industries network built around the work you’ve done and the people you’ve done it with. Find out more at: www.scenetribe.com

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay.

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by Derek Barr - actor, acting coach and founder of The Acting Masters.

Derek has worked across television, film and theatre, and now coaches actors through The Acting Masters with a strong focus on craft, mindset and the business of building a sustainable acting career.

This conversation is especially useful for teens, young adults, emerging actors and the parents supporting them. Derek talks honestly about what actors can actually work on between jobs, how to approach auditions and self-tapes, and why mindset matters just as much as talent.

Rather than waiting, hoping or comparing, Derek encourages actors to keep training, keep improving and stay ready for the next opportunity.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What it really means to treat acting as a craft

• Why actors need to work on craft, mindset and business together

• How to stay ready between auditions and acting jobs

• Why Derek believes actors are not there to get a job - they are there to do a job

• Practical self-tape advice, including framing, lighting, stillness and eyelines

• Why technical distractions can get in the way of performance

• How to watch your own work back without spiralling into overthinking

• Derek’s three-take approach to self-tapes

• Casting type and actor branding for emerging performers

• What actors should understand before seeking representation

• How parents can help protect a young actor’s confidence

• Why online training and Zoom auditions are now essential acting skills

• The importance of taking action, even when you do not feel ready

This is a really practical and encouraging conversation for anyone who wants to take acting seriously without losing the joy of it.

Derek’s advice is clear: keep doing the work, keep building your confidence, and remember that acting is not about being perfect - it is about being truthful.

Find Derek Barr and The Acting Masters:

Website: https://theactormasters.comCommunity/training platform: https://www.skool.com/the-acting-masters

Find Lisa Southam - The Drama Coach:

Website: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk

Blog: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk/blog/

Instagram & TikTok: @thedramacoach

Listen to more episodes of The Drama Coach Podcast for conversations about acting, training, self-tapes, confidence, auditions, agents and supporting young performers.

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom from Pixabay