Join me as I chat with 11-year-old actor Lacey about her real-life experiences in the industry so far - from her first time on set to managing auditions, handling rejection, and balancing acting with school life.

This is an honest, grounded conversation that offers valuable insight for both young performers and their parents - especially if you're just starting out.

Lacey shares what it actually feels like to be on set, how she approaches self-tapes, and the routines that help her stay organised and confident. We also talk about the challenges of NDAs, navigating disappointment, and finding joy in both screen and theatre work.

A calm, practical and reassuring listen - straight from a young actor living it.

✨ In This Episode We Cover:

• First experiences on set - excitement, nerves, and learning fast
• What NDAs really mean (and how to manage them as a young actor)
• Handling rejection and staying positive
• Balancing school, self-tapes and auditions
• Self-tape routines and learning lines
• The difference between in-person auditions and self-tapes
• Finding inspiration through theatre and backstage experiences
• Working with parents on set vs licensed chaperones
• Building routines, organisation and confidence

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Lacey and her love for dance
01:01 - First on-set experience and initial feelings
01:43 - Meeting new people and overcoming nerves
02:13 - Taking direction and building confidence on set
03:20 - How sets support young actors
03:54 - Understanding NDAs and keeping things confidential
04:34 - Managing secrecy at school
05:04 - Advice for young actors with NDAs
07:57 - Handling rejection and staying positive
09:01 - Family casting and audition experiences
10:26 - Callbacks and dealing with disappointment
11:25 - In-person auditions vs self-tapes
12:32 - Managing emotions and setbacks
14:03 - Supporting young actors through rejection
15:06 - Balancing acting with school life
16:04 - Creating routines that work
17:22 - Learning lines and recording techniques
18:39 - Improving self-tapes and taking feedback
20:04 - Love of theatre and backstage inspiration
36:45 - Watching theatre: screen vs live
37:31 - What inspires her most about theatre
40:20 - Quick fire: lessons, proud moments and advice
42:12 - Connecting with other young actors

📱 Follow & Connect
Follow Lacey on Instagram: @lacey.southam (pending approval)
Follow me for more acting tips and podcast updates: @TheDramaCoach

Music by nastelbom - soft music 495878

When they don’t get the role, it can feel like everything’s fallen apart – for them and for you.

In this episode, we’re reframing “rejection” and looking at what’s really going on behind the scenes of casting. Because in this industry, hearing “no” (or nothing at all) isn’t the exception – it’s the norm.

I’ll share how to support your child through disappointment, how to talk about outcomes without knocking their confidence, and why not getting the role often has nothing to do with their talent.

This isn’t about brushing it off or pretending it doesn’t matter. It’s about building resilience, perspective and a healthier way of navigating auditions – so they can keep going, keep learning and still enjoy what they do.

If this episode helps, feel free to follow and share it with another parent or young performer who might need to hear it.

@TheDramaCoach

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m joined by Julia from JKs Management to explore how to approach agents and what they’re really looking for.

We talk through auditions, self-tapes, and how to present yourself clearly and professionally when reaching out, as well as offering insight into how agencies work with young performers.

A practical, honest conversation for performers and parents looking to take that next step with clarity and confidence.

We also talk about how we connected on TikTok.
You can follow Julia @jks.management and Lisa @TheDramaCoach

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I explore whether you or your child actually need an agent yet - and what to do if you’re thinking about taking that step.

From understanding when the timing is right to how to approach agents, I share what’s helpful to have in place, where to find agents, and how to reach out in a clear and professional way.

A practical and honest guide to getting an agent - without rushing the process.

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I’m joined by a talent agent to answer some of the most common questions I’m asked on social media - from auditions and self-tapes to what agents are really looking for when taking on new clients.

We talk through what’s helpful to understand as a performer (or parent), and share honest insight into how the process works behind the scenes.

A practical, down-to-earth conversation to help you feel more informed and confident navigating the industry.

Find me on socials and YouTube @The Drama Coach

Courses, resources and more: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I explore the common things I see going wrong in self-tapes - from overacting and nerves to a lack of connection and understanding of the scene.

Drawing on what I see week to week, I share what really makes a performance feel natural and believable on camera, and the small shifts that can make a big difference.

Find me on socials and YouTube @The Drama Coach

Courses, resources and more: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

In this first episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, I explore what acting training really offers young performers - beyond just “being on stage”.

From building confidence and communication skills to understanding that everything from dance to sport can support performance, I share what to look for in a class, how to recognise progress, and why enjoyment should always come first. And why it’s OK to step away when something no longer feels right.

Find me on socials and YouTube @The Drama Coach

Courses, resources and more: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach