In this episode, I’m joined by Georgie Ross, Director of Teaching and Learning at The Oracy Group.

We explore the role of oracy - spoken communication - and why it’s so important for young people, both in education and beyond.

This is a really practical conversation around how communication skills are developed, how drama supports that process, and what parents and educators can do to help build confidence in a clear and grounded way.

We cover:

• What oracy actually means in practice
• Why listening is just as important as speaking
• How oracy shows up in classrooms, auditions and everyday life
• The link between drama, communication and confidence
• Supporting young people with conversations, debate and expression
• Social media and how it’s shaping communication
• Simple ways parents can support communication at home

Whether you’re a young performer, a parent, or working in education, this episode offers clear and practical insight you can use straight away.

Find Georgie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-ross

Find me:
Instagram: @TheDramaCoach
TikTok: @TheDramaCoach
YouTube: The Drama Coach
More support, coaching and resources: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

Resources mentioned:
English Speaking Union - Talk for Life Campaign
Education Endowment Foundation - Oracy Research
University of Cambridge - Oracy Programme
Book: Drama and Oracy - Unlocking Potential (link coming soon)

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

In this episode, I break down what a monologue actually is - and how to approach one in a clear, practical way.

Whether you’re preparing for an audition, a self-tape, LAMDA, or performance work, monologues can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I take you step by step through how to choose, understand and perform a monologue with confidence.

This isn’t about overacting or trying to impress - it’s about making clear choices and bringing the piece to life in a truthful, grounded way.

We cover:

• What a monologue is (and what it isn’t)
• Choosing the right piece for you
• Understanding the character and context
• Breaking the text down into clear, playable moments
• Learning your lines without sounding rehearsed
• Performing for stage vs screen vs self-tape
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

If you’re working on a monologue right now, or know you need one soon, this will give you a clear starting point and a structure you can come back to.

If you’d like more support with this, I’ve created a full course where I guide you step by step through the entire process - from choosing the right piece, to performing it with clarity and confidence:

https://courses.thedramacoach.co.uk

You can also find the monologue course along with more courses, resources and coaching, via the link in my bio.

Find me:
Instagram: @TheDramaCoach
TikTok: @TheDramaCoach
YouTube: The Drama Coach
More support, coaching and resources: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

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