Have you ever heard terms like “self-tape”, “pencilled” or “on hold” and thought - wait, what does that actually mean?

Because in this industry, there’s a lot of language that gets thrown around - and if you’re new to it, it can feel confusing, overwhelming… and honestly, a bit intimidating.

In this episode, I break down the key acting terms you’re likely to hear - across auditions, training and on set - and explain them in a clear, simple way that actually helps you use them.

This is a really practical one - whether you’re a young actor just starting out, or a parent supporting your child through auditions and training.

We cover:

• audition terms like self-tapes, slates, recalls, being pencilled and availability checks
• training terms like showreels and workshops
• on-set language you might hear when you step into professional work

If you’ve ever felt unsure of the “industry language” - this will help you feel more confident, more informed, and much more in control of the process.

And if there’s a term you’ve heard and still don’t understand, send it in - I’d love to include it in a future episode.

🔗 CONNECT WITH ME

Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @TheDramaCoach
Courses & resources: https://courses.thedramacoach.co.uk
More links: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

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)