The Acting Coach Network Podcast

• 020 - Speaking Up, Standing Out & Staying Creative with Sarah Day

  In this episode I sit down with actor, dramaturg, writer and coach Sarah Day.Sarah trained at ArtsEd and is now represented by BBA Management. Alongside her stage and screen work, she’s the founder of Speak Up with Sarah, a LAMDA coaching business that helps students of all ages build confidence and communication skills, and Day by Day Productions, where she writes bespoke scripts and showreel material tailored to each actor’s unique strengths.We go behind the scenes of Sarah’s multi-stranded career:from teaching kids and CEOs how to speak with confidence,to writing over 1,000 scripts for actors,to working as dramaturg on Burlesque and as script assistant on the West End run of The Devil Wears Prada.Sarah shares candid insights into building authentic businesses, avoiding burnout, and why keeping things simple often creates the strongest creative work. This is a conversation full of practical advice and encouragement for actors, coaches, and anyone juggling multiple creative passions.Key TakeawaysWhy LAMDA exams build confidence far beyond the stageThe process Sarah uses to create bespoke showreel scripts that actually showcase actors’ strengthsThe importance of keeping it simple when filming showreels (and avoiding the “Tower of London” trap!)Behind the scenes of The Devil Wears Prada musical, from workshops to West End openingWhy passion and authenticity should drive your creative businessPractical ways to avoid burnout while still staying creatively fulfilledConnect with SarahInstagram (Coaching): @SpeakUpWithSarahInstagram (Scripts/Showreels): @DayByDayProductionsUKGrab My Free 5 Minute Content Plan Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 019 - Building Teams, Raising Twins & Trusting the Process with Bethany Wilson

  In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I chat with actor, educator, content creator, and twin mum Bethany Wilson (aka Bethany Unwin).Bethany shares her journey from training in musical theatre at Bodywork Company to performing professionally, launching multiple I Am Pro theatre schools with her husband, and building her online community through The Performer Journals. We talk candidly about:the challenges (and wins) of hiring the right people and creating a “hell yes” team culturebalancing business growth with the unpredictability of motherhoodthe realities of social media as a creative tool (and why it never feels “done”)how writing original ensemble-based shows keeps her creatively fulfilledwhy sometimes the best advice is simply to trust the processThis honest and energising conversation is full of wisdom for creatives juggling many roles, and a reminder that success doesn’t mean doing it all perfectly, but doing it in a way that feels right for you.Key TakeawaysHiring lessons: why the right energy matters more than a perfect CVTeam culture: appreciation, mentoring, and investing in people pays offContent creation: growth is messy, but showing up leads to big opportunitiesCreativity as leadership: from writing original theatre school shows to shaping student experiencesMotherhood & artistry: finding balance, resetting, and giving yourself graceAdvice for creatives: stop rushing “what’s next” — sometimes you just need to be where you are🔗 Connect with BethanyInstagram: @theperformerjournalsTikTok: @bethanyunwinTheatre schools: I Am Pro (Leicester, Nottingham & Derby branches)Grab My Free 5 Minute Content Plan Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 018 - The Drama Teacher’s Playbook: Katie Zakkak on Resources, Productions & Passion

  In this episode, I get to chat with the brilliant Katie Zakkak, a drama teacher turned creative entrepreneur to explore her unique journey from directing high school productions to running her own creative business, Much Ado About Drama.Katie shares her path from studying Educational Theatre at NYU, to leading productions at St. Cecilia Academy, to launching a thriving Teachers Pay Teachers store where she creates engaging, ready-to-use drama resources for educators worldwide. We talk about the challenges of being a “department of one,” the creativity behind resource design, and how she’s expanding her impact through blogging, YouTube, and one-to-one coaching.If you’ve ever wondered how to balance classroom teaching, creative entrepreneurship, and family life, while still nurturing your love of theatre, Katie’s story will leave you inspired and encouraged.Key TakeawaysHow Katie blended her passion for theatre with her calling to teachThe behind-the-scenes reality of being the only drama teacher in a schoolWhy she started Much Ado About Drama and how it supports teachers worldwidePractical tips for creating classroom and production resources (yes, Canva lovers, this one’s for you!)The importance of connection and community for creatives who often work soloYou can connect with Katie on instagram @muchadoaboutdramaYou can download her Free Drama Toolkit hereCheck out here YouTube Channel here and the Teachers Pay Teachers Store herehttps://muchadoaboutdrama.com/Grab My Free 5 Minute Content Plan Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 017 - Finding Your Thrive Zone: Building Creative Confidence and Bold Ideas with Audrey Elizabeth

  What happens when you lose trust in your own ideas because your head is full of everyone else’s “shoulds”?In this conversation with business coach and creative entrepreneur Audrey Elizabeth, we talk about the courage it takes to build a personal brand and show up with creative confidence online. Audrey shares her journey of moving from playing it safe to creating what she calls the thrive zone: the space where your boldest, most exciting ideas come alive.We dig into:Why putting yourself at the centre of your personal brand feels so vulnerableHow brilliant content creation ideas get watered down by rules, comparison, and self-doubtWhat it looks like to trust your intuition and back the ideas that light you upHow every creative entrepreneur, from theatre school owners to online business coaches, can find their own thrive zone for business growth and online visibilityIf you’ve ever felt stuck, safe, or like your spark is being dimmed by too many outside voices, this episode will help you reconnect with your boldest, most creative self.You can connect with Audrey on instagram here: @audrey_thesocialcoachSign up to Turn It Up a training on owning your leadership in your content, marketing and offers. Grab My Free 5 Minute Content Plan Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 016 - From Stage to Studio: Anna Reeve Cook on Neurodiversity, Confidence and Creativity in Coaching

  In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak with Anna Reeve Cook, founder of Attitude Performing Arts. We discuss Anna's journey from performer to educator, her philosophy on teaching, and the importance of inclusivity in performing arts education. Anna shares her experiences with neurodiversity, the challenges she faced in her early teaching days, and how she has built a values-driven school that prioritises the needs of all students. We also explore the impact of LAMDA exams on student confidence and the importance of avoiding burnout in the performing arts industry. Anna offers valuable advice for creative professionals, emphasising the need to prioritise self-care and follow your passions.Key Takeaways:- Anna emphasises the importance of inclusivity in performing arts education.- Anna's journey as a parent has shaped her teaching philosophy.- Building trust with students is essential for their success.- Burnout is a common issue in the performing arts industry.- Prioritising self-care is vital for educators and performers alike.- Anna encourages following your highest excitement in creative pursuits.- She highlights the need to break stereotypes surrounding neurodiversity.- Effective communication with parents is key to supporting students' needs.You can connect with Anna at @attitudeperformingarts and @attitudeperformingartscollege on instagram and Tik Tok and find out more information on her website: www.attitudeperformingartscollege.co.ukGrab My Free 5 Minute Content Plan Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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