The Acting Coach Network Podcast

• 027 - Visibility, Balance, and Meta Ads: How to Grow a Business That Works for Your Life With Gwen Baird

  In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I'm joined by certified business coach and Advanced Meta Ads Strategist Gwen Baird for an honest conversation about visibility, alignment and what it really takes to grow a creative business without burning out.Gwen shares her journey into the online world more than twenty years ago, how living with an invisible illness has shaped the way she runs her business, and why building a business that works for your life matters more than ever. Together, Savanna and Gwen explore the biggest visibility challenges creative entrepreneurs face and the core foundations you need before you ever start running Meta ads.This episode dives into practical and realistic strategies for business owners who want to attract more leads, improve their marketing, and build confidence in their message. Gwen talks about how to know when you’re truly ready for Meta ads, why ads amplify what already exists in your business, and how to align your offer, your audience and your content so your ads can actually convert.You’ll also hear helpful insights about• finding balance as a business owner with an invisible illness• the difference between being busy and actually growing your business• why creatives often undercharge for their work• shifting from passion project to CEO mindset• building a long term business strategy that supports your lifestyle and energy• creating simple forward planning systems that make ads work harder for youIf you’re a creative, acting coach, theatre school owner or service based business owner who feels stuck, stretched or unsure of your next steps, this episode will help you understand what to focus on first so you can grow your business with clarity and confidence.Gwen also shares details about her brand new Meta Ads Mastery programme, designed to help business owners understand and run their own Meta ads with confidence.You can connect with Gwen here:Advanced Meta Ads MasteryInstagram: @GwenBairdOnlineFacebook: @GIBairdLinkedIn: Gwen BairdGrab My Free Step Into Your CEO Mindset Download Here To be the first to get info on my Black Friday Offer for LAMDA Teacher Training Join The Waitlist Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 026 - Self Belief, Acting Ambition and Drama Coaching with Heather Nye

  In this episode I am joined by actor and drama coach Heather Nye, whose journey into the performing arts and coaching world is rooted in courage, self belief and a deep commitment to helping young people grow in confidence.Heather started out volunteering in drama classes simply because she loved working with children and wanted to be part of something creative. That choice led her to discover a passion for teaching, pursue professional acting, and eventually become a franchise owner with The Drama Centre. Today she teaches across schools, runs her own drama club, and continues to build her acting career with curiosity and determination.We explore what it means to build a business while pursuing performance opportunities, how mindset and emotional tools support the creative journey, and the role confidence plays both in the classroom and on stage. Heather speaks honestly about choosing the harder but more fulfilling path, navigating vulnerability, and trusting yourself even when the future feels uncertain.In this episode we discuss:• How acting training can strengthen your teaching practice• The mindset tools that support confidence and resilience in business• Why choosing the harder path can lead to greater fulfilment• How to navigate vulnerability, rejection and self doubt in the artsThis is a warm and open conversation about creativity, resilience and backing yourself through the ups and downs of building a life in the arts.You can connect with Heather here:Instagram: @heather_thedramacentre and @heatherlynyeGrab My Free Step Into Your CEO Mindset Download Here To be the first to get info on my Black Friday Offer for LAMDA Teacher Training Join The Waitlist Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 025 - How MN Awards Is Changing the Future of Drama Education with Tom Newton

  In this episode of the Acting Coach Network Podcast, I sit down with Tom Newton, co-founder of Middleweek Newton Talent Management, MN Academy, and the groundbreaking MN Awards - the first Ofqual recognised awarding body to specialise exclusively in film and television.Tom shares his journey from actor training to casting professional, agent, and now education entrepreneur, and the pivotal role screen acting has played throughout his career. Together, Savanna and Tom chat about:The story behind launching Middleweek Newton Talent Management from a spare bedroomHow MN Academy and Cromer Studios became creative hubs for innovationThe five-year journey to Ofqual recognition and the resilience it demandedWhy screen acting deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with theatre in drama educationHow teachers can bring film, TV, and digital media confidently into their classroomsThey discuss the significance of CPD training for teachers, and the future directions for MN Awards, including new qualifications in filmmaking. The conversation emphasises the need for resilience, innovation, and the recognition of screen acting as a vital discipline in the performing arts.This episode is a must-listen for acting coaches, theatre school owners, and educators who believe the future of performing arts training lies in embracing both stage and screen. Connect with MN Awards:Website: www.mnawards.co.uk (Book your CPD here)Instagram: @mnawardsFacebook: @mnawardsAdult Classes: www.mnacademy.co.ukAgency: Middleweek Newton Talent ManagementGrab My Free Step Into Your CEO Mindset Download Here To be the first to get info on my Black Friday Offer for LAMDA Teacher Training Join The Waitlist Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 024 - Building a Career, Not Just a Craft: Growing as an Artist and Entrepreneur with Matt Zina

  Are you ready to take your creative career to the next level? In this episode, I talk with Matt Zina, acclaimed acting coach, author, and creative entrepreneur, about how to grow your career, not just your craft.Matt shares his insider insights on how performers and creative professionals can navigate today’s evolving entertainment industry, build a sustainable business around their art, and embrace opportunities that go beyond the stage or screen.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why speaking passionately and driving emotion can create real change in the arts.How to leverage social media to grow your audience and become visible onlineMatt’s bold predictions for the future of acting, including digital-first and vertical content.The Trinity Acting Method, a simple framework for mastering preparation, technique, and application.Key entrepreneurial lessons for creatives: scaling your business, hiring a team, and embracing imperfection.Balancing creativity, mindset, and personal life to stay inspired and productive.One actionable tip to overcome feeling stuck: start creating content today.Whether you’re an actor, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will give you practical strategies, mindset shifts, and inspiration to build a thriving career in the modern arts industry.You can connect with Matt here:www.linktr.ee/mattzinaGrab My Free Step Into Your CEO Mindset Download Here To be the first to get info on my Black Friday Offer for LAMDA Teacher Training Join The Waitlist Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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• 023 - From Coach to CEO: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

  Are you constantly working in your business? Teaching every class, answering every message, juggling every task and wondering how to create more freedom and growth?In this solo episode, I share what it really means to step into a CEO mindset as performing arts business owner. I talk about how I used to teach seven days a week, when everything depended on me, and how things began to change once I started thinking like a CEO instead of just a business owner.You’ll learn:The key differences between a business owner mindset and a CEO mindsetWhy investing time and money into your business is essential for growthHow to start creating space to work on your business instead of constantly in itIf you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that stepping into your CEO role isn’t about doing more it’s about thinking differently.Grab My Free Step Into Your CEO Mindset Download Here To be the first to get info on my Black Friday Offer for LAMDA Teacher Training Join The Waitlist Here Instagram - @theactingcoachnetwork Book you Free 15minute call with me here Email - [email protected] Check out YouTube here

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