Reclaim Your Voice – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 arts

This 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 @heatherlynye

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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 bedroom
• How MN Academy and Cromer Studios became creative hubs for innovation
• The five-year journey to Ofqual recognition and the resilience it demanded
• Why screen acting deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with theatre in drama education
• How teachers can bring film, TV, and digital media confidently into their classrooms

They 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: @mnawards

Facebook: @mnawards

Adult Classes: www.mnacademy.co.uk

Agency: Middleweek Newton Talent Management

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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.uk

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In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak with Leanne Johnson, founder of The Drama Centre, about her journey from professional actor to business owner. 

Leanne shares her experiences in creating a nurturing environment for young creatives, the challenges of running a business while being a parent, and the importance of delegation and support in achieving growth. We discuss the significance of inclusivity in drama education, the process of franchising her business, and effective strategies for visibility and engagement in the performing arts community. 

Leanne emphasises the need for boundaries to prevent burnout and the importance of understanding one's deeper motivations in pursuing a creative career.

You can connect with Leanne at @thedramacentre on instagram and download her franchise prospectus here: www.thedramacentre.co.uk

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In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Katy Batchelor, founder of Zozimus Drama, to talk honestly about building a business that’s rooted in values, not pressure.

Katy shares how she created a safe, inclusive space for children to explore drama without the pressure to perform and why removing the stage spotlight helps so many children flourish, especially those who are neurodivergent, anxious, or quietly creative.

We also talk about:
•Leaving teaching to start a business from scratch
•Why improvisation can unlock confidence (even if it used to terrify you)
•Katy’s late ADHD diagnosis and how it’s shaped the way she teaches
•What burnout looked like, and how she recovered
•How she created the Zozimus Drama Business in a Box to help others do this work without the stress of starting alone

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to grow a business and be kind to yourself in the process, this one’s for you.

You can connect with Katy at @dramaconfidencepro @zozimusdrama on instagram and www.zozimusdrama.com 

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In this powerful and gently eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Lee Ellaway, a person-centred counsellor, psychotherapist, and the founder of Lee Ellaway Therapy, a private practice supporting performers, creatives and those navigating big transitions in the arts industry.

With over 30 years of experience in theatre and live events, Lee shares why he pivoted from directing and running theatre schools to holding space for artists facing burnout, identity shifts, people-pleasing patterns and creative crossroads. Together, Lee and I explore why burnout hits so hard in our industry, how performers can begin setting boundaries, and what really happens in a first therapy session.

Expect heartfelt stories, boundary-setting analogies you’ll never forget (hello, garden fence with a gate), and a refreshing take on therapy that makes it feel human, accessible and less daunting, especially for creatives who feel stuck.

Whether you’re curious about therapy or in need of a reminder to put your own oxygen mask on first, this conversation is full of grounded, practical wisdom for anyone trying to balance passion, purpose and wellbeing.

You can connect with Lee at www.leeellawaytherapy.com or on instagram @leeellawaytherapy

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Feeling guilty about stepping away from your coaching business or theatre school? You’re not alone, and you’re not lazy! In this episode, I unpack why so many acting coaches and performing arts professionals find it hard to rest, and how that constant hustle can lead straight to burnout.

From debunking the myth that time off will make everything fall apart, to sharing practical tips for setting boundaries, automating systems, and switching off for real, this episode is your permission slip to rest without guilt.

I also share my own Summer plans (including a big accountability moment!) and I invite you to do something just for you this season.

Tune in to learn:

• Why our industry glorifies being “busy”
• What burnout actually looks like (and how to spot it early)
• How to plan your time off without sacrificing your business
• What boundaries, systems, and mindset shifts make rest work

If you’ve been running on empty, this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.

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In this episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, we’re looking at one of the most important, and often confusing, topics for coaches looking to grow their income: pricing your group coaching sessions.

Last week, we tackled pricing for 1:1 coaching, but this episode is all about group coaching: why it’s such a powerful model, what to consider when setting your prices, and how to structure your billing so you boost your income without burning out.

Whether you’re running a single class or scaling to a full timetable, this episode covers:

The key differences between online and in-person pricing

How class size, staffing, and session length impact your bottom line

The case for using a monthly subscription model, and how to make it crystal clear to clients

Real-world examples and practical advice for calculating your rates with confidence

Admin and legal must-knows for growing a group coaching offer responsibly

If you’re ready to work smarter, create more predictable income, and take the guesswork out of group coaching pricing, this one’s for you.

Got a question about pricing your own group offer? Email me at savanna@savannamadden.com or DM me on Instagram @theactingcoachnetwork, I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow coach who needs to hear it.

Watch this episode on YouTube by searching The Acting Coach Network.

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In this week’s episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, we’re diving into one of the trickiest (and most important) topics in the coaching world: pricing. If you’ve ever been asked to work for free (or felt awkward stating your rates), this episode is a must-listen.

I share practical advice on how to set your prices with confidence, why pricing is a mindset issue as much as a business one, and how to navigate different teaching setups, from school contracts to private 1:1s.

You’ll learn:

• Key factors to consider before setting your rates
• Why location and session type matter
• How to stop undercharging and own your value
• Smart ways to maximise your income in schools

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to raise your rates, this episode will help you feel clear, confident, and ready to charge what you’re truly worth.

Want tailored pricing support? Book a free 15-minute call with me, link is below!

DM @actingcoachnetwork on Instagram to share your takeaways or ask a question.

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In this episode I walk you through every step of putting on a show for your theatre school or coaching practice. From choosing the right venue and selling tickets, to working with chaperones, planning rehearsals and dealing with those inevitable backstage hiccups.

Whether you are planning a full-scale production, a small sharing or a showcase for solo and duo performers, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest advice to help you create a successful and memorable event.

If you have ever wondered how to balance the logistics, legal requirements and sheer emotion of putting on a show, this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to make it happen.

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