For performers, growth does not always come from being told exactly what to do. Sometimes the most powerful learning happens when a teacher asks the right question, gives the student space to think, and helps them discover what works for them. In this episode of The Drama Coach podcast, Lisa is joined by actor, singer and coach Kateland Cunningham for a thoughtful conversation about acting, singing, confidence, creativity and what it means to develop as an artist. Katie's work brings together acting, vocal training and a student-led approach to learning. She speaks openly about her own path, from early childhood experiences in print and commercial work, through school theatre, choir, classical vocal training and eventually coaching. Her journey was not always straightforward, and that is part of what makes her insight so valuable for young actors, parents and adult learners.
From early performance to finding the right path
Caitlin explains that her first experiences in performance came through her father’s work in advertising, but she did not enjoy it at the time. As a child, she simply wanted to spend time with her friends. Her interest in theatre began later, after seeing a high school production of The Music Man. Watching real people perform live made her think, “I could do that. I wanna do that.” Singing entered her life almost by accident. A friend asked her to stand in line during an audition for a school solo, and Katie ended up being asked to sing too. She got the solo, and that moment opened up a new sense of possibility. From there, she moved through junior high theatre and show choir, then later into more formal vocal training. Her time in high school theatre was not always easy. Katie describes feeling overlooked by a teacher and struggling to understand why she was not being given opportunities. Looking back, she can now see more clearly what was happening, but at the time it affected her confidence and led her to shift more strongly towards singing.
Acting, singing and emotional truth
One of the most useful parts of the conversation is the way Katie talks about singing and acting as deeply connected. Although she trained extensively in classical voice, she describes herself as “an actor who sings” rather than “a singer who acts”. That distinction matters. Lisa and Caitlin discuss how a technically beautiful song may still miss something if it does not feel emotionally connected. Whether the performer is singing musical theatre, opera or a contemporary song, the audience needs to feel that the story is alive. Caitlin also challenges the idea that classical vocal technique automatically prepares a singer for every other style. She explains that musical theatre and classical singing require different coordinations, comparing it to ballet and jazz. A performer may have strong training in one style, but that does not mean the body will automatically understand the other.
Why student-led teaching matters
A central theme in the episode is Katie's student-led approach. She explains that her own classical training was often highly prescribed, with teachers giving detailed corrections and students trying hard not to make mistakes. While that kind of teaching can offer structure, Caitlin found that it did not always create the best learning environment. In her own teaching, she began asking more questions. Instead of only telling a student what she noticed, she asks what felt hard, what felt easy, what they noticed and what questions they have. This helps performers understand their own process, rather than simply repeating instructions. For young actors and singers, this is especially important. When a performer has made a choice for themselves, they can talk about it with ownership. They are not just saying, “My teacher told me to do it this way.” They can explain what they discovered, why they made the choice and how it connects to the work.
Stanislavski, process and trusting your intuition
Katie also talks about finding her way to the Stanislavski system after feeling that some acting classes lacked clear technique. For her, discovering a more structured approach helped bring together intuition and analysis. That balance is important throughout the conversation. Katie does not suggest that performers should ignore instinct. Instead, she sees intuition as part of the creative process. When students choose their own songs, scenes or monologues, and then work through them with curiosity, they begin to trust themselves more. She also encourages performers to build a process that works for their own brain. That might mean analysing a script from beginning to end, but it might also mean starting at the emotional climax, working backwards or finding a different way into the material. The work still has to be done, but it does not always have to be approached in the same order.
Confidence, perfectionism and safe spaces
Caitlin speaks honestly about perfectionism and people-pleasing. She describes herself as an “overachieving perfectionist in recovery” and recognises that many performers want to prove that they are talented, capable or good enough. Her advice is to look for learning spaces that feel emotionally safe, especially while confidence is still developing. That does not mean avoiding challenge. It means working with people who allow growth, questions and mistakes, rather than making a young performer feel small. This is useful for parents too. Sometimes the best way to help is not to give the answer, but to ask a question that allows the young performer to discover it for themselves. That kind of support builds confidence from the inside out.
Success, happiness and staying true to yourself
Towards the end of the episode, Kateland reflects on what success means to her now. Her answer is not about status, fame or constant work. It is about being happy in her art, in what she is creating and in her life.
“If happiness is being sacrificed, something’s missing.”
That is a valuable message for performers at any stage. Acting and singing can ask a lot of you, but they should not require you to lose yourself. Kateland's conversation with Lisa is a reminder to stay curious, keep learning, ask better questions and build a process that helps you become your own best teacher. For young actors, singers, parents and adult learners, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that training is not only about technique. It is also about confidence, ownership, emotional truth and finding a creative path that still feels like yours.