For many young performers, the question of what comes next can feel enormous. Drama school is often talked about as the obvious route, but it is not the only route. For some actors, university drama offers the right mix of training, creativity, independence and space to grow. In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by Katie and Ethan, who are both studying Drama, Theatre and Performance at the University of Lincoln. Together, they talk honestly about choosing university, moving away from home, making friends, dealing with pressure and staying connected to the work when the industry can feel uncertain. It is a conversation for teen performers, young actors, parents and anyone wondering whether studying drama at university can be a valuable and meaningful path. The answer that comes through is clear: there is no single correct route into acting, and the best choice is often the one that feels right for you.
What the episode covers
Katie and Ethan share why they chose university drama rather than drama school, and what helped them make that decision. Their conversation with Lisa explores the importance of looking around, auditioning where appropriate, asking questions and paying attention to how a place feels. Rather than treating university as a second-best option, they speak about it as a positive and serious choice. University drama can offer practical training, academic study and time to explore who you are as a performer. Lisa reflects on how encouraging it is to hear that contemporary drama and theatre degrees can include plenty of practical work and contact time, alongside the broader thinking and questioning that comes with degree-level study. The episode also looks at what the course involves day to day, including areas such as screen acting, Shakespeare, devised work and performance modules. For young actors who may be unsure what university drama actually looks like, this is a useful chance to hear from students who are living it now.
Choosing the path that fits you
One of the strongest messages in the conversation is that actors do not all have to follow the same route. Drama school can be brilliant, but it is not the only serious path. University can offer a broader experience, with opportunities to create, study, perform, question and grow. That matters because young performers can feel a huge amount of pressure when choosing their next step. It can seem as though everyone else has a plan, a faster route or a more obvious direction. Katie and Ethan’s experience offers a calmer perspective. You are not behind because your journey looks different. Lisa also highlights that acting can work in many different ways. It is not only about being number one on the call sheet. There are many ways to build a creative life, and different types of training may support different people in different seasons.
Independence, friendship and support
The conversation also explores the personal side of going to university. Moving away from home, making friends and building a support system are all part of the experience. Katie and Ethan speak about the confidence, communication skills, independence and resilience that can come from studying drama, whether or not someone goes on to act professionally. For parents, this part of the episode is especially useful. Lisa asks about how parents can help young people make big decisions, and also about the kinds of support that may not be helpful. The discussion recognises that parents often want to help, but pressure, panic and comparison can make an already difficult choice feel even heavier. The more helpful approach is one of curiosity, encouragement and calm. That does not mean pretending the industry is easy. It means helping a young person think clearly, listen to themselves and make a decision that fits their circumstances, interests and values.
Pressure, rejection and staying grounded
Katie and Ethan also talk with Lisa about comparison, rejection and staying resilient. These are not just issues for professional actors. They can begin early, especially when young performers are applying for courses, seeing what others are doing or wondering whether they are making the “right” choice. One practical thread running through the episode is the importance of trusting your gut. That does not mean making careless decisions. It means paying attention to what feels right after you have done the research, visited places, asked questions and thought honestly about what you need. There is also a gentle reminder that passion needs looking after. Lisa asks how Katie and Ethan fill up their cup outside the performing world, and friendship comes through as an important part of that. Having people around you, both inside and outside acting, can help keep the work in perspective.
Key takeaways for young performers and parents
- Drama school can be a brilliant route, but it is not the only serious option.
- University drama can offer practical performance work, academic study and personal growth.
- The right course is not just about reputation - it is also about fit, feeling and circumstances.
- Parents can help most by offering calm support, curiosity and encouragement rather than pressure.
- Friendship, independence and resilience are important parts of training, not distractions from it.
- You are not behind because your path looks different from someone else’s.
This episode is a reassuring listen for anyone standing at a crossroads and wondering what counts as a “proper” route into acting. Katie and Ethan show that university drama can be practical, thoughtful, creative and confidence-building. It can give young performers space to develop not only as actors, but as people. For young actors, the invitation is to stay curious and listen to what feels right. For parents, it is a reminder that steady, thoughtful support can make a real difference. There is no single path into this industry, and sometimes the most useful next step is the one that gives you room to grow.