For young actors starting to take their training seriously, drama school can feel exciting, mysterious and, at times, overwhelming. There are courses to compare, speeches to choose, self-tapes to record, interviews to prepare for and big decisions to make about the future. In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by Adam Stadius, an acting coach and actor training specialist whose work through Get Into Drama School helps applicants understand and prepare for drama school auditions. Adam brings a clear, practical and reassuring perspective to a process that can feel highly competitive and emotionally charged. This conversation is especially useful for teens and young adults thinking about drama school, as well as parents who want to support them without adding extra pressure.
What drama school is really for
Adam describes drama school, or conservatoire training, as specialist training for people who want to enter the professional performing arts industries. These courses are often practical, intensive and built around time in the room with teachers, developing acting, voice, movement, dance, singing and performance skills. One of the most helpful points Adam makes is that drama school is not the only route into the industry. It may be the most common and obvious route for many young performers, particularly those interested in theatre, but there are many different ways to build an artistic life. His own route included different stages of training before he moved into teaching, coaching and actor training.
“Drama school is a place that gives you technique, not talent.”
That distinction matters. Talent may help someone stand out, but technique supports consistency, stamina and craft. For young performers, this can be a useful way to think about training: not as a stamp of approval, but as a place to grow the tools needed for professional work.
Choosing the right school and course
With so many options now available, from acting and musical theatre to actor musicianship, foundation courses, degrees and postgraduate routes, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Adam’s advice is refreshingly grounded: go to open days and get a feel for the environment. He explains that every school will naturally put its best foot forward, but the atmosphere of the place matters. Some students thrive in highly demanding environments. Others need somewhere they feel able to take risks, make mistakes and be supported. For Adam, the key question is whether the school feels like a place where the student can be brave. Foundation courses are also discussed in a balanced and positive way. Adam explains that, for some students, an extra year can help close a technical gap, build confidence and ease the transition into independent living before starting a more intensive three-year course.
What audition panels are looking for
Adam is clear that audition panels are not looking for perfection. They are looking at a combination of talent, potential, technical readiness, attitude and willingness to learn. In fact, he places strong emphasis on consistency, hard work and openness. For musical theatre applicants, he challenges the idea that everyone needs to be an equal “triple threat”. Different shows require different blends of skills, and a performer can build a strong career with their own particular balance of strengths, potential and attitude. When it comes to monologues, Adam’s advice is practical: do not spend so long searching for the perfect piece that you leave too little time to prepare it. Choose something solid, then work on it deeply. A good contemporary monologue should feel believable, active and connected to another person. It does not need to be the most dramatic or emotional speech in the book.
“No one is as good at being you as you are.”
That idea runs through the episode. Applicants are encouraged to bring themselves to the work, rather than trying to guess what a panel wants to see.
Self-tapes, recalls and interviews
Adam’s self-tape advice is designed to reduce pressure. Applicants do not need an expensive professional setup. A phone, a clear frame, decent sound and a neutral background can be enough. The key is to be seen and heard, and to avoid getting trapped in endless retakes. He suggests doing a few consistent takes, choosing the strongest one and then making peace with it. For in-person recalls, redirection is an important part of the day. A panel may ask an applicant to try a speech in a different way, not because the first version was wrong, but because they want to see flexibility, playfulness and responsiveness. Adam suggests practising monologues in different places, with different people and in different emotional states, so the piece does not become fixed in one “perfect” version. The interview can feel especially exposing because there is no character to hide behind. Adam encourages honesty, reflection and self-knowledge. Rather than listing every credit or achievement, applicants should be able to talk about what they have learned, where they want to grow and how they respond to challenge.
How parents can help
For parents, Adam offers thoughtful advice. Support does not mean pushing harder. It can mean helping with lines, offering calm encouragement, discussing practical realities early and teaching life skills that will help a young person cope with intensive training. He also encourages families to have realistic conversations about money before applications begin. Some schools may involve costs that are difficult to manage, and knowing this early can help students make informed choices rather than facing disappointment later.
A calmer way into the process
This episode is full of useful detail, but its overall message is simple and reassuring. Drama school auditions are not about being flawless. They are about preparation, honesty, openness and finding the training environment that fits the person in front of the panel. For young actors, the invitation is to do the work, stay curious and bring as much of themselves as possible. For parents, it is a reminder that calm, practical support can make a real difference. Listen to the full conversation for a clear and encouraging guide to approaching drama school auditions with more confidence and less panic.