Training as a young performer can be exciting, creative and full of opportunity. It can also bring pressure - from auditions, social media, expectations, busy schedules and the feeling that everyone else is somehow further ahead. In this episode of The Drama Coach podcast, Lisa Southam is joined by Audrey Elizabeth from Elites Creative for a thoughtful conversation about wellbeing, confidence and what it really means to support young performers in a healthy way. Audrey brings experience from theatre schools, talent representation and public presence strategy, giving her a broad view of the performing arts world. Together, Lisa and Audrey explore how young actors, singers and dancers can be encouraged without being overwhelmed, and how parents, teachers and agents can help performers feel grounded as well as ambitious.
Episode overview
The conversation begins with wellbeing and what that means in practice for young performers. Audrey reflects on the pressures children face today, particularly when they are balancing school, training, auditions and social media. She notes that not every child wants the same thing from performing arts. Some are training seriously with a career in mind, while others are there for joy, confidence and creativity. Both paths are valid, but they need different kinds of support. A key theme throughout the episode is finding the right environment. Audrey talks about the importance of culture in a class, school, agency or rehearsal room. For her, the right teacher or coach is someone who sees the individual child, communicates clearly and understands the child’s age as well as their talent. Lisa adds that parents often need help recognising what a healthy training environment feels like, especially when they are new to the industry. Audrey also discusses what she notices in performers from an agency perspective. While she is impressed by young people who train across singing, dancing and acting, she is clear that being a “triple threat” is not the only thing that matters. What stands out to her is how a performer takes up space, how they present themselves and how comfortable they are being seen as themselves, not only as a character.
Key themes and takeaways
- Wellbeing starts with the right fit. A young performer needs an environment that matches their goals, personality and level of commitment.
- Confidence is built through being seen. Children benefit when teachers and parents notice specific effort, progress and qualities, rather than offering only general praise.
- The process matters. Audrey speaks about helping students fall in love with training, rehearsal and growth, rather than only chasing the final show, competition result or audition outcome.
- Social media needs clear boundaries. For children, Audrey suggests thinking carefully about the purpose of an account, avoiding real-time location posting and keeping the focus on talent rather than building a fan base.
- Auditions are part of a bigger puzzle. Not getting a role is not always about talent. Casting depends on many factors, and performers need support to avoid internalising every outcome.
Social media, identity and personal brand
Social media is a major part of the conversation, especially because it can affect confidence and comparison. Audrey does not give a fixed answer on when a young performer should have a social media presence, beyond acknowledging age limits and the role of parent-managed accounts. Instead, she encourages families to decide what is right for their child and to be clear about the purpose of the account. For young performers, the focus should be safety, intention and boundaries. Audrey advises against posting where a child is in real time and encourages parents to think about comments, direct messages and the emotional impact of comparison. For adults, she sees social media differently. It can become a “second stage” - a place to share personality, knowledge and creative work, as long as it is used in a way that feels purposeful rather than forced. Lisa and Audrey also explore the vulnerability of being yourself. Many performers are comfortable playing characters but find it much harder to introduce themselves, speak on camera or show who they are beyond their talent. Audrey describes this as a new layer of vulnerability: “You can’t hide behind the skill or the talent.”
Auditions, pressure and support from parents
When the conversation turns to auditions, Audrey highlights preparation as one of the best ways to build confidence. Knowing material well can help a performer feel more settled, although both Lisa and Audrey recognise that audition turnarounds are not always generous. When time is short, Audrey’s advice is to give yourself grace and do the best you can with the time available. For parents, the message is to meet the individual child where they are. Audrey encourages parents not to assume how much a child wanted a part or how they feel after an audition. Some may be disappointed, some may be relieved, and some may simply be ready to move on. The parent’s reaction can have a big impact, so calm, open communication matters. The episode also touches on realistic expectations. Audrey and Lisa discuss how long the industry can take, how few things are instant, and why families benefit from education and honest conversations. Whether dealing with agencies, training, rehearsals or auditions, clear communication helps everyone feel steadier.
A grounded reminder for performers
“You are enough and you will always be enough but keep training.”
That line from Audrey’s quick-fire round captures the heart of the episode. Young performers do not need to become someone else in order to succeed or belong. They can work hard, train seriously, improve their skills and still hold on to who they are. This conversation is a useful listen for young actors, parents and adult learners who want a healthier, more thoughtful approach to performing arts training. It is a reminder that confidence is not built through pressure alone. It grows through support, clarity, care, preparation and the steady belief that the person behind the performer matters too.