Balancing School and Acting - with Lacey

Join me as I chat with 11-year-old actor Lacey about her real-life experiences in the industry so far - from her first time on set to managing auditions, handling rejection, and balancing acting with school life.This is an honest, grounded conversation that offers valuable insight for both young performers and their parents - especially if you're just starting out.Lacey shares what it actually feels like to be on set, how she approaches self-tapes, and the routines that help her stay organised and confident. We also talk about the challenges of NDAs, navigating disappointment, and finding joy in both screen and theatre work.A calm, practical and reassuring listen - straight from a young actor living it.✨ In This Episode We Cover:First experiences on set - excitement, nerves, and learning fastWhat NDAs really mean (and how to manage them as a young actor)Handling rejection and staying positiveBalancing school, self-tapes and auditionsSelf-tape routines and learning linesThe difference between in-person auditions and self-tapesFinding inspiration through theatre and backstage experiencesWorking with parents on set vs licensed chaperonesBuilding routines, organisation and confidence⏱️ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Lacey and her love for dance01:01 - First on-set experience and initial feelings01:43 - Meeting new people and overcoming nerves02:13 - Taking direction and building confidence on set03:20 - How sets support young actors03:54 - Understanding NDAs and keeping things confidential04:34 - Managing secrecy at school05:04 - Advice for young actors with NDAs07:57 - Handling rejection and staying positive09:01 - Family casting and audition experiences10:26 - Callbacks and dealing with disappointment11:25 - In-person auditions vs self-tapes12:32 - Managing emotions and setbacks14:03 - Supporting young actors through rejection15:06 - Balancing acting with school life16:04 - Creating routines that work17:22 - Learning lines and recording techniques18:39 - Improving self-tapes and taking feedback20:04 - Love of theatre and backstage inspiration36:45 - Watching theatre: screen vs live37:31 - What inspires her most about theatre40:20 - Quick fire: lessons, proud moments and advice42:12 - Connecting with other young actors📱 Follow & ConnectFollow Lacey on Instagram: @lacey.southam (pending approval)Follow me for more acting tips and podcast updates: @TheDramaCoachMusic by nastelbom - soft music 495878