In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by actor and voice artist Kate Harbour, whose work includes much-loved animations such as Bob the Builder, Shaun the Sheep and Octonauts.

Together, Lisa and Kate explore what voice acting really involves - beyond simply “doing voices”. They talk about animation, audiobooks, commercials, ADR, character work, auditions, home recording, studio work, AI, confidence, resilience and why voice acting is such a skilled part of the acting industry.

Kate shares honest, practical advice for young actors who are curious about voice work, including how to start exploring your voice, why listening back matters, what equipment you actually need at the beginning, and why the work always has to come from truth, connection and the body.

This is a brilliant episode for young performers, parents and anyone interested in the craft behind voice acting.

In this episode, we talk about:

What voice acting actually includes
Why it is not an “easy” route into the industry
The difference between animation, audiobooks, commercials, ADR and corporate voice work
How to start exploring your voice as a young actor
Why confidence is audible
The importance of breath, hydration and physical connection
Basic home recording tips and why your space matters
How to approach voice auditions
Why actors need to read the brief carefully
Taking direction well
AI, human connection and the future of voice work
Why being yourself is your biggest strength

Guest Links & Resources
Website: kateharbour.comInstagram: @kateharbourofficialTikTok: @kateharbourvoiceactorLinkedIn: Kate HarbourBusiness Facebook: KATEHARBOURBIZ

Kate is represented for voice work by Vocal Point:
https://vocalpoint.net/fvo/harbour/

Kate is represented for acting by Arran Jones Associates:
https://www.arranjonesassociates.com/

Additional resources mentioned in this episode:
Rob & Helen Bee: b-double-e.co.uk
Tanya Rich / Richcraft: https://richcraft.biz/Tanya coaches adults aged 18 and over, with several options available including a reel review service.

Listen if you or your child is interested in:
Voice acting
Animation
Acting for audio
Self-tapes and auditions
Building confidence as a performer
Exploring different areas of the acting industry

Follow The Drama Coach:
For more acting tips, self-tape advice and honest conversations about the industry, follow @TheDramaCoach.

Courses, resources and more:
https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

Music:Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom via Pixabay

Supporting artist work can be a brilliant way to gain experience on professional sets, understand how filming works and build confidence around the screen industry - but it is important to approach it with realistic expectations.

In this solo episode, I’m talking about supporting artist agencies: What they are, how they work, what parents should know before signing a young performer up, and why background work is different from acting roles through an agent.

This episode is especially useful if your child or teen is curious about screen work, wants to understand more about being on set, or is hoping to gain experience in film and TV.

In this episode, I cover:

• What supporting artist agencies actually do
• The difference between supporting artist work and acting roles
• Why background work can be valuable experience
• What parents need to check before signing up
• Chaperones, licences and safeguarding
• Why it is not usually a fast track to speaking roles
• How to manage expectations around availability, fees and last-minute bookings
• What young performers can learn from being on set
• Why professionalism matters, even in the background
• How supporting artist work can fit into a wider acting journey

This is not about putting pressure on young performers to “get discovered” in the background. It is about understanding the industry clearly, spotting useful opportunities and making informed choices as a family.

Listen to The Drama Coach Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2ki4LEKDnWmFTLzG7JXzGd

The Drama Coach:
https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk

Courses, Resources & More:
https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

This season of The Drama Coach Podcast is sponsored by SceneTribe - a new platform for the creative industries, helping performers, creatives and industry professionals build profiles, connect through real work and discover opportunities.

Find out more at:
https://scenetribe.com

If this episode helps you understand supporting artist work a little more clearly, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with a parent or young performer who might find it useful.

You can also follow me @TheDramaCoach for more acting tips, self-tape advice and honest conversations about the industry.

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)

In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Graham-May, founder and Artistic Director of Rag and Bone Arts in Chippenham.

Laura has worked with young people for many years through drama, devising, ensemble work and creative projects. She has also taught post-16 performing arts students, giving her a brilliant perspective on what good drama training can offer at different stages.

This conversation is especially useful for teens, young adults and parents who are thinking about next steps in acting, training or the wider performing arts.

We talk about: What performing arts actually means - beyond just musicals Why process matters as much as performance How drama builds confidence, communication and self-awareness Supporting quieter students and those who love the spotlight Hobby vs career - and why both are valid Post-16 training and what changes at that stage Commitment, mindset and knowing yourself Other careers in theatre and the arts beyond performing Mental health, comparison and staying grounded in training

Find Laura and Rag and Bone Arts: Website: https://ragandbonearts.com Instagram: @ragandbonearts Adult provision: @ragandboneartscic Facebook: Rag and Bone Arts / Rag and Bone Arts CIC

Find me: Website: https://www.thedramacoach.co.uk Courses: https://courses.thedramacoach.co.uk Instagram/TikTok/YouTube: @TheDramaCoach Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TheDramaCoach

Music: Soft Music 495878 by nastelbom (Pixabay)