In this episode I chat with casting director Sarah-Jane Price for a rich, honest, and deeply human conversation about what really happens behind the casting table. We explore how the role of casting is evolving, the emotional realities faced by both performers and casting directors, and why genuine connection matters more than ever in the creative industries.

Sarah-Jane shares her journey from performer to casting director, the fulfilment she finds championing talent, and how social media has transformed the way artists are discovered and seen. We talk about the magic of opening nights, the complexity and responsibility behind casting decisions, and the compassion required to hold space for artists navigating rejection, hope, and ambition.

Together, we dive into the realities of freelance life, mental health, rest, and identity — why embracing imperfection is a creative superpower, and how trusting the process can redefine what success really means. We also look ahead to the future of theatre, from immersive experiences to the role of technology in expanding what’s possible on stage.

This episode is a powerful reminder that creativity thrives when we lead with empathy, courage, and connection — and that the industry is at its best when we remember the humans at the heart of it all.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah-Jane Price

03:20 The Evolving Role of Casting

05:15 Navigating Emotions in Casting

07:44 The Shift from Performer to Casting Director

10:24 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Performance

12:01 The Impact of Social Media on Casting

14:14 The Joy of Creating New Work

15:55 The Changing Landscape of Talent Discovery

18:23 Connecting with Talent in a Digital Age

20:54 The Importance of Genuine Connections

22:20 The Passion for Theatre

24:29 The Excitement of Opening Nights

26:45 Meeting Big Names in the Industry

30:02 Humanizing the Casting Process

32:01 Understanding the Complexity of Casting Decisions

33:27 Understanding Casting and the Industry's Complexities

35:02 Navigating Freelance Life and Finding Balance

37:52 Mental Health and the Creative Process

40:21 The Importance of Rest and Creative Fueling

43:53 The Intersection of Identity and Career

46:47 Embracing Imperfection and the Joy of Creativity

49:52 Trusting the Process and Defining Success

51:30 The Future of Theatre and Immersive Experiences

Sarah-Jane's Website: https://www.sarahjaneprice.co.uk

Sarah-Jane's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjanepricecasting/

Club Thrive Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

Please do rate, share and review the podcast! It all helps us to help you thrive too

In this episode I look to introduce some new energy for the path ahead for Club Thrive and the podcast after two years, after some very stop start moments! Sometimes the best we can do is to pause before taking the next steps, the wheels are still in motion. I include reflections on the challenges of navigating motherhood, identity shifts, and the impact of burnout alongside how it is helping to make this podcast and the work I do even better. I also touch on self-worth, how triggering emotionally I found the events of the 7th October 2023 and how vulnerability plus community support in overcoming life's obstacles is so powerful. There is such a balance between ambition and fulfilment but I continue to believe the edge of this is crucial for wellbeing in high achievers. I really encourage you to embrace your individual journeys and recognise your potential for growth AND the ability to thrive , even in the moments of survival. Apologies for the dog barking at the end...

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

02:50 Navigating Life Changes and Identity Shifts

05:56 The Impact of Parenthood on Personal Growth

09:01 Burnout and the Journey to Recovery

11:49 Understanding ADHD and Its Effects

15:06 The Balance Between Ambition and Fulfilment

18:05 Creating a Supportive Community for Thriving

Come follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_

Please do rate, save and share, it all helps to build the momentum behind our mission of helping you live a thriving life in spite your moments of survival

We cover so much in this episode to truly help you reprioritise yourself and your life so that work is the thing that fuels it, rather than you being a slave to what you have created out of society’s image of “success”.

In this episode, I interview Jo Hooper, who shares her journey of living what some might see as an unconventional life. We talk openly about overcoming mental health challenges, financial independence, and improving self-worth.

Jo discusses the importance of making choices that align with personal values, the challenges of navigating societal expectations, and the empowerment of choosing to be a child-free woman.

We emphasise the significance of self-accountability, the balance between work and life, and the need for rest and personal fulfilment as a driving north star to help you with decisions that truly set you free from the shackles of the expectations of others. Can't wait to hear what you think and discover from it!

What We Cover:

00:00 Introduction

02:40 The Journey to Unapologetic Living

06:57 Navigating Mental Health and Work-Life Balance

09:58 The Financial Dynamics of Self-Care

14:30 Empowering Women to Set Boundaries

17:53 The Impact of Client Transformations

21:51 Choosing What to Overcome

25:58 The Courage to Live Authentically

28:36 Deciding to Live Child-Free by Choice

30:23 Identifying Energy Drainers

35:34 Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

38:33 Sitting with Discomfort

43:21 Redefining Productivity and Rest

48:19 Empowering Child-Free Women

51:07 Thriving on Your Own Terms

Jo’s Links: https://getwildlyfree.co.uk/links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getwildlyfree

We’d love to hear what you think, share your thoughts or leave a review to help others benefit too! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/club-thrive-the-podcast/id1691994215?i=1000738181926

Follow Us On Instagram: www.instagram.com/clubthrive_