Before The Encore
Before The Encore is an exciting new Entertainment Podcast where the real stories of showbiz come to life. This is the hustle before the ovation, the raw, unfiltered journey of artists, performers, and industry pros carving their path to success. From rejection to standing ovations, we uncover the lessons, struggles, and triumphs that shape careers in the creative and performing arts. Come for the insights, stay for the entertainment. The hosts, with occasional special guests from the all over the industry share a mix of heartfelt storytelling, motivational wisdom, and industry know-how keeps every episode engaging, fun, and unforgettable. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned pro, or just a lover of showbiz, this is your exclusive backstage pass to the industry’s best-kept secrets, candid conversations, and the moments that happen before the encore.
Listen on:
About Us:
Before The Encore (BTE) is bold, dynamic, and unapologetically authentic. We capture the essence of showbiz before the standing ovation—the raw passion, hustle, and resilience that define success in the entertainment industry. Our tone is energetic, entertaining, and insightful, balancing industry expertise with a relatable, conversational style. We are both the hype before the performance and the wisdom behind the journey.
Your Hosts:
Nicholas Barnard & Holly Harris
Episode Guide
Season 1 (2025):
Episode 1 (17 March 2025) : The Curtain Rises (ft your hosts Nicholas & Holly)
Keywords: Showbiz, Podcast Launch, Performing Arts, Our Creative Journey, Why we do it, Behind the scenes, What's happening in Theatre & Film, BAFTAs & Grammys, Supporting the underdogs of the industry.
Episode 2 (24 March 2025) : The Pressure before the spotlight
(Toxicity, Auditions & the Reality of Showbiz) (ft your hosts Nicholas & Holly)
Keywords: What's Happening in the industry, Showbiz Pressures, Audition Season, Toxic Competition, Performing Arts Schools, Industry Realities, Supporting each other
Episodes
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
The stage is set, the mic is live—welcome to the premiere of Before The Encore! 🎙
✨ Hosts Nicholas Barnard & Holly Harris pull back the curtain on what this podcast is all about: real talk, industry insights, and unfiltered conversations about the performing arts world.
In this debut episode, they cover: 🎭 Why the Arts Matter – From mental health to education, how the arts shape society. 🎤 Industry Buzz – The BAFTAs, Grammys, What's On Stage Awards, and upcoming theatre hits like Richard the Second and The Great Gatsby musical. 🎬 Hollywood & TV Rundown – Bridgerton season four, The Last of Us season two, and upcoming blockbusters like Mickey 17 & How to Train Your Dragon. ⚡ Meet Your Hosts – Nicholas & Holly share their journeys in theatre, film, and VFX, plus some fun rapid-fire questions!
It’s the start of something big—and this is your backstage pass to the industry. Don’t miss it! 🎧🔥 #BeforeTheEncore
2 days ago
2 days ago
🎭 The industry isn’t all standing ovations—sometimes, the pressure starts long before the spotlight hits.
In this episode of Before The Encore, Nicholas Barnard & Holly Harris dive into the toxic culture of performing arts schools, the high-stakes world of audition season, and the mental toll of competition in the industry.
🔹 The Dark Side of Drama Schools – When does tough training become toxic?🔹 Audition Season Realities – Rejection, bias & how to stay resilient.🔹 Industry Pressures – The struggle between creative passion & commercial expectations.
🎧 Tune in for real talk, insider insights, and some hard-hitting debates! #BeforeTheEncore