Amy Hubbard has carved out a seriously impressive career in casting – you’ve more than likely watched a film or series she’s worked on. I’ve been writing to her since 2008, so I was excited to attend her recent casting workshop through ActorsCollab. It was great to perform a scene from one of her current projects and get direct feedback from the renowned casting director as well as some of her top audition tips. Here’s my takeaway:
- Embrace the self-tape. It’s here to stay and Amy loves them.
- Be 1000% off book. Amy wants to see the character in the moment, not an actor looking at the page or struggling to remember lines. You’ll also be freed up to listen better – Amy reiterates the age old adage: “90% of acting is listening”.
- Underplay. Amy often has to reassure actors that doing less is more – be brave, think ‘documentary’. There’s a temptation to ‘show’ what we can do. Don’t. There doesn’t have to be a gear change or emotional climax. Even if the entire scene plays at one pitch it can be enough.
- Ask questions if needed. A good one is, “Where should this performance be pitched?” (in terms of energy and mood). Or if you get multiple takes, “Was that last one too big?”
- Ignore the writer’s stage directions. Always. They are not performance notes. Writers use them to clarify their ideas to readers – particularly those who can green-light their script. You the actor must listen to the urge that motivates your own unique actions.
- Keep it snappy. The people watching your tape have tonnes to do and a limited amount of time. Give the scene it’s due, but avoid gratuitous pauses or time-taking. Amy quotes Peter Jackson in this regard: “No scene can’t be improved with a bit of pace”
- Confidence is key. You will land the role based primarily on confidence, then your talent and only then whether you’re actually right for the part. Amy wants her clients to know, “You can hit the ground running with this one!” Be confident in yourself and your ideas. The room is yours. Don’t apologize. If you fluff something, just let ’em know you’re starting again and blow them away.
Jeffrey Mundell 