In this practical and actor-focused session, casting director Shauna Griffith shares clear, actionable advice on self-taping, presence, and what truly makes a performance stand out. Drawing from her experience casting commercials and screen work, she emphasises the importance of staying present – creating a believable world, responding truthfully, and allowing the audience to feel like they’re inside the moment with you.
Shauna highlights that strong tapes aren’t about overacting or overcomplicating – they’re about human behavior, preparation, and clarity. From eyelines and framing to character work and energy, she breaks down the small but crucial details that elevate a tape from competent to compelling. Her core message is simple but powerful: do the groundwork, trust your instincts, and bring the character to life fully – every second of the scene.
Original Date 2nd March 2026
FP Host Aislinn Aungier
Guest Shauna Griffith, Casting Director
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 Stay Present, Not Performed
Being in the moment is everything. If it feels like you’re “doing an action,” it loses truth. If it feels lived-in, we believe you.
2 Stillness Is Powerful, If It’s Alive
You don’t need constant movement. Stillness works when it’s grounded in thought and presence, not stiffness.
3 Movement Must Be Organic
Physical actions (like adjusting makeup or moving in space) should come from character and circumstance, not added for effect.
4 Build the World Around You
Know where you are, who you’re with, and what’s happening around you. Environment shapes behaviour, voice, and energy.
5 Avoid the “Locked Eyeline” Trap
Don’t freeze your gaze on one point. Natural eye movement signals thought, emotion, and humanity.
6 Know Your Lines Fully
If you’re reading or unsure, it shows immediately. Confidence in the text frees you to actually act.
7 Layer Your Character
Use simple tools (like Shauna’s 3-column exercise) to create depth: what you know, what you don’t, and what you decide.
8 Maintain Energy Throughout
Don’t let the performance drop halfway through. A strong start must carry all the way to the end.
9 Master the Technical Basics
Good lighting, framing, eyeline, and sound aren’t optional – they allow your performance to be seen properly.
10 Offer a Creative Solution
Every audition is your interpretation of the role. There’s no single “correct” version, just your version.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
“If I feel like I’m in the moment with you, I’m believing you.”
“I don’t want to feel like I’m watching an actor – I want to feel like I’m watching a person.”
“Don’t lock your eyes like your life depends on it.”
“We’re trying to be human, that’s the job.”
“You can tell so much from someone through their eyes.”
“Do the fundamentals right, then you get to play.”
“What do we know? What don’t we know? Fill in the gaps.”
“I want to feel like a fly on the wall.”
“It’s not an intellectual thing – it’s a feeling.”
“Here’s a possible solution – that’s what an audition is.”
“We’re not a hierarchy. We all need each other.”
“We’re literally playing make-believe – have a bit of craic.”