ALUMNUS OF THE MONTH – LOUISE KIELY
Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 at 1:40 pm | Alumni Interviews, News & Events
Louise Kiely trained with The Gaiety School of Acting and graduated in 2001. She acted for a short period before setting up Louise Kiely Casting in 2005. Since then she has built up her career and reputation as one of Ireland’s leading casting directors.
Some of her many credits to date include casting for the critically acclaimed ‘What Richard Did’, ‘Death of a Superhero’ and ‘Parked’ which stars Colm Meaney. Louise has also cast for BBC TV series ‘Ripper Street’ and RTE’s ‘Trivia’.
You can check out Louise’s video interview by clicking here.
Did you always want to work in the theatre/acting business?
Yep, I always did. I was always terrible at sports. I spent one unsuccessful season on the Netball Team. I was the person who had to bring on the oranges at half time. Being afraid of the ball is no good when you play a team sport. I found drama and school plays exhilarating. I loved the smell of the make-up backstage. I wanted to be at the theatre more than anywhere else.
How did you start off in the business?
I was part of the Co-operative agency, Castaway, until I stopped acting in 2005. I learned the mechanics of the business, which I loved, in the office. It was a great organisation to be part of; lovely people. I set up the business with an actress friend of mine called Orla Fitzgerald. When Orla moved to London to continue acting, I kept up the business on my own. I am very much still learning though!
Any tips for aspiring actors?
For Auditions:
- Read the full script before coming in, even if you are only auditioning for a small role.
- Be familiar with the Director’s work.
- Be fully off book.
- Know your castability for Film.
- Generally, go see lots of plays and watch lots of movies; especially Irish ones.
What did you like most about being at The Gaiety School of Acting?
It was just the best craic for 2 years. Cannot believe I graduated 10 years ago. We had a lovely gang in our year and many drama tutors who I still look up to. I liked shiatsu and tap although I was terrible at both. I had to put my shoes on my hands and bang the floor in the final year dance with the other rhythm-less folk. I even sang soprano once. Yikes. In hind-sight I would have liked more acting for camera teaching. I gather they get that now.
Highlight: we were seat fillers at the MTV Awards when they were in Dublin. We had to wear dorky stickers on our backs and were told that if they fell off, we would be booted out. It was excellent.
I had been in college for the three years previous doing Law. This was far more fun.
Favourite actor?
So many! I love loads of actors for all different reasons.
Favourite writer?
That is too hard also. Irish Writers? Mark O’Halloran, Eugene O’Brien, Marina Carr, Conor McPherson, Mark O’Rowe. Some wonderful newer ones too like Phillip McMahon, Emmet Kirwan and Neil Watkins.
.
Favourite play?
That I have seen or that exists? I will go for one/s I have seen. I remember seeing “Medea” years ago in South Africa at a Festival. It was all on sand and the smell was atrocious. It was brilliant and brave. I have always loved “Macbeth” as a play. “The War Horse” at The National was amazing. “Clybourne Park” last year in London was brilliant. Corn Exchange did a production of “Fool for Love” a couple of years ago that was stunning. “Mud” was excellent too. I have never seen a Corn Exchange show that I wasn’t blown away by actually. Broken Talkers are not only innovative but their shows are also slick which appeals to me (and many others!).
Who has been the most influential person in your life so far?
My mother. She never leads me astray.
Earliest memory?
My Dad blasting out ELO in the car or singing along to the Mary Poppins soundtrack on the record-player in the good room – the sitting room that nobody used.
What would be your idea of the perfect day?
This is one version:
Saturday –
Up and to the gym.
Lunch
Matinee at a Theatre in the City Centre
Dinner in the outdoor bit in Yamamori on the North side
Evening Show/Gig or Movie.
Followed by Craic with friends