I have always been in the performing arts. When I left high school I went straight into a full time performing arts course. It was in Melbourne called PSA (they focused on dance). Through dancing I just happened to be called into some castings that involved acting. This was terrifying as I had no idea what to do as an actor. So, that was the moment I decided to take some classes. It was then, being in class and focusing on the psychology behind acting that I fell in love with it.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Kate Lister: This world/ Industry / life choice is one of the hardest things I have ever done, to pursue acting for me was a very serious decision as it has to be 100% commitment and dedication as it’s a long term goal, and it will not happen overnight, well it hasn’t for me anyway. I have studied at different schools all over the world from The Atlantic Studio in New York to The Actors Centre in London as well as many different acting schools in Melbourne Australia (where I live).
I have little moments of time that continually make me fall in love with acting over and over again and the most recent one was in a Class at Brave Studios with an Australian Teacher (Damian Walshe-Howling ) I was doing a scene from an Australian Film CANDY – Damian let the scene grow naturally and he let myself and the other actor play with no judgement or preconceived ideas, it was fun and free and crazy and I loved for that 20 minutes being someone else.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Kate Lister: To be honest it depends on the role, project, and character and how I am feeling. I use lots of different techniques for all different methods. I love Larry Moss, his book is incredible and I also really like some techniques from Ivana Chubbuck. But mostly I like to build my character, know everything about her, where she has been, who is in the scene with her, what she wants from that person and then I like to let it go and just listen and respond.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Kate Lister: Absolutely – all of the time, I love class and I always feel great collaborating with other actors and teachers.
What acting books do you read?
Kate Lister: Larry Moss , Ivana Chubbuck , The Actors Process… etc. etc. I am happy to read all acting books and learn as much as I can. Learn from the best I say.
How do you keep fit as an actor?
Kate Lister: I do Pilates, cardio at the gym, meditate and visualize – This is what keeps me going and I try to do it at least 4 times a week.
How do you prepare for a role, when you get it?
Kate Lister: For me it depends on the role, with my most recent project (Drive me to the end) my character had autism so the first thing I did was research a lot about Autism and watch lots of documentaries, videos , interviews etc. But if I was say my character Connie from Fox Trap I read the script many times, figured out her differences from me personally and started to attach some personal memories to her back story so I could connect to her. Every role is different for me.
How do you create a character in a script into a person?
Kate Lister: I get to know the character by what is in front of me on the page and then I start to add in my own details, where they were born, relationship to their parents, if they are lower class or higher class – I work on things that molded them into the person they are to date.
How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Kate Lister: By listening and trusting to respond honestly to the other characters in the scene.
Describe a memorable character you played?
Kate Lister: Drive me to the End – Sunny and Fox Trap Connie.
What do you want most from a director?
Kate Lister: To collaborate and for them to have my back.
What actors do you long to work with?
Kate Lister: Judy Dench
Why?
Kate Lister: She is incredible and she doesn’t seem like she takes her self extremely seriously, in interviews she has a laugh yet she is very passionate about her work.
indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Kate Lister: Don’t give up!
Kate Lister Drama Reel
indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Kate Lister: I started off doing some ‘bit parts’ of TV shows like Neighbours , Last Man Standing, and The Warriors and I think moved into some UK Feature Films while creating my own production company with Phoenix Raei called “Little Fish Films”.
I have worked at being in front of the camera and behind the camera as I think it helps shape you as an actor if you understand most of the departments involved with making a Film, TV show or web series. I just want to keep growing as an artist so I will hopefully continue to work on other companies’ projects as well as create my own.
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