When I was 11, I performed in my first play at school called, “Who am I?” There was something about acting that even at a young age, seemed to make sense. I remember caring so much about the lines and not only what I was doing, but what everyone else was doing too. I’ll never forget the first applause our cast received after performing, it gave me a feeling I had never felt before.
Then, when I was 13, I played the lead in our school musical and the spark that had been ignited in me during primary school had now become an enraged flame, never to go out. Kind of serendipitous that in doing a play titled, “Who Am I?”, I found out the answer to the question. I was an actor. Now, 12 years on, I identify as an actor, writer, producer, co-director of a performance company and acting teacher.
My passion for acting continues to grow and my sights are set on creating screen work that resonates with people for generations to come.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Aimee: I have a few formal qualifications and am continually working on improving my craft. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Industries, majoring in Drama and Media/Communication from the Queensland University of Technology. I’m also a graduate of the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and the Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre.
Recently I’ve been taking classes with Peter Rasmussen, focusing on the Uta Hagen technique and last year participated in the TAFTA National Actors Intensive, a program that crams approximately 12-14 workshops with casting directors into five days. As advertised, it is INTENSE but such a valuable lesson in being prepared, constantly learning new lines and adapting to a lifestyle that prioritizes the work.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Aimee: I don’t have just one technique I rely on but rather take bits and bobs from different methods that resonate with me and produce the best work. I’d say my favourites are Stanislavski and Adler. I am lucky to have a very active and vivid imagination that equips me with the ability to manipulate my emotions into creating truth from fictional circumstances. With that being said, the ability to use personal experience in your acting is pivotal and offers a sense of authenticity that imagination cannot. For this, I rely on the teachings of Chubbuck.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Aimee: In addition to my formal qualifications, I have undertaken a large amount of workshops and classes with institutes such as Stella Adler, The Second City, The Groundlings, Film & Television Studios International, TAFTA and The Warehouse Workshop in addition to various casting director workshops.
Aimee Duroux as Meredith in “Double”
The thing about acting education is that there is no end goal, it’s impossible to know everything. What works for one person may be useless for another. Acting is SO subjective and I think it’s a constant journey in discovering what techniques and methods work best for an individual. That’s why it’s so important to learn as much as you can through as many different mediums and opportunities available. These workshops and classes also provide networking possibilities with both fellow actors and industry professionals (casting directors, directors, producers etc) so their worth is invaluable.
indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Aimee: I have quite a few that sit upon my bookshelf. I am a big fan of “Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus” by Marina Caldarone. It’s an entire book filled with actions-doing words that can be applied to your objectives and strengthen the delivery of your performance. There’s been so many times when I’ve had an idea of how I want to say something but have needed the guidance of this book to help find the word that clearly articulates my intention.
I also love reading plays, for not only their narratives but their educational purposes. I really enjoy seeing how different authors tell their stories and share characters with readers. My favourite plays are “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams, “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani and “The Laramie Project” by Moises Kaufman.
Aimee Duroux Meets with Australian actress, Claire Holt
indieactivity: How do you keep fit as an actor?
Aimee: Mentally, I write a lot. Whether it’s reflective or imaginative, I love to get my thoughts onto paper. As a person, I can be quite emotional, I allow myself to feel things deeply and I try to do it unapologetically. Of course, if I enter an argument and get hot-headed easily or burst into tears over a minor issue, I feel like I need to apologise or at least turn down the dramatics (but it’s hard, you know? #actorstruggles).
I’m someone who tries to avoid conflict but at the same time wants my opinion to be heard. I love people and to make others laugh but equally enjoy being at home in silence. I feel that so many of my traits are contradictory of one another and that’s what makes people so interesting. I think being aware of that and recognizing that in others is a sign of a fit, healthy, active mind.
Physically, I’m a pilates gal. But not traditional floor pilates, I prefer reformer. It uses a horizontal machine that’s equipped with springs, weights and straps. It’s a full-body workout and is different every time I go, I never get bored. I also recently bought a bike which is the ABSOLUTE BEST because I haven’t owned one since I was about 14.
Aimee Duroux as Laura in Emporium
indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role?
Aimee: I read the scripts a few times through so I can make sure I understand what’s going on. The first time is generally to allow myself to experience the world, almost as an audience member-a voyeur. After that is when I read through the script and start interpreting it more from an actor’s perspective. Learning the lines, whilst very important, is the last thing I do.
I don’t want to get stuck in delivering dialogue a certain way as myself when the character may perform it totally differently. That being said, once I’ve done the character work, I try to get the lines down as quickly and accurately as possible. I record the lines on my phone and play it over and over during car rides to help it sink in. Reading the script just before going to bed I find helps too.
indieactivity: How do you create a character from a script into a person?
Aimee: I’ll look for clues in the language about how not only my own character sees themselves, but how others talk about them. How do I speak? What do I think of myself? What do others think of me? I think there are so many clues that can be found purely in the dialogue about the character(s) and the world they inhibit. I’ll start developing a personality based off this and what the character wants, their objective.
Australians in Film Hacksaw Ridge Q&A Screening 2016
I think about if that influences their physicality, the way the character speaks, how they interact with people. What is their status? What do they THINK their status is? There are so many questions that can be answered.
indieactivity: How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Aimee: This changes from set to set with me. Actors all have their different processes and ways of behaving on and off screen. I like to adapt to those around me. If my fellow cast mates are chatting in between takes, I’ll happily join in on the conversation. If everyone is doing their best to stay in character and prepare for the next take, I’ll do the same and won’t disrupt anyone’s process.
If however I have a character that demands a lot of preparation and could be quite emotionally draining, I will let the other cast members know that I’ll probably need some individual time between takes and won’t engage in conversation with them. It also depends if we’re one hour or eleven hours into the shoot! By the eleventh hour, I’m more focused on doing the work and doing it well rather than joking around with the cast and crew.
indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Aimee: The last character I played was in a stage play, but it has honestly been my favourite role to date. The play was “The Wishing Well,” the debut production for the performance company I launched last year, Two Braids Collective. My character’s name was Erika-a wallflower type who initially appeared timid and maybe even a little quirky.
As the story progressed however, the cracks started to show and an unhinged, irrational and passionate character emerged, driven by a heart wrenching need to bring her only love back from the dead. It was a new, powerful character that not only had I never played before, but I had rarely seen portrayed by a female (and I am all about creating and seeing interesting, strong, flawed and driven female characters).
indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Aimee: In 2016, I played Meredith in a short film called, “Double.” She was a shy, introverted travel agent who accidentally fell into a friendship with the lead character, Edith. In an effort to find the comedy of my character, I relied heavily on my facial expressions. Meredith didn’t say a lot, so a lot of what she was thinking had to translate through her face and body. Blank stares (think deer in headlights), slightly pursed lips and fidgeting hands were all creative choices I made in conveying the awkwardness and uniqueness of Meredith.
indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Aimee: It sounds silly, but direction. I want a clear vision and the person leading the entire cast and crew to know what their goal is. Tell me exactly what you want and I guarantee you I will do everything I can to achieve that. If it’s not working, we’ll try something different. I love working with people who are clear, listen and are working towards a common goal.
Aimee Duroux in QLD Health Commercial 2016
indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Aimee: Saoirse Ronan and (Queen) Meryl Streep.
indieactivity: Why?
Aimee: Saoirse is the same age as me and I really respect her work. I think she’s an excellent role model for young women (and men) and she seems like a really driven, smart and genuine person. If we could be best friends too, that’d be great. And of course, Queen Meryl. Her work is what sparked my interest in screen acting in the first place. Having the chance to not only play witness to her work but to be a part of it would blow my mind.
indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Aimee: Life sometimes gets in the way and that’s alright. I think it’s important to allow yourself to live in the moment and let yourself experience new things, regardless of if they will enhance your career or not. I also really want people to know and realize that it is okay to change your mind about your career, even if you’ve been working towards it for fifteen years.
It’s also okay to pursue your passion ferociously and to not stop until you get there. You just need to constantly check in with yourself, make sure you’re being true to who you are and what you want. Take care of yourself and the rest will follow. Once you’ve figured out what your dream is, pursue it relentlessly.
indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Aimee: It wasn’t until I was 17 that I scored my first paid screen role in “Home Invasion.” Since then, I’ve filmed numerous feature, short and student films such as “Thor:Ragnarok,” “Australia Day,” “Double” and “Emporium;” television and web series, “Hoges” and “Dailies,” performed in multiple musicals and plays, represented Australia at the World Championships of Performing Arts where I was awarded a scholarship to study at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, graduated from University, launched a performance company and have taken multiple trips to Los Angeles to train and network.
I am always looking for new opportunities to learn and act and trust that the momentum I have garnered so far will continue to grow, if I persevere, create, seek and embrace opportunities and hustle hard.
I’m represented by Paul Newlands of Crème Management and am on the hunt for American/Canadian representation.
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