Katie McNulty
Actor
A Scottish Podcast (2016-)
Role
“Alice.”
Bio
“Katie is a Scottish creative best known for her work with Shakespeare Switched.
As an Actor, Katie has performed on both stage and screen, in addition to featuring in the audio drama, A Scottish Podcast. She is currently working as a Voice Artist for Voicepro.
Training: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Performance and Drama Performance, Cumbria Institute Of The Arts.
“…there’s a lot of trust involved.”
How did you become aware of A Scottish Podcast?
“Before I began my training at university, I did a HND in Musical Theatre at Fife College. During my time there, Matthew reached out to the college as he was looking for new actors interested in audio projects. I put myself forward and was invited to do an informal audition which involved recording a script with direction from Matthew.”
What was your aim in getting involved?
“To explore a whole new style of acting and learn more about my abilities as a performer. I had never done any audio drama before and I also wanted to meet new creatives based in the same place as me.”
What was the biggest challenge?
“The biggest challenge for me was the way in which we created scenes.
Whenever I’d acted previously, I was always in the company of other performers. When recording an audio drama however, you’re usually acting solo. This means imagining the other character’s lines and then creating your own delivery from that, as opposed to bouncing off another person in the space.
In a way there’s a lot of trust involved - that the way you’re acting the role will complement the scene when all cast voices are edited together with music and sound.”
What would be your dream project?
“To work with Big Finish, and act in one of their Doctor Who audio plays. I’m a huge Doctor Who fan, and their stories are brilliant!”
How did you land the role? Any tips for a strong audio reel (or virtual audition)?
“I landed the role – I believe – by listening to Matthew’s feedback in my audition and being unafraid to play. There was no need to project my voice, as I would onstage, as there was a microphone that could pick up everything. Therefore, the focus was to be conversational, yet clear in my speech.
For anyone creating an audio reel, I would suggest recording a few takes with clear variation so that you have options. Ideally work with a studio or person who is an expert in editing and can help you sound your best. Also, pick a range of material that really highlights your versatility as an actor.
If you’re recording and editing your own audio for an audition, leave a good 5 seconds of silence before you begin speaking and when you’re beginning a new line (it’ll make the editing part so much easier!)”
How does acting for audio compare to other media, for you? Any skills or techniques you’d recommend learning for it?
“What I love about acting for audio is that your voice is the sole focus for your audience. It’s quite freeing as you don’t need to worry about your movement, aesthetics or even projecting as the microphone will pick up all your words. The art form has allowed me to play roles that I’m not sure I would have been given a chance to play if they were done through another medium.
It’s also super exciting when you get to listen back to the finished product, where all the voices and sound effects come together to create a whole other world.
If you’re looking to get into voice work, I would recommend practicing your sight-reading skills, as some situations don’t allow you much rehearsal time beforehand and you’ll feel more confident in exploring your character if you aren’t too focused about correct pronunciation etc.
Additionally, strong vocal technique is a huge advantage. By that I mean: clear diction, an understanding of breath control and vocal anatomy. There’s a lot of vocal warmups for singers that are available online for free and are very useful in developing this skill. During my time in college, I got to learn about Estill Voice Training which helped me figure out how to create new voices in a way that was safe.
Don’t forget to be mindful of your vocal health! Keep hydrated and allow time for rest..”
If your character was an occasional part, how did you characterise them quickly and memorably?
“I’d say I kept my performance of Alice fresh by playing with her intentions for each take.
I wanted to give Matthew options and it was a fun way of discovering new aspects of her. She was a very assertive character who wasn’t afraid to be a little snarky, so playing with her tone was a key part of the process.”