Amy attempts to close a major business deal with the wealthy and eccentric Jordan, who offers a term sheet for Amy's company. The conversation shifts from professional flattery to microaggressions as Jordan questions Amy's heritage and issues a veiled threat about the deal's fragility.
JORDAN: Amy, you never mentioned you were married to Haru Nakai’s son.
AMY: I didn’t know you were a fan. You should come by this gallery opening tomorrow. George loaned one of his father’s pieces.
JORDAN: I’d love that. Nobody else in my family understands culture-- that’s why Forsters has been stuck in the past.
AMY: But that’s why you’re here. To change…
JOR…
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Beef · Author: Lee Sung Jin · Characters: Amy, Jordan
This compelling duologue from the Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-winning series Beef offers a masterclass in shifting power dynamics and underlying tension. Set in a contemporary, upper-class environment, the scene features Amy attempting to finalize a significant business deal with the eccentric and wealthy Jordan. What begins with professional flattery and an apparent agreement quickly devolves into a series of microaggressions and veiled threats, expertly exposing the fragility of the power balance between these two driven women.
Amy is a determined business executive, likely in her late 30s to early 40s, navigating the complex world of high-stakes deals. She is astute and professional, initially eager to please and secure this pivotal agreement for her company, Kōyōhaus. Jordan, also likely in her late 30s to early 40s, embodies the "Authority Figure" and "Upper Class" casting type. She is powerful, unpredictable, and revels in her ability to control the situation, using subtle yet cutting remarks to assert her dominance and test Amy's composure.
This scene is ideal for an audition because it provides a rich emotional arc within a short timeframe, showcasing an actor's ability to navigate complex layers of subtext. The performance requires a nuanced understanding of comedy-drama, allowing actors to demonstrate both their dramatic intensity and their capability for subtle comedic timing. The underlying tension and the swift shift from professional to subtly threatening behavior offer a fantastic opportunity to impress casting directors with versatility and depth.
This audition piece is particularly well-suited for female actors aged 35-45 who are targeting "Leading Lady," "Business Executive," "Authority Figure," or "Sophisticated" casting types. It’s excellent for actors who can convey intelligence, ambition, and resilience under pressure. The scene is perfect for agent-showcase and self-tapes, as it allows for a focused and intense performance that highlights strong character work and the ability to convey subtle emotional shifts.
When approaching this scene, pay close attention to the escalating power dynamic and the impact of Jordan's microaggressions on Amy. For Amy, focus on maintaining an outward composure despite the increasing discomfort and pressure. Each forced laugh or polite response should hint at the inner turmoil and her desperate attempt to salvage the deal. For Jordan, lean into her eccentricities and the subtle cruelty of her power plays, allowing her seemingly casual remarks to carry significant weight and implication. Emphasize the contrast between the initial pleasantries and the later, more unsettling aspects of the negotiation.