Guide
AWWDITION CERTIFIED
Show up prepared. Stay present. Make a choice.
An awwdition isn't about giving casting exactly what you think they want.
It's about making clear, specific choices and allowing your talent to come through.
BEFORE THE AWWDITION
KNOW YOUR MATERIAL
- Read the entire breakdown.
- Know your character.
- Understand the scene.
- Know what happens before and after your scene.
- Identify the objective.
- Know what's at stake.
PRACTICE WITH A PARTNER
Have a reliable practice partner who can read opposite you.
Practice with scenes from familiar films, television shows, or scripts to develop:
- Listening
- Reacting
- Memorization
- Timing
- Emotional shifts
- Improvisation
- Character choices
Don't just practice saying the lines. Practice responding to the other person.
TAKE RISKS
BE WILLING TO MAKE A CHOICE.
Don't play it safe because you're afraid of being "wrong."
Try something specific.
Try something unexpected.
Try something different.
Casting can redirect a choice.
A safe awwdition can disappear. A specific awwdition can be remembered.
BUILD YOUR MONOLOGUE LIBRARY
Every actor should have four awwdition-ready monologues.
1. FUNNY
Show timing, personality, and comedic instincts.
2. SERIOUS
Show control, depth, and grounded emotion.
3. TRAGIC
Show vulnerability, emotional range, and stakes.
4. HOPEFUL
Show warmth, optimism, transformation, or resilience.
Know these pieces well enough that you can perform them without becoming dependent on the page.
Keep them current.
UNDERSTAND THE STAKES
Before performing a scene, ask:
WHAT DO I WANT?
What is my character trying to get?
WHAT IS IN MY WAY?
What is stopping me?
WHAT IS THE THREAT?
What happens if I don't get what I want?
WHAT CHANGES IF THE THREAT IS REMOVED?
What becomes possible when the obstacle disappears?
This creates stakes, urgency, and action.
Don't simply "play the emotion."
Play the objective.
BREATHE.
Before you awwdition:
Stop.
Breathe.
Reset.
You don't need to carry the last awwdition, the last rejection, or the pressure of the room into this performance.
Take a breath.
Feel your feet.
Relax your shoulders.
Look around.
Then begin.
BE PRESENT
Don't rush to your next line.
Listen.
React.
Observe.
Allow yourself to actually experience the moment.
The camera can see when you're waiting to say your line.
Acting happens in the listening.
SEE THE WORLD
Your work should come from somewhere.
Pay attention to:
- People
- Conversations
- Relationships
- Architecture
- Music
- Culture
- Nature
- Conflict
- Humor
- Human behavior
Live a life worth bringing into the room.
The more you observe the world, the more you have to draw from as an actor.
DON'T CHASE PERFECTION
You will forget a line.
You will make a mistake.
You may make a choice that doesn't work.
Keep going.
If you make a mistake:
Stay in the scene.
Don't apologize.
Don't break character unless you're directed to.
Your ability to recover is part of your craft.
ON CAMERA
BEFORE "ACTION"
- Breathe.
- Find your eyeline.
- Get grounded.
- Know your objective.
- Listen.
DURING THE SCENE
- Don't rush.
- Let moments happen.
- Keep your reactions alive.
- Trust your preparation.
- Make specific choices.
AFTER "CUT"
Don't immediately judge yourself.
Take the direction.
Make the adjustment.
Go again.
AWWDITION ROOM RULES
BE PREPARED.
BE PROFESSIONAL.
BE KIND.
BE PRESENT.
BE COACHABLE.
TAKE RISKS.
TRUST YOURSELF.
You don't need to prove that you're the best actor in the room.
You need to show them what you can do.
AWWDITION CERTIFIED CHECKLIST
Before you walk in:
☐ I know my material.☐ I understand my character.☐ I know my objective.☐ I understand the stakes.☐ I know what's at risk.☐ I've practiced with a partner.☐ I've made a specific choice.☐ I'm willing to take a risk.☐ I've breathed and grounded myself.☐ I'm present.☐ I'm listening.☐ I'm ready to adjust.☐ I'm ready to have fun.