CARRIE CALLBACK AUDITION GUIDE

A Complete Acting Breakdown for Your Callback Success

Hey there! Let's break down this incredible role so you can absolutely crush this callback. Carrie is such a fascinating character with SO much emotional range - from painfully sheltered to surprisingly bold. Let's dive into what makes her tick in each scene and how to nail these completely different emotional journeys.

SCENE 1: THE CURIOUS NEWCOMER

This first scene is all about Carrie's genuine curiosity about the world. You're not playing "awkward" - you're playing hungry for knowledge. There's a massive difference!

Think about it: Carrie hasn't been socialized like other teens. She doesn't know she should be embarrassed about not knowing things. Everything is just... fascinating information to collect.

Key Emotional Notes:

Wide-eyed wonder: The school environment is like an alien planet you're exploring
Earnest questions: Zero filter between your thoughts and what you say
No social awareness: You don't catch sarcasm because you've never experienced it
Formal politeness: Your mom taught you manners, just not teen social dynamics

Acting Choices to Make:

Physical openness - don't curl in on yourself like a typical "shy kid"
Direct eye contact when asking questions (you're genuinely interested!)
Slight head tilt when processing new information
Quick, eager responses - no teen hesitation or coolness

Pitfalls to Avoid:

DON'T play her as fearful or timid - she's not afraid, just uninformed
DON'T play her as weird or "outcast" - she doesn't know she's different yet
DON'T add modern teen mannerisms she wouldn't have picked up yet

Gold Acting Moment: When Chris says "Love that for you" with sarcasm, Carrie should genuinely think it's a nice thing to say. That's what makes this character so heartbreaking - her openness makes her vulnerable.

SCENE 2: CONFRONTING YOUR BULLY

This scene is DYNAMITE. You're literally battling both your external tormentor AND your internal rage (personified as Emaline).

Think about what it takes to finally confront someone who's been systematically destroying you - the courage, the vulnerability, the desperation to simply understand WHY.

Key Emotional Notes:

Internal struggle: Physically show the effort to silence Emaline's violent suggestions
Raw vulnerability: The real question isn't accusatory - it's a genuine plea to understand
Flashes of strength: Brief moments where your true power peeks through
Disbelief: When Chris turns it around to claim YOU'RE destroying HER life

Acting Choices to Make:

Create a physical "silencing" gesture when blocking out Emaline (closed eyes, slight shake of head)
Use your voice differently when speaking to Emaline vs. Chris
Step forward with purpose when asking "why me?"
Show a flicker of hope when Chris almost apologizes

Three-Take Approach:

Take 1 (Natural): Lead with genuine confusion and hurt
Take 2 (Bold): Channel controlled rage - low voice, direct eye contact, minimal movement
Take 3 (Vulnerable): Voice slightly breaking, eyes welling up but forcing yourself to stay present

Why This Scene Works: We see Carrie choosing to be better than her tormentor. The restraint is what makes it powerful.

SCENE 3: FINDING YOUR VOICE

This scene is Carrie's full transformation moment - from someone who was invisible to someone who commands an entire auditorium.

This is NOT about confidence in the traditional sense. It's about clarity of purpose. You're not playing "confident public speaker" - you're playing "person who finally sees something clearly enough to overcome their fear."

Key Emotional Notes:

Unexpected courage: Even you're surprised you stood up
Growing conviction: Voice strengthens as you continue speaking
Authenticity: This isn't rehearsed - these words are coming from deep inside
Universality: You're making this about everyone, not just yourself

Acting Choices to Make:

Start with a slightly unsteady voice that gains resonance
Take your time - let important words land
Make eye contact with different sections of the "auditorium"
Small, authentic gestures (not practiced "speech" gestures)
A moment of vulnerability when addressing your mother directly

Pitfalls to Avoid:

DON'T suddenly become a polished orator - maintain some rawness
DON'T make it angry - this is about vision, not vengeance
DON'T rush through it - let the power build naturally

OVERALL CHARACTER JOURNEY

What's fascinating about these three scenes is they show Carrie's complete arc:

Scene 1: Who she was (innocent, unformed)
Scene 2: Who she is becoming (questioning, finding inner strength)
Scene 3: Who she could be (visionary, leader)

Your challenge is making these feel like the same person at different stages, not three different characters.

PRACTICAL PREP TIPS

Create physical anchors for each version of Carrie - maybe a specific way of standing or holding your hands
Find the vocal progression - from curious/questioning in Scene 1, to direct/confrontational in Scene 2, to resonant/inspiring in Scene 3
Watch teenage documentaries - not teen movies! Real teens in interviews have an authenticity that scripted teen shows often lack
Practice transitions - how quickly can you shift between Carrie talking to Emaline versus Carrie talking to Chris?
Trust silence - especially in Scene 2, the moments where you're NOT speaking might be your most powerful

Final Thought: Remember, Carrie is an outsider who gains power not by becoming like everyone else, but by embracing what makes her different. That journey from isolation to self-actualization is what makes this character so freaking compelling.

Go get 'em! And let me know if you want to drill down on any particular moment or emotional beat!