Today we’d like to introduce you to Ewelina Zawada.
Hi Ewelina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First of all, thank you so much for having me — it’s such a pleasure to share my story with your readers again.
Honestly, I’m not sure I can give you a brief version of it. I’ve been working on my craft professionally since I graduated high school. I knew I wanted to be an actress when I was about six years old — but back then, nobody really took me seriously.
Eventually, I just couldn’t stop talking about it. I started attending acting studios, and that passion led me to The National Academy of Dramatic Arts in Poland, which was a huge turning point for me. Later, receiving a Fulbright scholarship allowed me to take my training international — first by graduating from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, and then by building my career both in Poland and now here in the U.S.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, absolutely — it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Honestly, I’m still not exactly where I want to be, but that’s part of the fun, right? I’ve always been super ambitious, so I’m constantly chasing the next challenge.
Getting into the Polish National Academy of Dramatic Arts was probably the first “real test” — only 20 spots for 1,500 applicants! I remember thinking, there’s no way I’ll make it, but somehow I did. Then came years of really intense work as a student, and later, here in Los Angeles, I had to not only refine my craft but also tackle my accent — which, let’s be honest, was a full-time project on its own!
Building a career in multiple areas — film, theatre, voiceover, and even teaching as a professor — has definitely kept me on my toes. I’ve been lucky to work on some amazing projects — I had a recurring role on a Netflix show for its first two seasons, and we just wrapped filming the third. I’ve played lead roles in two major plays, done some exciting voiceover work, and became one of the youngest professors at the Academy.
So yes, there’s been a lot of struggle and hard work — and I know there’s still so much ahead — but I actually love the journey. Every challenge feels like a little step closer to the dreams I’ve been chasing since I was six years old.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As I mentioned, I’m an actress and acting coach, and I work across film, theatre, and voiceover. I love being able to move between those worlds — they feed different parts of me as an artist.
One of the moments I’m most proud of was receiving the Fulbright scholarship — as the first actress from Poland to ever get it. It opened the door for me to study and work internationally, and it reminded me that even a dream that feels impossible can be real if you don’t let go. Later, being cast in one of Poland’s most acclaimed TV shows was another turning point — it felt like the years of hard work were finally connecting.
What sets me apart? Honestly, I’m not sure. I think everyone is extraordinary in their own way. But if there’s one thing that defines me, it’s that I’m often afraid — truly terrified — of the next step. And I take it anyway. That’s where the magic usually happens.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
It’s hard to pick just a few because I truly love being inspired by other creators. I’m constantly listening, reading, and exploring — it keeps me grounded and sane in this profession.
I’m a huge fan of books and podcasts on self-development and spirituality — they help me stay connected to something bigger than the industry itself.
I LOVE reading, I honestly read everything, from Dostoevsky to Harlan Coben. I just love stories that make me feel and think, no matter the genre.
I also read a lot of plays — I think that’s essential for any actor. It keeps your imagination sharp and your instincts alive. I go from Tennessee Williams to Dorota Masłowska; I love the contrast between worlds and rhythms.
And, of course, I adore biographies — especially of artists I admire, like Meryl Streep and other greats who remind me why I started and help me believe in my own path.
And music… always music. It’s a huge part of my creative process. It helps me deepen the emotional world of my characters — sometimes a single song can unlock a whole new layer of truth.
In the end, I think inspiration is my favorite language.
Pricing:
- I do offer private acting coaching sessions, both in person and online, for actors who want to explore their craft on a deeper emotional and technical level. I usually work individually with students or professionals preparing for auditions or self-tapes. Anyone interested can reach out directly through my social media — I always tailor the sessions to each actor’s needs rather than having a fixed price list.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ewelina.zawada/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ewelina.zawada.73/
Image Credits
Ewelina Zawada
fot. Julia Udziela
