Nail Your Self-Tape: A Complete Guide for Performers
A self-tape is your chance to show casting teams who you are and what you can do — no room, no panel, no problem. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you set up, perform, and submit a self-tape you can be proud of.
THE SET-UP
Background
Use a solid, neutral background — simple and distraction-free.
A plain wall works well, or tape up an ironed sheet.
Remove anything behind you (like wall hangings, switches, or clutter).
Lighting
Aim for soft, even light without harsh shadows.
Natural daylight is ideal: position yourself facing a window, with the camera between you and the light.
No daylight? Use a ring light, soft boxes, or even household lamps.
If using a ring light, don’t put it directly in front — angle it slightly from above and to the side (like the sun) for a more flattering effect.
Camera
Your phone camera is absolutely fine — just use a tripod or stable surface.
Use the rear-facing camera, not selfie mode, for better quality.
Make sure you have enough storage space before starting.
Framing
Use a medium shot: from around your waist/chest up to just above your head, with you centred.
Minimise empty space above your head.
The camera should be at eye level, and always film in landscape (horizontal), not portrait.
Theatre auditions value physical presence — let your energy fill the frame confidently.
For reference: the Medium Shot is explained at 7:23 in this [video link if available].
Sound
Close doors and windows, turn off appliances, and cut out external noise.
Balance your voice with the accompaniment: your voice should dominate, but the backing track must be audible.
Play your backing track through an external speaker, positioned to the side or behind you (and closer to you than to the camera).
Do a short test (first 6–8 bars) to check balance before recording the full take — don’t tire yourself singing the whole song just to test!
Clothing & Makeup
Avoid busy patterns, stripes, and distracting jewellery, hair, or makeup.
Choose clothes that complement your features and stand out against your background.
Suggest the character without going into full costume.
THE PERFORMANCE – THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
Slate
Your slate is your first impression — don’t treat it as an afterthought!
Bring your personality; be concise but impactful.
Carefully check the brief and record the slate with the same care as your performance.
If no spoken slate is required, consider adding a title card (name + song info) that crossfades into your performance — this is common and effective.
Eyeline
Start your tape looking directly into the camera to state your name, song title (and artist/show), and category.
During your performance, look just off-camera (to the left or right) unless the brief specifically asks for direct eye contact with the lens.
Delivery
Be thoroughly prepared before hitting record — nerves can sabotage even the best singers if you’re under-rehearsed. Don’t use your designated taping session to practise/rehearse your song.
Take a breath and ‘drop in’ before starting.
Own the space: don’t shrink yourself just because you’re on camera.
Perform as you would in the room — use your full physical and expressive range.
Think beyond “the X” on the floor — imagine the four corners of your performance area and let your energy reach all of them.
EDITING & SUBMISSION
Editing
Use simple software (like iMovie or CapCut) to trim the beginning and end cleanly.
Watch the full video back before submitting to catch any mistakes.
Labelling
Casting directors receive countless submissions for the same project, so make it as easy as possible for them to find and identify yours.
Put your NAME first on everything:
File name
Email subject line
YouTube or Vimeo title (if applicable)
Many casting directors cite poor or unclear labelling as one of the biggest challenges when reviewing tapes — so don’t make it harder for them!
Follow the naming convention provided in the brief — if none is given, use:
YourName_RoleOrSong_Project.mp4