Self-Tape Guide

Self-Tape Guide for Child Actors

Self-taping is an essential skill for young actors, as it has become one of the primary ways auditions are conducted, especially in the age of online casting.

Whether you’re auditioning for TV shows, films, commercials, or voice-over roles, a self-tape is often your first impression. As a child actor, knowing how to deliver a professional, engaging, and clear self-tape is crucial for standing out in a competitive industry.

Read the Spotlight Guide to Children’s Self-Tapes

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help child actors create the perfect self-tape:

1. Understanding the Script and Character (Preparation Stage)

Before you even press “record,” you need to fully understand your role and the script. This is a crucial first step.

• Read the sides (script): Read the material carefully several times. If you’re auditioning for a film or TV show, the sides will likely be just a small section of a larger script.
• Understand the character: What are their motivations? How do they feel about the scene or the situation? Are they excited, scared, angry, or happy? This will help you make the character your own.
• Context matters: Understand where the scene fits in the larger story. Who is your character talking to? What happened right before the scene? What happens afterward? This will give your performance depth.
• Ask for help: If you’re unsure about any part of the script, ask your parent, guardian, or acting coach. It’s essential to have a solid grasp of what you’re doing before you perform it.

Example of a Great Self Tape

2. Set Up Your Space (Technical Stage)

The right environment can make or break your self-tape. Creating a professional, distraction-free space is essential.

• Find a neutral background: Ideally, use a plain, clean background. A blank wall or an uncluttered room works best. Avoid bright colors, patterned wallpaper, or anything that could distract from your performance.
• Good lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit and visible. Natural light from a window can work, but artificial lighting may be more reliable. Place a soft light source in front of you, slightly above eye level, to avoid harsh shadows. Avoid standing directly under bright lights, which can create shadows or overexpose you.
• Camera placement: Set up the camera (a smartphone works well) at eye level. You want the viewer to be able to see your expressions clearly, so the framing should include your face and upper body. Avoid extreme close-ups or standing too far away.
• Stabilize your camera: Use a tripod or a stable surface to avoid shaky footage. A steady shot ensures that the focus stays on you without distraction.

3. Focus on Your Performance (Acting Stage)

Once you’re set up, it’s time to focus on delivering your best performance.

As a child actor, your natural energy and authenticity will make all the difference.

• Be yourself: Don’t try to overact or imitate what you think the casting director wants. Instead, focus on being true to the character. Casting directors want to see your personality, emotions, and how you interpret the role.
• Make bold choices: Be brave with your choices, whether you’re delivering a line with humor, anger, or sadness. A self-tape is your chance to show your unique take on the role.
• Act with your eyes: Since you may not be interacting with another actor in the room, it’s important to act with your eyes. Your emotions should be evident in your facial expressions.
• Be clear and loud: Speak clearly and at a good volume. It’s important that the casting director can hear every word you say. If you’re too soft, they may miss your performance or not hear the nuance in your lines.
• Stay in character: Make sure you stay in character throughout the scene, even during the slate (we’ll get to that in a moment). Focus on the emotional beats of the scene and remain engaged with your character.

4. The Slate (Introduction)

The slate is a brief introduction where you tell the casting director who you are. It usually comes at the beginning of your self-tape.

• State your name clearly: Always introduce yourself with your full name and age. You can say, “Hi, my name is [Name], and I’m [Age] years old.”
• State the role you’re auditioning for: If it’s not clear from the script, mention which character you’re auditioning for.
• Be calm and confident: Even though this is just a short intro, it’s important to do it confidently. A nervous slate can give the wrong impression, so take a deep breath and speak clearly.
• Look at the camera: While slating, make eye contact with the camera to create a connection. This shows you are engaged and professional.
• Keep it brief: The slate should only take about 10–15 seconds. You don’t need to add extra details unless specified by the audition instructions.

5. Be Aware of Timing (Length and Pace)

A well-timed self-tape can make a big difference in how your performance is received.

• Follow instructions: Casting directors may specify the length of the scene. Stay within these parameters to demonstrate your ability to follow directions.
• Pace your lines: Don’t rush your delivery. Give each line time to breathe, allowing the emotions to land and making sure every word is understood. At the same time, don’t linger too long before the next line, as it may feel awkward or disconnected.
• Rehearse and record multiple takes: Do a few takes to ensure you get the best version of your performance. Try different approaches and see which one feels most authentic. If you make a mistake, simply restart; don’t try to edit it later.

6. Keep it Professional (Finishing Touches)

The final step is to ensure your tape looks polished and professional.

• Check the audio and video quality: Before you send your tape, watch it to make sure the lighting is good, the sound is clear, and the picture is in focus. You don’t want to submit anything that’s blurry, too dark, or hard to hear.
• File naming: When saving your self-tape, name the file according to the instructions given by the casting director. Common formats include: “Name_AuditionRole” or “Name_CharacterName”. This makes it easier for casting directors to locate your tape.
• Submit on time: If the casting call has a specific deadline, be sure to send your self-tape well before it closes. Don’t wait until the last minute!

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced actors sometimes make mistakes in their self-tapes. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Too much background noise: Don’t record in a noisy environment. Close windows, turn off any distracting electronics, and make sure there’s no background chatter.
• Unsteady camera: Avoid holding the camera yourself. Use a tripod or stable surface.
• Overcomplicating your performance: The best self-tapes often feature subtle, truthful performances. Avoid trying to be too dramatic or overly theatrical unless the character calls for it.
• No connection with the reader: If you’re reading with a parent or coach, make sure you’re fully engaged with them as the scene partner, even though they’re off-camera.

Conclusion

Self-taping can be an enjoyable and rewarding part of the audition process.

By following these tips and focusing on authenticity, preparation, and professionalism, young actors can set themselves apart and create self-tapes that capture the attention of casting directors. Remember, self-taping is your opportunity to showcase your talent, creativity, and personality, so make it count!

Good luck, and break a leg!