Self-Tape Success: Claim Your Craft
After the past two years, you can hardly turn a corner without encountering the phrase self-tape. Although they’ve been important in the theatre industry for years, self-tapes more important than ever - and they’re here to stay.
The good news is that most of us are already well-equipped with the performing skills and basic technology that is needed to make an effective self-tape. Let’s walk through the basics together:
What is a Self-Tape?
A self-tape is a recording that is theoretically (but not necessarily) taped by oneself - thus explains the name! It has become the industry term for short, simple recordings of solo songs, monologues, or sides (AKA scenes) that you may submit for an audition, callback, or submission.
When will I need a Self-Tape?
The short answer is: sooner than you think! While some theaters and almost all colleges have been requiring self-tapes for auditions and prescreenings for years, organizations have learned that they can save time and money by requesting self-tapes in place of live, in-person auditions. Even the traditional world of opera has embraced the new technology!
Why do I need to learn about Self-Tapes?
Since casting is relying more and more on self-tapes to screen large pools of applicants, being prepared with the best practices of self-taping will ensure your success in securing that next role, solo, and acceptance. Self-tapes are often reviewed on a rolling basis, so time is of the essence when submitting your materials!
Here, our Performance Coach, Mimi Harlow Robinson, shows us a masterclass in self-tapes!
Let’s explore the essentials of an effective self-tape:
Set-Up: Technology
Video: The great news is that we have easy access to high-quality cameras: our cellphones! Use a tripod (or other creative set-up) to prop your phone up so that we see your entire torso and head. Take some test shots to ensure that your head and arms remain in the shot - remember to leave space for movement!
Audio: While the audio in our phones is sufficient, a small upgrade can go a long way. For the highest quality, consider investing in an external microphone that can plug directly into your phone (our WD Studio instructors have great recommendations!). Whether you use an external or internal mic, make sure to listen back to your test recordings to make sure that your voice (and music!) isn’t too quiet or too loud.
Lighting: Again, a small investment can go a long way in heightening the quality of your recording. We recommend investing in a soft-light system. Alternatively, gathering nearby light sources (ring lights, lamps, etc.) can go a long way in making sure that you can be seen clearly. Be sure not to include any strong light sources, such as open windows, in your frame, as these will decrease the quality of your tape.
Background: Keep the focus on your performance: look for a neutral wall as your background. Bright colors and patterned wallpaper can make it difficult to see your performance clearly and may distract the viewer.
Practice: Backing Track
If you’re singing with a backing track, use an additional device to play this music. Be careful not to place the music too close or too far from your recording device, as it will become too loud or too soft. You may consider using a bluetooth speaker to receive sufficient volume from your track. As always, record a practice track and listen back to ensure optimal balance.
Record: Performance Tips
Specific & Clear Acting: Remember that this performance is being filmed. On film, we rely on smaller and more specific acting choices to communicate our intentions. Continue to make strong choices and take risks, but keep them within the limits of the frame.
Confident and Generous Singing: Unlike our acting, we want to keep our singing as confident and resonant as ever. Try to resist the temptation to reduce your voice for the camera, and sing out as if you were in a large theatre.
Take your Time and Breathe: Remember, you can try as many times as you need to! Refresh your concept of effective breathing (blog post here!) and remain focused - even when things don’t go as planned. Don’t forget to leave extra moments of stillness after hitting record and before stopping record - you’ll trim those out in the next step.
Refine: Editing
Choose a video editing software that feels familiar and accessible to you. For Apple users, iMovie works great. Make sure to trim the beginning and end to include only your performance. When exporting your file, review the requirements for your submission, as the submission notice will usually request a certain file type (mp4, WAV, etc.). Before submitting, don’t forget to watch your video from start to finish to ensure that every component meets your standards.
Celebrate: You did it!
We know the self-tape process can feel overwhelming and frustrating, but by following these steps, you’re sure to create a clear recording that captures your talent.
If you’d like more help, our WD Studio instructors have extensive experience in creating their own self-tapes and guiding students in their own recording. Click the button below to get in touch, and we’d be delighted to support you!