MUSICAL THEATRE SELF-TAPE GUIDELINES

(Adapted from acting teacher Matt Newton’s guidelines as seen on backstage.com)

With the proliferation of jobs being cast over the internet, it’s imperative that you learn
how to self-tape in the most professional way possible. Even though you might not be
presently in the location from which you’ll be producing most of your professional self-
tapes, this is the perfect time during which to practice (as well as make your video
assignments look and sound terrific.) Here are some handy guidelines:

1. Use your phone or tablet. You definitely have one of those, and the HD quality is
better than on most camcorders. Until you can afford to invest in equipment (*see
below), prop up your device on a book or a music stand. Once you’re done with the
recording, you can email the file directly from the device, instead of uploading it to an
outside site. Nothing easier.

2. Use a neutral backdrop. A lightly colored wall works best if there’s one around. Or
buy an inexpensive gray or blue bed sheet and pin it up. (White can be a little too stark,
but if it’s all you’ve got, don’t sweat it.) Keep the environment simple and clutter free.
Nobody needs to see your creepy doll or Star Wars collection in the background.

3. Keep it quiet. This may prove to be a challenge in NY, but it’s important that there
not be any audial distractions. Turn the TV off, silence your phone (especially if that’s
how you’re recording), tell your roommate (or mom) to keep it down, and shut the
windows. Nothing kills a self-tape more than a car alarm or that annoying ice cream
truck jingle.

4. Look your best. Make yourself camera ready (hair, makeup, outfit), and make sure
you’re well rested and hydrated. You’ll usually have a day or two before submitting a
self-tape (but not always), so take care of yourself beforehand. Remember, though, to
dress as yourself. Your outfit should reflect your personality and vibe. Or if you want to
give a nod to the show for which you’re auditioning, that’s never a bad thing. But be
smart. A Hawaiian shirt is perfect for that Escape to Margaritaville audition, not so much
for My Fair Lady.

5. No shadows. Don’t use overhead lighting, as it creates strong shadows under your
eyes and chin. Use natural light if you can, but avoid direct sunlight, which will wash
you out. In lieu of that, experiment with putting a table lamp behind the camera so the
shade is above and behind it. Remove the shade from the lamp if you are still too dark.
Two table lamps on either side of you should work as well if there isn’t room behind the
camera. You might also think about investing in a tripod/light combo (*see below), or a
couple of cheap clip-on lights from the hardware store. Put the lights a little above eye
level, on either side of the camera, and use daytime fluorescent bulbs (tungsten bulbs
create a less appealing “candlelight” effect). It’s all about the eyes, so make sure they
are clearly lit and in focus.
6a. The slate. Auditions will sometimes come with slate instructions. Often the casting
director wants something very specific, like a full body shot, or a tight close-up and
profiles. Make sure you read the original email carefully and follow the instructions. If
the instructions are to send the video via YouTube or Vimeo, make sure it’s a private
link. If you are uploading into iMovie, you can send directly to Vimeo or Youtube from
that application.

6b. Keep the slate separate. It’s always better to send your slate and the audition
proper as separate takes. It allows a break so you can really get into the character
before rolling the camera for your first video. The slate should be delivered directly into
the camera. If you don’t have instructions, at the very least slate your name, the
material you’ll be performing and from which show the material comes. Never slate in
character. That’s just…weird. This is the first time anyone will see you. Be cool, be
natural —be yourself. You know, someone they would want to work with.

7. Use a medium to 3/4 shot. Casting director Michael Cassara offers the following
advice: “It's important for us to see how you inhabit space. Theatre tapes should not be
too closely cropped - we should be able to see more of your body/physical life, though
they should also not be shot from TOO far away. Make sure we can hear you clearly,
and more prominently than your accompanist/music track and your reader.” (*See
below) The camera should be at eye level, not below, not above. Shoot in landscape
mode if possible, but — as Michael cautioned — make sure that you’re not so far away
from the camera that the people watching can’t see your facial expressions.

8. Eye lines. In the same way that you wouldn’t look directly at the casting director and
creative team if you were in their presence, don’t look directly into the camera when
you’re singing. As Michael says, inhabit the space. Feel free to look around, the way
you would in life. Nothing says “disconnect” more than a fixed stare at a single spot.
Remember that you’re playing a character, not doing a classical music recital or demo.
If you’re reading a scene, place the reader to the side of the camera. If there are
multiple characters in the scene, create multiple focuses.

9. Don’t overthink it. Treat the self-tape with the same import as you would a live
audition; be memorized, make strong choices — but beware of overworking it. Unlike a
live audition, you have the luxury of redos. But the more you fuss and stress about the
video, the less spontaneous and engaging it will be. 3-4 takes max. Then step away
from the vehicle.

10. Always watch the self-tape before sending it off. You never know if there will be a
tech problem. Make sure it looks good (in focus!) and sounds good as well. But be kind
to yourself. You’re a human, not a robot. At the same time that there’s no excuse for
leaving in a mistake, “perfect” is an unachievable construct. Yes, a self-tape ostensibly
a job interview, so treat it as such; but remember that it’s a job meant to bring other
people joy. Never lose sight of that in yourself.
11. To that end, just have fun. If performing is what you love to do most, try to think of
every audition — and in this case the self-tape — as an opportunity to do what you love
and share that with people.

Some information on equipment:

*Amazon sells a Viewow tripod stand with an attached ring light and device holder. It’s
not imperative that you invest in something like it, but it can’t hurt. Remember that
self-taping is part of the new normal and you’ll be doing it a lot. A small investment in
equipment will ultimately have large returns.

**A bluetooth speaker through which you can play your music track will also be of
great help, particularly a device you can operate remotely. A speaker will allow you to
regulate volume so that you neither drown out the accompaniment (something that
can happen when you’re singing to a track on your phone or tablet) or the
accompaniment drowns out you (something that can happen when you’re singing to a
track on your phone or tablet).