How to Film an Acting Self-Tape That Actually Shows Your Acting

1. Read the instructions before setting anything up

This is the least exciting step and probably one of the most important.

Check which scenes or speeches are required, the time limit, how you should frame the shot, whether you need a slate and what file format to submit. Don't assume the same tape can be used for several drama schools without changes.

RADA, LAMDA and ArtsEd have their own audition procedures, which can change from year to year. Always read the official instructions for the course you're applying to.

2. Make sure we can hear you

You don't necessarily need a professional microphone. A recent phone can record usable audio in a suitable room.

Find somewhere quiet, close the windows and turn off anything making unnecessary noise. Record ten seconds, then listen back through headphones.

Can you understand every word? Is there an annoying hum? Is your reader louder than you? These are all easier to fix before you perform the full scene.

Sound is one of those things that people notice most when it's wrong.

3. Keep the background and framing simple

Unless you've been told otherwise, a clean, uncluttered background is a sensible choice. Place the camera roughly at eye level. For many screen castings, a medium close-up gives the viewer a clear sense of your face and reactions.

But the specific instructions always take priority. A school may request a different frame or orientation from a television casting.

Don't turn the room into an elaborate set. We need to be watching the acting, not the furniture behind you.

4. Find a reader who'll actually listen

Having somebody opposite the camera makes a difference.

Your reader doesn't need to perform as though they're auditioning for the role themselves, but they should give you something genuine to respond to. Ask them to keep their voice at a suitable level and position themselves close enough to the camera to give you a natural eyeline.

Rehearse together briefly before you start recording. Think about the relationship in the scene, not just whose line comes next.

5. Don't film fifty identical takes

It's tempting to keep going until you think you've delivered every word perfectly.

You film it once. There's a moment you don't like. You do it again. And again. Before long, the spontaneity disappears, and the first take may have been stronger.

Prepare properly before you start. Then give yourself a few purposeful attempts rather than recording on autopilot.

After each take, change one specific thing. Perhaps listen more carefully before your first line, clarify what you want from the other person or stop planning the emotional result.

If something unexpected happens but you remain in the scene, that isn't necessarily a mistake. Sometimes those moments are what make the performance feel alive.

6. Check the actual file

Before submitting, play the finished video from beginning to end. Make sure the start and end haven't been cut, the sound is present and the file opens on another device if you can test it.

Give the file a clear name if the instructions require one. Confirm the upload has completed rather than assuming that pressing 'submit' means the file arrived.

A brilliant performance can't be considered if the video isn't accessible.

Should I book a professional self-tape session?

Not always. If you've got a decent setup, a good reader and time to work on the scene, you can film excellent tapes at home.

Professional support is particularly helpful when you don't have a suitable space, the audition is important to you or you'd benefit from direction while recording.

Through ReAct STUDIOS, we combine filming equipment, a reader and practical performance direction so you can concentrate on the scene. For people preparing for drama school, we also practise self-tape technique in our weekly Islington audition class.

The aim isn't to make the tape look expensive. It's to help the person watching see your best work.

Find out about ReAct STUDIOS self-tape sessions.
Or come and practise for drama school in our weekly class.