If you’re a working actor in this day and age, you have probably filmed and sent off a self-tape audition. Self-tapes are standard practice for film, television and commercial casting; we talk about them a lot on StageMilk, as a successful self-tape can be the deciding factor on whether or not you book a gig—regardless of talent! What we tend to talk about less is the process of self-taping for a theatre audition. Theatre self-tapes were once quite unusual, but they are now becoming increasingly commonplace. National touring production companies may send out requests to see a wider array of potential artists; even smaller theatre companies may ask for submissions for general auditions, if not for their programmed pieces. And this is to say nothing of the practice booming in the COVID era, as theatres begin to re-open and try to insulate themselves against any unnecessary health risks.
Much of what goes into a theatre self-tape is the same for any other job. However, there are a few differences worth your consideration, which we’ll cover in detail below. The trick is not to think of self-taping for theatre as a dilution of the in-person experience. While it may be an adjustment, there are countless things you can do to support—and even enhance—your performance.
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