Have you been asked to “put yourself on tape” for an audition? If you haven’t yet, get ready to. Being well prepped to put your audition on tape as an actor is a skill that you have to have in your arsenal nowadays more than ever. We are here to help you learn how to do it!

In a perfect world, casting would ask you in for every audition and would have you immediately come into the room to read for the director! However, now it’s much more common for Casting to ask you to put yourself on tape first before whether or not to introduce you to the creative team. This acts as a sort of pre-screening process, making the casting process go more smoothly, but a whole lot more homework for the actor to do on their own.

After you’ve done your character and text analysis, now its time to prep for your big scene!

1. Get yourself camera ready! This means dressing to suggest the character – Not in full costume, but a choice that will help casting see you as a perfect fit in the role. Stay away from busy patterns, loud jewelry, or anything that will detract from YOU. Also, make sure your makeup and hair are good to go. Slick down flyways with a light touch of hairspray and make sure your face is matte. Nothing says unprofessional like a super sweaty face. Pick up some translucent blot powder to de-shine. Guys, I’m talking to you most of all! Focus on your T-zone, or forehead and nose specifically. Our favorite is MAC’s Blot Powder. It comes in an easy to use compact, is relatively colorless, and doesn’t build up.

2. Make sure you have lighting on your face to capture that sparkle in your eyes! Try for a light in front of you. Stay away from harsh, direct overhead light. It’s unflattering and will cast shadows under your eyes. Low lighting will make you look like you are in a horror movie so that’s a no-go too. You can add a little side lighting for extra credit. A window at your side is super flattering.

3. Pick a background and get your framing! Keep it simple. Find a neutral color wall or backdrop that’s not bright white. Set your chair or mark a bit off the wall to give some depth to the shot. Set up the camera so that you are center. The frame should be a medium close up. This means from your bust up. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, when you have a super comedic role that requires a lot of physicality, you can pull back to a 3/4 shot. This means from mid-thigh up. But usually you want to aim for a medium close up so that your eyes are the focus!

4. Do a quick test run for technical difficulties! Make sure to test that the sound is indeed being recorded before you do all your best work. I like to do this as I practice my slate. That is how you start any audition, with a slate introducing yourself. Some actors also state the role they’re auditioning for, their height, and/or their representation. And remember, only your slate goes directly to camera. Never give your lines directly to camera unless instructed to. Better to have your eye line be slightly right or left of it once you are in the scene.

5. Edit your mini masterpiece! Choose your best take for each scene, only sending additional takes if they specifically ask for them. Title the file clearly with your name, the project name, and the role. Upload your video for casting. Our favorite site for this is Vimeo.com, but others will work as well.

Now that you’ve done your best and put it out into the Universe, the rest is out of your hands. Thank yourself for putting in the work and be grateful for the chance to watch yourself on camera. It’s the fastest way to learn and grow as an actor!

Break legs,
Megan