Self Tapes: How to Showcase Your Best Work on Camera
During 2020, everything we knew changed—including how we audition. Luckily, with the invention of ring lights and iPhones, paired with blank walls and preparation, we continue our careers with virtual auditions and self tapes. MCA students and alumni have been creative in making their home spaces audition spaces! Keep reading to learn how to create interesting and well done self tapes that show you off best!
STEP 1: Space
It’s very important that you have enough space to do your thing! The space should be tidy, and there should be enough distance between you and the camera so we can see at least from your waist up if possible. Blank walls are a great place to start, but don't be afraid to get creative! Feel free to add some dainty fairy lights or small plants in the background for a flare of personality.
This was my personal set up for some self tapes I did recently. I think the fairy lights and pillows add a nice touch! They’re interesting, but not distracting.
Kylee Brown (MCA ‘20) created a tap board for herself! She said “it’s a plank of wood from a loft bed my dad made a few years ago but that we recently disassembled!” Look around in your basement or ask a neighbor if they have a piece of scarp plywood!
Becca Ford (MCA ‘21) created an audition studio! “Finding a theatre space or dance studio to film my dance audition videos was very difficult with all of the restrictions due to the pandemic, so I made my own studio at home! I added the floor in over the summer. I learn and film all of the dance combinations for the schools I’m auditioning at in my garage now.” You can find pieces of flooring or plywood at your local Lowe’s if you’re unable to find some lying around!
STEP 2: Lighting
Ring lights are a great place to start! They help even out light, and make sure that your acting can be seen well in the video. This one you can find on Amazon for only $24, and it’s a great investment for the future. You can control the warmth and brightness to flatter whoever is in frame. It also has a phone holder, so you don't have to invite a family member into your auditions to film for you! If you decide not to purchase a ring light, try moving around some floor lamps so that you are in the light.
In the photo above, Gio Coppola (MCA ‘21) is using a ring light (on the right). Instead of placing the light in the center, he has placed it to the side to even out the other light in the room, and is using a music stand to hold his recording device! Speaking of recording devices...
STEP 3: You’ll need something to film with
An iPhone or android is a great place to start. There’s no need to buy a fancy camera for filming! Cell phones in 2020 have come far, and have great photo quality. Remember, as long as the person watching your audition can observe all of your hard work in your monologues and songs, that’s all that matters!
Jaclyn Holmes’ video quality looks great! She said “I'm filming on an Android (Galaxy S10).”
Overall, the most important thing to remember with these tapes is that the people watching want to see all of the hard work and preparation you have put in so that you can showcase your talent! You don’t need to have fancy lights or cameras to have a great self-tape. This is your time to shine—this is a unique opportunity to audition from a space in which you’re comfortable, without the hassle of traveling, and trying to change in the hallways of Pearl Studios! I hope this helps. Happy auditioning, wishing you all the luck in the world (although you don't need it)! Remember to breathe, and that you will end up where you belong!
