Season 1 Episode 260
In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most important topics for any working actor today: self-tapes.
They're no longer an occasional request or a pandemic workaround. Self-tapes are the audition room now. That means your setup, your mindset, and your energy have to communicate professionalism and confidence before you ever say a line.
After losing my voice for a few weeks (and getting some incredible help from Mandy Fisher, Rose Marie, and Taylor), I wanted to come back with something that felt useful and practical. Because here's the truth: the actors who treat self-taping like an art form are the ones who keep booking.
Why Self-Tapes Matter More Than EverCasting directors aren't inviting actors into offices the way they used to. Your self-tape is your first impression. It tells us who you are before we even watch the performance.
I've been watching this up close at home. My husband Jason decided to return to on-camera acting after years of working exclusively in voiceover. Within about six weeks, he recorded forty auditions and got seven offers. Seven.
He's talented, yes—but what really made the difference was preparation, clarity, and confidence. Every tape looked professional, felt relaxed, and showed that he knew exactly who he was in the scene.
The Confidence You Can't FakeThe camera doesn't lie. It reads your nervous system, your self-belief, your energy. You can't fake confidence.
That's why mindset work is so powerful. It's the foundation for everything I teach in The Weekly Adjustment. When you know you're good—and you trust that knowing—it naturally shows up on camera.
Your Technical FoundationYou don't need an expensive setup, but you do need consistency. A self-tape that looks clean and sounds professional instantly tells casting you take the work seriously.
Here's what matters most:
Lighting: Even, natural, and shadow-free.
Background: Simple and neutral.
Sound: Use an external mic and record in a quiet space.
Framing: Keep your eyeline slightly off-camera.
Test Everything: Always record a few seconds first to check your lighting and sound.
Think of your setup as part of your craft. When it's dialed in, you can focus on performance instead of worrying about your gear.
If you want to make sure your setup is working for you, grab the free Acting Business Boot Camp Self-Tape Setup Guide. It includes the exact gear, lighting, and mic recommendations I share with my students.
The Reader That Makes or Breaks YouA good reader is calm, grounded, and patient. Their job is to support you, not steal the moment.
If you're working alone, reader apps or pre-recorded lines can work, but you still need to feel connected. Acting is about relationship, and that connection needs to be alive—even when you're the only one in the room.
Published on 2 weeks ago
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