Creating Your Safe Audition Space

Disclaimer: The thoughts expressed in this article are purely my own. 

Whether you love them or hate them, since 2019 the number of self-tape requests has increased tremendously and with this has the need for a reliable reader.

For anyone in need of a quick refresher, a self-tape is an audition that an actor films themselves, whether in their own home with basic camera equipment or at a taping studio. The actor then forwards the files to their manager/agent and/or the project’s casting and creative team. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, self-tapes as well as virtual Zoom auditions are often regarded as safer alternatives to in-person sessions and thus have become the new norm. Just recently unions SAG-AFTRA and UK Equity have respectively published an approved set of guidelines and best practices for self-tape auditions.

Additionally, an audition reader is someone who reads the lines of the other characters in the script. They could be a trained actor or anyone with the ability to read and comprehend script tone. In an ideal world, the reader would be in-person with the actor as they film their self-tape; however, with the busy nature of our industry and the fact that auditions can be sent out at a moment’s notice with a quick turnaround deadline, sometimes that isn’t feasible.

For this reason, there has been a rise in the popularity of reader apps and coaching platforms to fulfill the need for a good reliable audition reader or rehearsal partner. These sites offer options to book people in advance or at a moment’s notice. For anyone in need here are some to check out:

ActorTrade
Need A Reader 
PutMeOnSelfTape
Rehearsal Buddy
WeAudition 

As an audition reader myself, recently I reached the milestone of 900 positive 5-star reviews. For a little over a year, I have had the absolute pleasure and privilege of connecting with actors around the world. From those who have recently graduated and are at the exciting beginning of their careers, to industry veterans I have adored seeing on-stage and on-screen. Based on my experiences, I would love to share the 5 things I’ve observed being on the other end of the audition process.

Leave the judgment at the door. Whether you’ve been acting for 10 months or 20 years, I’ve found that every actor has their anxieties and frustrations with the audition process. From learning lines, mastering eyelines, and recording the perfect take that translates on tape. Learn to respect your process. If you flub a line, forgive yourself and go back to one (which means start again). You are not weird if you have to improvise into a scene or do a little shake in between. If you need more from your reader and they are willing to collaborate then respectfully make your request. Sometimes we need a cheerleader to hold our hand, tell us it’s ok, and remind us to drink water. For actors of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA+, I’ve found it’s essential to feel safe and seen by your reader. Speaking from experience, Black actors often need a scene partner who understands cultural references without explanation and who will be of support during racially charged and potentially triggering scenes. In return, I also find it’s important to check in with your reader on whether they are comfortable with certain material.

Most actors nail their audition within the first 2 takes and some actors nail it on their 7th take (buuut it’s rare so don’t go getting any ideas). If you still aren’t happy with your takes and it’s been an hour already, I suggest you take a break. The time and space away from the process may offer some perspective plus the brain gets tired! So drink some water, grab a snack and come back to it when your energy levels are up.

Aside from investing in a professional yet convenient setup (don’t invest in gear you don’t understand) consider creating an ambiance conducive to a successful and uplifting session. Remember how we were discouraged from wearing any strong fragrances to in-person auditions (in case casting or creative had allergies or sensitivities)? Since auditions are now at home, why not light some incense, a candle, or even have some essential oils diffusing in the background to calm your senses and make yourself feel like a badass. Casting doesn’t need to know (if you’re reading this HI!). Depending on your self-tape setup you can even put up sticky notes of affirmations or encouraging words and posters of actors who inspire you. As Lisa Nichols says, “Be the cheerleader of your own parade”.

I live by the motto, ‘It’s A Party’. With that said, let me remind you that you’ve survived an ongoing global pandemic long enough to be submitted, considered, and then requested to tape your audition so please have some fun by golly. Celebrate your talent and let the fun begin before your taping session. Personally, I am known for blasting my Beyoncé playlist throughout my New York apartment as I do my make-up. It’s a fun pre-game that gets me in the groove and feeling my most empowered. During your session feel free to do at least one take that feels a little bonkers and no you do not have to send it to casting, it’s just for you. Think of it as an experiment. Sometimes you just need an experiment to get out of your head and into your body to express your truest self. The self who is enough, worthy, and deserving of the opportunity. Know that you have a unique experience and twist to bring to your scene. So go for an “F! It take” and validate your creativity!

There seem to be a lot of coaches these days. I am not a coach nor do I claim to be a coach.

I’ve worked with some great coaches who are priceless and I’ve also worked with some not-so-great self-taping businesspeople claiming to be a coach. The latter made me feel self-conscious and nervous as an actor. We all work differently and not all coaches are made equal. There are a lot of people claiming to be coaches who honestly are just actors directing other actors. #sorrynotsorry. Here’s my controversial opinion…sometimes you don’t need a coach. Especially not for that ONE-line and not if it’s going to put you into more unbearable debt (#saveyourcoins). However, if you feel called to work with a coach perhaps go with someone to have ongoing sessions with, who can mentor you through the biz and share techniques to not only refine your style of acting but push you to your career potential (#EGOTvibes). Feel free to talk this over with your reps, and maybe ask them and other trusted colleagues for recommendations. Reader or Coach, whoever you decide to work with, make sure you leave your sessions feeling confident about your work and pleased about the money invested. Oh and readers, some actors are looking for someone to  just read the lines and others need a supportive scene partner who will grant them the freedom to play and experiment with different ideas and choices so don’t be afraid to check in with your actor.

In summary, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading for my fellow actors and being part of each person’s process. The actors I work with continue to inspire me as well as mirror back some of MY own self-sabotage tendencies. Whether you love them or hate them, self-tapes are here to stay but now you’ve read this I hope you feel a bit more at ease (or even excited) in approaching your process. So the next time an audition email (or cMail) pops into your inbox, you know what to do – have fun, you’ve got this!