Taped Auditions 101
Are you making the most out of every opportunity?
As we come to the end of 2024, one thing is for sure: taped auditions are here to stay. The majority of the auditions that come to us are still asking for actors to self tape their initial audition. A far-cry from the pre-Covid days when we were all in person. If the idea of self taping is new to you, or if you’re ready to level up your personal auditioning method, then you’ve come to the right place because today we are talking all about the Taped Audition.
Let’s start with our basics (and save the nitty-gritty until later). The number one thing you need to do when you get any sort of audition is to read over all of the details. Let me repeat: read over ALL of the details! There is quite a bit of information given to you with each audition and it is your job to know all of it before taping. This includes information like:
Production Information:
Producers
Writer
Director
Casting Directors
Type of project
It is important to know your production details as your performance will change with different people.
For example: an audition for director Wes Anderson would be far different than for director Quentin Tarantino.
Is this a commercial or a feature film?
Many things will change about your performance depending on these details.
"Georgia is the top state in the country for film production, and Atlanta is its center. In 2024, Georgia hosted 273 productions, including 25 feature films, 30 independent films, 166 television productions, 37 commercials, and 15 music videos."
- Script/Character Information
- Synopsis of Script
- Who is your character?
- Sides (which are the pages from a script given to an actor during the audition process)
The character you are playing is key to a good performance. Each audition you get should have enough detail about the script and your character to guide you to who this character is. It is up to you to do as much research and discovery of this character before your audition.
A strong character setup is one of the best ways an actor can bring a script to life- and help your audition stand out. We recommend that actors seek training in Script Analysis and Characterization to continually grow these vital skills.
- Audition Information
- Due Dates
- Film Dates
- Framing
- Slate
- Labeling
- Submission notes
Before you set up your camera or head to TAS to tape you need to know these important details.
When does the audition need to be in?
Are you even available for the shoot dates?
What do you need to say in your slate?
How close up should you be framed for both the audition and the slate?
These details are listed because that is what Casting needs to see from you to hire you. Make sure you get these details right!
Here are two terms that can trip up those who are new to the audition process. We recommend reaching out to a professional coach or your agent if you are not sure what to do about an upcoming audition. A lot of times, it’s helpful to run ideas by someone in the business or hear a new point of view before moving forward.
Knowing your taped audition rights is important as well.
Take a look here at SAG-AFTRA’s Self Tape Guide:
Once you get all these details squared away and you’ve practiced your scene you are ready for taping. There are a couple of options here. You can tape from home. This means getting the right set up, having a reader, and editing/submitting your audition by yourself. Taping from home is more flexible for your time, but you are also in charge of getting everything done yourself.
Taping at home is more acceptable and feasible than ever before. If you want to tape at home, we recommend this article from Backstage.com on how to get the perfect setup.
The other option is to book a taping session at a taping studio like ours here at The Actors’ Scene. This requires you to schedule an appointment ahead of time that will cost you money, but a booked taping session will get you a professional coach/reader, high quality setup, and editor on your finished product. Basically all you have to do is book the appointment and show up prepared to tape.
Now that the important things have been covered let’s dive into the nitty gritty of taped auditions and how to stand out in them. For this, I recruited the help of two of our TAS Taping Coaches: Nyah Bass, who has taped here for two years, and Molly Pass, who has taped here for four years.
Spotlight on TAS Coach, Molly Pass:
What is a trick or tip you have that always enhances an audition performance?
Molly: “Have a ‘fun’ take. I find it’s usually your best one.”
What is something a student has done during a taped audition that stood out to you as unique and totally them?
Molly: I had a student come in and do a ‘fun’ take with hair rollers as if her character had just woken up!
When someone feels nervous about their audition, what is something they can do to get out of their head?
Molly: Shake it out! Play a song and jam, it helps.
A lot of auditions are “Under 5” (meaning 5 lines or less) and ask for 2 Takes (2 different versions of the same audition scene). What’s a tip for getting two very good and different takes of the same scene?
Molly: I prefer to do 2 opposite character types or 2 opposite motivations to differentiate my 2 takes.
Spotlight on TAS Coach, Nyah Bass:
What is a trick or tip you have that always enhances an audition performance?
Nyah: “I always like for actors to see their performance during their tapings; the strong moments we should keep, as well as the moments we should continue to work on. It’s always hard to “fix” something if you don’t know what you need to fix”
What is something a student has done during a taped audition that stood out to you as unique and totally them?
Nyah: A student had an audition where they were arguing at the dinner table. My favorite part of this audition was the pacing. Even though the argument was very big and strong, the conversation itself was slower, giving time for the words to linger in the air from time to time. The student’s tone along with the overall contrast of the scene really stood out to me.
When someone feels nervous about their audition, what is something they can do to get out of their head?
Nyah: My top recommendations to nervous actors are breathing exercises, finding your calming “go-to’s”, and to trust & believe in your foundation/ preparation.
A lot of auditions are “Under 5” (meaning 5 lines or less) and ask for 2 Takes (2 different versions of the same audition scene). What’s a tip for getting two very good and different takes of the same scene?
Nyah: For two takes, I always like to start with finding different possible situations to put into the scene, therefore creating various emotions through the performance.
A 2 take happened to me recently! I had an audition for an employee talking to their boss. Since it was an Under 5, I submitted 2 takes. The first situation was walking in as a loyal employee, doing their regular routine. However, for the second situation, I was an employee on their first day, going into their boss’ office, who they have never met. I’m a very visual person, so even describing this situation, it already creates that imagery in my head. My goal is to strive for that imagery.
Thank you both for these helpful answers!
If you’re looking for even more details, tips, or tricks for your taped audition, consider one of our audition support private lessons:
Booking a taping shift here at The Actor’s Scene. Booking a session with extra time is always a great way to get some coaching tips inside of the taping process.
If you are planning to tape from home, but want to speak with a coach or even have them read for you, check out our Audition Prep services. We have both in person and online options available.
If you want to figure out ways to enhance every audition you get, check our our Private Coaching sessions. These can be done in-person or over zoom. Go from average auditions to stellar ones with one of our professional coaches now!
Ready to get started? Reach out today!
TASFRONTDESK@GMAIL.COM
770-904-6646
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About The Author
Kirsten Krehbiel
Kirsten Krehbiel is an Atlanta based actress, director, and writer who enjoys bringing people new truths through the art of storytelling. She has a love of acting both on camera and on stage, having been lucky enough to be a part of incredible productions in both worlds. Kirsten joined the TAS team in 2020 as a coach, a job she loves because it lets her watch first hand as students grow and gain self confidence as actors. When she is not creating or coaching, you can find Kirsten hanging out with her grumpy cat on their back porch.
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