Season Audition Info

• You do not have to break the bank to self-tape. Great auditions have been taped on 
  smartphones and tablets.
• Sit or stand close to the phone to get the best sound.
• Make sure to film in LANDSCAPE, not portrait.
• Do not look directly at the camera. Look just slightly to the left or right – unless 
  asked otherwise. Follow directions.

There are a few easy things you can do to ensure good light for your self-tape. Again, no need to spend a lot of money.

• We need to see your face
• Choose a room that is well lit
• Use natural light if you can
• Make sure that there are no light sources behind you
  • Don’t stand in front of a window
  • Being in front of a light source will make it hard to see you
• You can also use soft practical lights in your house
• Using existing overhead light, lamps, and natural light you already have at your 
  disposal works well.
• Understanding the principal of three and four point lighting helps. Create a set 
  up similar to that on set or stage: principal light on you (also known as a key 
  light), a fill light, and a back light to sculpt and separate you from your 
  background. If you want to get fancy, add a background light, which is used to 
  eliminate shadows and provide additional depth. 

• An ideal background is usually a blank one
• Ensure that background noise is kept to a minimum
• If you have a tripod, great. If not, improvise!
  • You can balance your smartphone on chairs, books, or even create a tripod out of the furniture
  • Please make sure it’s tall enough
  • Shooting from below won’t help the look of your self-tape
• Make sure the camera is at eye-level

• Turn off anything that may make noise—any noise
• Make sure to turn off your HVAC, etc.
• If possible, stand on a soft surface—even if that means putting blankets on the floor

• Wear solid, bright colors
• Clothing that’s free from very bright and busy patterns works best
• Avoid white (it can reflect too much)
• No hats and no logos
• Make-up: generally keep it subtle (unless otherwise specified)

• Make sure you read all of the instructions that you have been sent, thoroughly
• You must be memorized

• Your eye-line should be close to the camera as we want to see both sides of your face. We don’t want to see you in profile.
• Don’t go too far from the camera (unless you have an external microphone)
• Frame in a mid-close shot unless told otherwise
  • This means chest to top of head 
• Sit or stand depending on what feels comfortable/appropriate
• Slate (if asked)
  • If slating, state your name and any other particulars requested
  • Do this with energy
  • You’d be surprised how important the slate is to set up what we are about to view. It’s the first impression!
• Act!
  • Give your best audition
  • Do your homework and analyze the script
    • Read the play/script (if available)
    • Investigate what has brought this character to speak now
  • Play strong objectives—affect change—always affect change
  • Make sure that your thinking is strong and specific
  • Make bold choices that create a sense that something serious is at stake
  • Make us care
  • End the piece strongly and with purpose
  • Don’t over do it or overthink
    • If you can’t get it in 3 takes, then stop and come back to it again later