The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Self-Tape

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Self-Tape mean?

Self-Tape refers to an audition that actors record on their own, typically at home, and submit to casting directors electronically. Self-tapes have become increasingly popular in the entertainment industry, especially for initial auditions, as they allow casting directors to review performances without scheduling in-person auditions. Actors are usually given a scene or sides to perform and are responsible for recording, editing, and submitting their self-tape. Self-tapes offer flexibility for both actors and casting directors, making the audition process more efficient and accessible.

Example:An actor submits a self-tape audition for a lead role in a TV series, recording their performance at home and sending it to the casting director.
Example: A casting director requests self-tapes from several actors, allowing them to review the auditions remotely and choose which actors to call back.

Did You Know?
Self-tapes have become the standard audition format in many parts of the industry, especially since the rise of digital technology and remote casting!

You can also find “Self-Tape” and related terms in this category: Acting Jobs and Auditions.
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