What To Do After Submitting Your Audition Tapes
When the Waiting Game Begins...
You've submitted your audition tapes for a regional theatre production, cruise ship, national tour, or any type of audition that might come your way. Maybe you found the post on Instagram, got an eco cast, an agent submission tape request, or a friend forwarded the casting call. You filmed your best takes, hit submit and now you're stuck in that quiet post-submission limbo. So, what do you do next?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to turn this moment into forward momentum.
Step 1: Reflect on the Experience
Before you rush to the next thing, pause to reflect. Log the audition details—including your song choices, what you wore, and how you felt—in an audition tracker.
➡️ Want a head start? Download my free Audition Tracker to stay organized and track your progress over time.
Step 2: Watch and Learn From Your Tapes
Review your tapes with a critical but kind eye. Were the lighting and audio clear? Did you feel connected to the material? Would you cast you? Jot down notes or get feedback from a coach or mentor.
Step 3: Repurpose Your Tapes
Don’t let your audition tapes go unused. Clips from this audition can be repurposed for:
Other casting profiles
Your website
Social media reels
Future self-tape submissions
Step 4: Think Like an Agent
If you don’t have an agent (and even if you do), start strategizing like one. What types of projects is your Mean Girls tape right for? Make a list of similar auditions to target next.
Step 5: Update Actors Access
Actors Access is a goldmine. Upload your best clips to your profile and organize them by song type, genre, or role type.
Step 6: Add to Backstage
Take advantage of Backstage’s free media uploads. Include your Mean Girls tape in your profile and start browsing similar listings regularly.
Step 7: Use Your Website to Showcase Work
Your website is your 24/7 calling card. Add a new section titled “Audition Clips” or “Self-Tapes” and upload your content. Make it easy for casting to see what you can do.
Step 8: Upload to YouTube
If you're comfortable, upload your tapes to YouTube as unlisted or public links. Organize them into a playlist for casting professionals or future submissions.
Step 9: Organize Your Library
Create a digital folder system for past and future tapes—label by show, song, and date. Whether on Google Drive or your desktop, you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 10: Build a Performance Reel
Don’t have a reel yet? Use this tape as a starting point. Even two strong contrasting clips can showcase your range. Keep it clean, focused, and under 90 seconds.
Step 11: Keep Moving Forward
Auditions are part of the process—not the final destination. Whether you get the callback or not, this work matters. Stay in the game by continuing to submit, train, and build your portfolio.
Want More Personalized Help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward strategically, I offer 1:1 coaching to help performers navigate everything from building a digital presence to finding the right next steps.
Whether you’re preparing for college programs, transitioning into professional work, or figuring out what to do post-submission, I’m here to help.
Free Resource for You
Ready to track your progress like a pro? 🎬 Grab my FREE Musical Theatre Audition Tracker and start mapping out your audition success today.
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
Want to keep this conversation going? Every Tuesday, I send my best strategies straight to your inbox — no fluff, just the tools and real talk you need to grow your creative career with clarity, confidence, and joy.
