Self-Tape Secrets: How to Nail Your Musical Theatre Audition
Self-tapes are here to stay. In today’s audition world, most casting directors expect you to show up on camera with the same professionalism you’d bring into the room. For musical theatre performers, that means more than just hitting the right notes, it’s about creating a self-tape that makes you stand out and shows your confidence.
After 20 years in the musical theatre industry — as a performer, professor, and coach — I’ve filmed hundreds of self-tapes and helped countless clients book work through theirs. In this blog, I’ll share my best tips for creating a self-tape you’ll feel proud to submit.
Before we dive in, watch the full video here for a step-by-step walk-through:
Lighting and Background Matter
Bright, soft light is your best friend. Avoid harsh shadows or backlighting, and aim for a simple, distraction-free background. A plain wall, seamless photo paper, or neatly stretched fabric works perfectly. Step about three feet away from the wall to add depth and avoid looking “flat.”
💡 Pro tip: Use what you have. A softbox, ring light, or natural window light all work as long as your face is evenly lit.
Camera and Framing
You don’t need fancy equipment — your phone is enough. Always film horizontally, and if your phone has cinematic mode, test it out for a softer look.
Framing: waist-up or chest-up, with little to no empty space above your head.
Eye line: for singing, look just off-camera, straight ahead. For scene work, adjust depending on your “reader.”
Camera height: keep it at eye level, never tilted up or down.
Sound and Acoustics
Your phone’s built-in microphone is fine to start, but make sure the music doesn’t overpower your voice. Place your speaker behind you or behind the camera so your voice stays dominant.
If you’re ready to upgrade, consider a simple external mic like the Apogee or Fifine for a cleaner sound. Always test your balance before recording your full tape.
The Most Important Part: Your Performance
Lighting, framing, and sound are important, but none of it matters without a compelling performance. Before you hit record, take a breath, ground yourself, and focus on storytelling. Use the space around you, connect emotionally, and remember: the tape is just capturing what you already do in the room.
Editing Your Self-Tape
Keep it clean and simple:
Trim the beginning and end.
Skip title cards, lower thirds, or transitions.
Crop slightly if needed to adjust framing.
Fade in/out only if it feels natural.
Your self-tape should be professional but simple, ready to upload to Actors Access, Backstage, your website, or to send directly to casting.
Ready to Take Your Self-Tapes Further?
✨ Download Freebie: Grab my Self-Tape Guide: Musical Theatre Blueprint for a complete checklist and step-by-step process to make sure you’re always audition ready. [Download it here]
🎭 Work With Me: Need personalized feedback on your self-tape, audition materials, or online presence? I work 1:1 with performers, educators, and creatives to help you book work and build a sustainable career. [Book a Power Hour session here]
Final Thoughts
Self-tapes don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right setup, a confident mindset, and a focus on performance, you can create tapes that truly represent your artistry.
Remember: casting directors want to see you. Keep it simple, clear, and authentic and let your talent shine.
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.
