Making a self tape for an audition can feel exciting—and a little tricky. You want your video to look clear and your performance to stand out. But one big question often comes up: should you record with someone reading the other lines, or film by yourself?

Many actors face this choice every time they submit a tape. And with casting directors now receiving hundreds of self tapes for a single role, your setup and sound should simply support the work—not upstage it. What makes a tape stand out isn’t perfection—it’s the life, spontaneity, and presence that come through when you’re fully in it.

A self tape reader can help your acting feel more natural, but recording alone gives you full control. The best choice depends on your scene, your space, and what makes you feel confident on camera. The standard is to have a reader whenever possible. 

Let’s take a closer look at what a self tape is and why this decision matters so much.

What Is a Self Tape and Why It Matters

A self tape is a video recording of your audition. Instead of going to a casting office, you record yourself performing the lines and send the video online. Almost all auditions are now self tape auditions.

A strong self tape is incredibly important. It helps casting teams see your face, hear your voice, and watch how you handle the script. When your setup looks clean and your performance feels honest, you make a great first impression. Most importantly, this is where they see your craft.  They see if you understand the art of acting and are able to give an honest, spontaneous performance that reveals your actual personality.

Here’s why self tapes are important:

• Convenience: You can record at home and submit from anywhere. 
• First Impressions Count: Casting directors may watch dozens of tapes.  Most not only don’t look professional, but more importantly the performance is mannered and shows an actor pretending to do something, instead of really doing something.  An honest and magnetic self tape audition is absolutely essential. 
• Practice: Taping gives you a chance to hone and practice your skills. It needs to become the dojo where you practice and fall in love with your art and your craft!

Knowing how to do a self tape audition is a valuable skill. You’ll need:

• A quiet space with simple lighting. 
• A camera or smartphone on a steady surface. 
• A plain background, like a wall or curtain. 
• Clear audio so your lines sound crisp.

Actors often use audition coaching or a private acting coach to practice before taping. They can help you understand the script, create an illusion of character, adjust your tone and give a dazzling and magnetic performance.

From a technical point of view your goal is simple: make your performance easy to watch and  non-distracting – you don’t want anything to ruin the illusion you are creating. The way you tape—alone or with a reader—can affect the magic trick of the self tape audition. That’s why it helps to understand what a reader does and how they support you.

What Does a Reader Do in a Self Tape?

 

A reader for self tape is a person who reads the other character’s lines while you perform. They’re your partner in action — helping you do something real, not just say words. They usually stand off-camera so the focus stays on you and the moment you’re creating.

Here’s what a reader actually does:

• Reads the lines with presence and in a non-distracting manner. They give you something to respond to so your performance stays alive and connected in real time. And they don’t want to call undo attention to themselves – the focus wants to stay on you and your performance!  
• Keeps the rhythm of the scene. A good reader helps you stay in the flow — not by performing, but by keeping the story moving. 
• Supports your action. Acting is action-based. If your job is to persuade, comfort, or challenge the other person, your reader gives you someone to do that to. 

A good audition reader doesn’t perform “at” you — they stay grounded, listening and responding just enough to keep you real. Their calm, authentic energy helps your truth come forward, making the scene about what matters most: your honest, spontaneous work.

 

Why a reader helps:

• Real Reactions: You can listen and respond naturally, instead of pretending. 
• Better Timing: You won’t have to guess when to speak your next line. 
• More Confidence: With a partner to focus on, you will become more confident because your attention will be on them and not on yourself!  This is the key to acting and auditioning – your focus wants to be on what you are doing to your partner and not on yourself!

Here are a few acting audition tips for working with a reader:

• Ask them to stand near the camera so your eye line looks right. 
• Remind them to read softly but clearly. 
• Keep them off-screen unless the casting team says otherwise.

Finding a good reader can take effort. Many actors ask friends or other performers for help. Some hire trained readers or use online services. If you can, choose someone who understands acting and knows how to stay supportive.

The right reader can lift your tape. But what if you don’t have one? Can you still make a strong audition alone? Let’s explore that next.

Can You Make a Great Self Tape Without a Reader?

Yes, you can! Many actors record alone and still create strong self tapes. The key is planning. When you tape by yourself, you handle everything—camera setup, sound, and timing. That can feel like a lot, but it gives you full control.

Here are some ways to tape solo:

• Use Pauses: Leave space between your lines for the other character. 
• Pre-Record Lines: Record the other part’s voice and play it quietly while you perform. 
• Understand The Craft: If you don’t have a live partner, you need to understand how to use your imagination to still act off a very specific person.  That is a specific person in a very specific situation, that you can see in your mind and that you want something very specific from and then you go after it during the audition! 

When to tape alone:

• The script is a monologue or short scene. 
• You can’t find a reader. 
• Casting asks for no reader.

Taping alone can be a good test of your focus. You’ll learn to use your imagination in a very specific way that is fun and doable. It is a skill set that takes time and energy to learn and practice, but with the right audition coaching and actor training you can do it! But be sure your eye line looks right—slightly beside the camera, not straight into it.

Some actors still work with a private acting coach or book audition coaching sessions before recording. A coach can help you prepare, guide your pacing, give notes to enhance your performance and train you in this challenging but highly rewarding art form.  Working with a highly skilled coach can transform the self tape audition experience from a nerve wracking, confusing experience into a training ground for the craft of acting itself.

Remember:

• Keep your setup simple and clean. 
• Speak clearly and stay grounded in your Action, i.e. – what you are doing; what you want from the other. 
• Review your takes and, if possible, ask a spouse, or friend to choose the take they feel is the most honest and delightful.

The goal is always the same: to bring truth and presence to the work. A reader can help you stay connected, but the power of your tape lives in what you’re doing — not how polished it looks. When you approach the audition with honesty and  a true understanding of the craft, even a simple, solo setup can shine.

Should You Use a Reader or Tape Alone?

Choosing how to record your self tape can feel like a big decision. You want your performance to look strong, sound clear, and be honest. The choice often comes down to two paths: using a self tape reader or recording by yourself. Each option has its own benefits and challenges. Let’s look closely at both so you can make a smart, confident choice that fits your style.

Using a Reader: Why It Helps

A reader for self tape can make your scene feel more alive. When someone reads the other lines, it can be easier to go after what you want.  You don’t have to imagine another person – they are actually there! 

Here’s what happens when you use a reader:

• You listen and respond to that actual person. 
• You build real energy and eye contact. 
• Your performance often feels smoother and more believable.

Advantages of using a reader:

• Natural flow: Real voices help with pacing. 
• Technically Easier: You don’t have to take the time to record the other lines. 
• Less pressure: You don’t have to memorize the other part’s lines. 
• Focus: You can give your attention to your acting, not timing.

Still, using a reader takes some planning. You need someone who’s calm, clear, and understands the tone of the scene. A good audition reader won’t overact or speak too loudly. Their goal is to help you shine, not to take attention away.

Here are some tips for success:

• Pick someone who reads smoothly. 
• Ask them to stand near the camera, not behind you. 
• Remind them to stay off-camera unless casting says otherwise. 
• Make sure they clearly understand your process and your technique.

If you’re serious about how to do a self tape audition, try practicing with a reader a few times. You’ll see how their presence changes your performance. Many actors find that their work feels more relaxed and confident with a partner.

Taping Alone: Presence Over Perfection

Recording alone can be a powerful choice. Some actors prefer it because it allows them to slow down, breathe, and work fully in their own rhythm. You can shape your space and your process to serve the work — not to chase control, but to create focus. It can also lead to spending much less time on set-up for your self tape audition!

This method works well for short scenes or monologues. 

Benefits of taping alone:

• Full control: You decide when to start, stop, and redo a take. 
• No distractions: You focus fully on your performance and not having to guide another in your process. 
• Flexible schedule: You can tape anytime, day or night. 
• Comfort: You work in your own space and set your pace.

When you tape alone, you’ll need to plan for the missing voice. You can do this in a few ways:

• Leave pauses between your lines for the other character’s part. 
• Pre-record the lines using your voice or a friend’s and play them softly as you act. 
• Practice your timing so the scene flows smoothly.

These steps help your tape feel real, even without another person reading.

If you choose to tape solo, make sure your setup looks and sounds professional:

• Use good lighting so your face is clear. 
• Keep your background plain and free of clutter. 
• Check your sound—your voice should be crisp and easy to hear.

Solo taping can be a great way to explore your work without pressure. When you record alone, you can have a more controlled audition experience – slow down, make new choices, and keep discovering until something feels alive. Each take becomes a chance to reconnect with your action, rather than chase perfection. That freedom helps you relax, stay in the moment, and let something real happen on camera.

Comparing the Two Options

Here’s a simple side-by-side look:

Using a Reader	Taping Alone
Real human to act off of	Freedom to play
Natural energy and rhythm of another human	No need to schedule anyone
Many actors find it easier to connect with the actual human	A chance to practice the much needed skill of using your imagination to create the illusion needed
Risk of a distracting reader	Risk of losing yourself in your own self absorption

 

Both can lead to great results. The best choice depends on the scene and your comfort level.

If your scene has heavy back and forth dialogue, a reader can help you stay connected and might be the best choice. If the scene is a monologue, or you feel strong managing timing yourself, and you are skilled at the art of using your imagination to go after a specific thing from a specific person, taping alone may be perfect.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

Here are some questions to guide your choice:

• Does the scene have mostly back and forth dialogue or is it closer to a monologue? 
• Can you find a supportive reader quickly? 
• Do you feel comfortable managing timing and the craft  alone? 
• Does the casting call give any special directions?

Always follow the casting instructions first. If they ask for no reader, then tape alone. If they leave it open, think about what will make your performance confident  and allow you to soar.

Getting Extra Support

If you want help deciding or improving, consider audition coaching. A coach can guide you through both options, give notes, and help you polish your tape. Working with a private acting coach can also boost your confidence, especially when you’re preparing for a professional audition. They’ll help you shape your choices, adjust your delivery, and build a plan for success.

You can also ask trusted friends or mentors to review your tape. Fresh eyes often spot things you might miss.

Final Tips for Strong Self Tapes

No matter which path you pick, a few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Understand the craft before recording. 
• Check your setup—camera, light, sound. 
• Keep your frame simple—head and shoulders are enough. 
• Review and adjust—watch your takes and pick the one that is the most honest and alive.

In the self tape audition, you want to show professionalism and artistry. Casting directors want to see an actual human being going after something, not someone clearly “acting”. 

Each tape is a chance to grow, learn, and refine your skills.

Conclusion

A reader can be essential for many actors, especially in a scene with heavy dialogue, when common sense tells you that you need one, or when it is directly asked for by casting.

Taping alone can let you drop into the work with speed and focus if you have a solid understanding of your craft and how to use your imagination effectively.

Both paths can be powerful when you stay rooted in action instead of results.

The best choice is the one that allows you to be truly alive in the scene — clear, grounded, and present. Whether you tape with a partner or solo, keep practicing, keep playing, and trust that every repetition builds your craft.

A self-tape isn’t about proving yourself — it’s about revealing your truth and demonstrating your skills.
Some actors find that connection through another voice; others discover it by working solo. Try both. Let the experience show you where you feel most free.

And if you want to deepen that freedom — explore training with PATH™ by Greg Sims, where we help actors build real tools to create, connect, and give honest, grounded performances whether you have a reader or you don’t.

FAQs

How do I find a good reader for my self tape?

Ask a fellow actor, friend, or use an online reader service. Pick someone calm, clear, and supportive.

Should the reader be on camera?

No. Keep the reader off-screen unless casting asks otherwise.

What if I don’t have space for a reader?

You can record alone, leaving pauses or playing pre-recorded lines.

Do I need special equipment?

No. A smartphone, tripod, good light, and quiet room work well.

How many takes should I record?

Do a few takes but not so many you become obsessed and lost in endless choices! Choose the one that is the most honest and truly alive.