3 Helpful Tips From Casting Director Michael Cassara On Self-Tape Auditions

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shutter live theatre, the industry is finding ways to safely return. Self-taped auditions have become more popular than ever as a way to connect actors and creative teams from the comfort of their own homes.

Because of the sheer amount of virtual auditions and self-tapes now circulating the internet, New York City-based casting director Michael Cassara is sharing his best advice for actors to keep in mind.

1. Label all your video files.

An easy mistake… but there’s nothing worse than sending a self-tape without any trace of your name or role you’re submitting for.

“As a default/even if you're not asked, every file should have your first name and last name and the role for which you're taping. If you saw the number of things we receive that are labeled as "audition cut - trim.mp4" your eyes would bulge. I know there are preferences that differ from one casting director to another... I can say with confidence this is something where we all get together and say ‘PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE’. We're working quickly and processing massive amounts of data - consistent file labeling is a huge help across the board.”

2. Separate takes into Different files.

When asked to submit a self-tape, you may want to consider breaking the videos up into multiple files.

Many, if not all casting directors, “would prefer your separate takes to be in separate files - which will actually/likely save you the time/trouble of merging them into one file. Again, each office will hopefully issue clear instructions as to what they want - but if there aren't any instructions, separate files tend to make things easier for everyone.”

Always double check preferences with the casting office before submitting your materials.

3. Invest in the essentials if possible.

“We really don't want actors to have to spend money, and certainly not exorbitant amounts of money, but minimum good equipment has become a necessity. This can still, we hope, be done affordably, but the range of quality in submitted tapes is currently massive and investment in an external microphone, backdrop, and ring light can really change the game for someone. Hopefully cost-effectively.”

Of course, we know that because of the shutdown, money is tight for the theatre community.

“Totally get that's not always possible, and hopefully once this horrible period is over we can continue to find free and affordable ways to eliminate any/all barriers to entry. The production level of tapes we receive has gone through the roof - so even investing time/research into how to properly compress files, etc. using free resources can make a worthwhile impact.”

Maggie Bera is a NYC-based actress, entrepreneur, and founder of Actor Aesthetic.

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