Create confident, professional self-tapes that help you stand out on screen.

Self-Taping Course

Acting Improvers level

Self-Taping Course

In today’s casting landscape, nearly all first-round auditions are done via self-tapes. The ability to quickly and professionally produce your own self-tapes is a key skill for actors today, and a great tape is the difference between being seen and being skipped. This Self-Taping course shows you how to set up, film and deliver compelling self-taped auditions with whatever kit you have, whether that is a camera or a phone. You’ll learn a clean, repeatable process that makes technical requirements easy to meet, allowing you to keep the focus where it belongs: on your performance.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Learn key technical skills while sharpening your screen presence. 

  • Present yourself professionally: produce clean, watchable tapes from home
  • Make stronger choices: elevate your storytelling so your tape stands out
  • Master the tech: lighting, frame and sound that allow your acting to shine
  • Understand expectations: what casting directors actually need to see
  • Leave with a system: a step-by-step checklist to use on every brief

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
01 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
Sun
10:30-13:00
4 weeks
£225.00
04 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027
Thu
18:30-21:00
4 weeks
£225.00
18 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
Tue
18:30-21:00
4 weeks
£225.00
01
Nov
01 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
£225.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-13:00
Duration:4 weeks
04
Feb
04 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027
£225.00
Day:Thu
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:4 weeks
18
May
18 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
£225.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:4 weeks
Acting for Camera

Understand the difference between live performance and self-taping, and learn how to adjust your acting for the camera.

Script Preparation

Break down sides with confidence, exploring choices, beats and the key moments that shape your performance.

Technical Setup

Learn how to create an effective self-tape setup on any budget, covering framing, eyeline, lighting and backgrounds.

Clear Audio

Discover simple ways to capture clean, professional sound that supports your performance.

Working with a Reader

Explore how to use pacing, cueing and connection to keep the scene alive when working with a reader.

Rehearsal and Takes

Practise filming scenes with multiple takes, notes and retakes, building confidence in your process.

Sending Your Tape

Learn how to edit, compress, name and send your files in line with casting requirements.

Self-Tape Checklist

Create a personal checklist you can use for every audition, helping you feel prepared, focused and ready to film.

New to screen acting?

If you’re just starting out, we recommend beginning with Screen Acting – An Introduction. This friendly beginners course will help you build confidence on camera, learn essential screen acting techniques and understand how to perform naturally in front of the lens.

Useful information

Who is this course for?
Actors who have completed Acting Improvers level or equivalent, and anyone with basic on-camera experience who wants a sharper self-tape process.
Do I need professional equipment?
No. Most self-tapes are filmed using smartphones. You’ll learn how to achieve strong results with a smartphone, window light and simple accessories.
What about backgrounds and eye‑line?
We cover neutral backdrops, framing for head-and-shoulders, and where to place your eyeline for different scenes and casting notes.
What will I take away?
A clear self-tape checklist, lighting and sound quick-start tips, delivery guidelines (file types, compression, naming), and personal feedback on your tape.
What can I do after this course?

Curious About Self-Taping?

Prior to your course, read our top tips on the fundamentals of self-taping.

Want to learn more?

After you have completed your course, we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
01 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
Sun
10:30-13:00
4 weeks
£225.00
04 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027
Thu
18:30-21:00
4 weeks
£225.00
18 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
Tue
18:30-21:00
4 weeks
£225.00
01
Nov
01 Nov 2026 - 22 Nov 2026
£225.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-13:00
Duration:4 weeks
04
Feb
04 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027
£225.00
Day:Thu
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:4 weeks
18
May
18 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027
£225.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:4 weeks

Payments options

Cancellations Policy

Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked.

 

Weekly courses and one-day workshops
Cancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead.

 

Intensive courses of five consecutive days or more
Cancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead.

 

We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance.

Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off*

Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off*

*Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden
Madeleine Walker
Madeleine Walker
Screen Acting Tutors
Screen Acting Tutors

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