In today’s casting world, a great self‑tape can be the difference between being seen and being skipped. This intensive course shows you how to set up, film and deliver compelling self‑taped auditions with whatever kit you have, even just a phone. You’ll learn a clean, repeatable process that keeps the focus where it belongs: on your performance.
This course is for actors that have completed our Acting Improvers Level or equivalent.
What You Will Learn
Over the duration of this course you will cover:
- The difference between live performance and self‑taping, and how to adjust your acting for camera
- How to prepare sides: script breakdown, choices, and beats
- Technical set‑up for any budget: framing, eye‑line, lighting and backgrounds
- Sound that helps (not hurts): simple ways to capture clear audio
- Working with a reader: pacing, cueing, and keeping the scene alive
- Rehearsing and filming a scene: multiple takes, notes, and retakes
- Editing, compressing, naming and sending files to casting specs
- A personal self‑tape checklist you can use for every audition
Benefits of Taking This Course
Self‑taping is now a core professional skill. This course gives you the confidence, tools and workflow to deliver strong tapes under real‑world time pressure.
- 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 flatter your work
- Perform under pressure: a calm process that reduces nerves and retries
- Understand expectations: what casting directors actually need to see
- Leave with a system: a step‑by‑step checklist to use on every brief
Performance First
Keep the viewer on your story, not your set‑up, act truthfully to camera.
Smart, Simple Tech
Practical lighting and framing fixes that work with phone or DSLR.
Sound Matters
Quick wins for clean audio, from mic options to quiet room choice
Prep Like a Pro
Break down sides, mark beats and lock your objective before you roll.
Edit and Deliver
Export, label and send your files exactly to spec, no re‑submits.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Nov 2025 | Sat | 10:00-17:00 | 1 day | Ryan Laccohee | City Academy, Farringdon | £139.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Useful Information
Actors who have completed Acting Improvers level or equivalent, and anyone with basic on‑camera experience who wants a sharper self‑tape process.
No. Most self-tapes are filmed using smartphones. You’ll learn how to achieve strong results with a smartphone, window light and simple accessories.
We cover neutral backdrops, framing for head‑and‑shoulders, and where to place your eye‑line for different scenes and casting notes.
A clear self‑tape checklist, lighting and sound quick‑start tips, delivery guidelines (file types, compression, naming), and personal feedback on your tape.
Curious about Self-Taping?
Self tapes are a way for actors to audition for a role or opportunity without attending a casting in person. Read our top tips on how to create that career-changing tape...
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Nov 2025 | Sat | 10:00-17:00 | 1 day | Ryan Laccohee | City Academy, Farringdon | £139.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Nov 2025 | Sat | 10:00-17:00 | 1 day | Ryan Laccohee | City Academy, Farringdon | £139.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
Continue your journey
After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:
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