How to Submit a Self-Tape for Singers, Dancers, and Actors
How to Submit a Self-Tape for Singers, Dancers, and Actors
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Auditioning Like a Pro—From Anywhere
The entertainment industry has changed—and that’s a good thing. Gone are the days where you had to book a flight to L.A. or wait hours in a crowded casting hall just to be seen. With self-tapes, you now have the power to audition for major roles, performance programs, and televised opportunities from your living room. But to stand out, you’ve got to do it right.
At Adams Davy AXS and Adams Davy Theatrical, we receive hundreds of self-tapes each season from singers, dancers, and actors across the country—and we know exactly what separates the pros from the pass-throughs.
Here’s how to submit a killer self-tape that gets you noticed:
🎤 FOR SINGERS
1. Choose Your Song Wisely.
Pick a song that fits the style of the project and showcases your vocal range and personality. Stick to 32 bars (about 45–90 seconds).
2. Accompaniment is Key.
Use a piano or instrumental track (no a cappella unless requested). Make sure it's in the right key and tempo. The audio quality should be clean—no loud clicks, background noise, or crowd sounds.
3. Frame the Shot.
Film from the chest up in a well-lit space with a neutral background. Don’t overdo the performance—let your voice and eyes do the work.
4. Slate Before You Sing.
Start by saying your name, age, and the name of your song and composer:
"Hi, I’m Jordan Lee, I’m 15 years old, and I’ll be singing ‘Astonishing’ from Little Women by Jason Howland.”
💃 FOR DANCERS
1. Know What’s Expected.
We’ll typically ask for a 60–90 second routine in a specific style (ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, or commercial). If you’re auditioning for a show or tour, match the requested energy and genre.
2. Find the Right Space.
Make sure your space is safe and large enough to show full-body movement. Remove clutter. Don’t dance in socks on a hardwood floor—injuries aren’t a flex.
3. Dress the Part.
Wear dancewear that flatters your lines and fits the style. No baggy sweats unless it’s street or hip hop. Hair out of your face. Show us your technique and storytelling.
4. Keep It in Frame.
Use a wide shot with your whole body in view at all times. No cropping heads or cutting off feet—unless you’re auditioning as a magician.
5. Slate Separately.
Before your piece, say:
"Hi, I’m Taylor Morgan, I’m 17 years old, and I’ll be performing a contemporary combo to ‘Elastic Heart’ by Sia.”
🎭 FOR ACTORS
1. Choose a Monologue that Fits.
Don’t grab just any dramatic piece off YouTube. Select a monologue that feels like you. It should be age-appropriate and under 90 seconds.
2. Avoid Overacting.
No screaming. No crying on cue (unless it’s brilliant). Keep it grounded. We want authenticity, not a soap opera meltdown.
3. Use the Camera Smartly.
Film a close-up or mid-shot. Imagine your scene partner just off-camera. Don’t look straight into the lens unless instructed to.
4. Clean Slate.
Slate your name, age, and the name of your monologue/play and playwright:
"Hi, I’m Eli Grant, I’m 16, and I’ll be performing a monologue from ‘The Shape of Things’ by Neil LaBute.”
📩 HOW TO SUBMIT
1. Review the Guidelines.
Every audition will come with submission instructions. READ THEM. Twice. If we ask for a YouTube link, don’t upload a .mov file. If we ask for a 60-second video, don’t send five minutes.
2. Use Simple File Names.
Name your file like this:FirstName_LastName_Age_RoleOrSkill.mp4
Example: Jordan_Lee_15_Singer.mp4
3. Upload to a Shareable Platform.
Use platforms like YouTube (unlisted), Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Make sure permissions are set to viewable by anyone with the link.
4. Double-Check Before Sending.
Is the lighting good? Can we hear you? Did you say your name clearly? Do a final watch before you hit send.
5. Submit via the Correct Portal.
If we’ve given you a form, use it. If we asked for email submissions, include your full name, contact info, and role you’re auditioning for in the email subject and body.
🎯 Final Tips
Be Authentic. We want to see you—not a carbon copy of someone else.
Stay Within Time. Long videos get skipped. Respect the time limit.
Practice, Then Record. Don’t “wing it.” Rehearse your piece, then tape when you’re ready.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute. You’re not your best at 11:59pm before the deadline.
🚀 Ready to Submit?
Your moment is waiting. Whether it’s for a Broadway stage, a holiday TV special, or an Adams Davy AXS performance opportunity, the right self-tape could launch your next big break.
Questions? Need help preparing your tape? Reach out to our Artist Development Team—we’re here to help you shine. Contact Us: [email protected]
