8 Dumb Mistakes That are Ruining Your Self Tapes!

auditioning college auditions self-tape

 Written By: Chelsea and Cynthia 

Self-tapes have become a cornerstone of the audition process, whether you’re applying to college musical theater programs or pursuing professional roles. While self-taping allows you to perform from the comfort of your home, it comes with its own challenges. The good news? With a bit of preparation and attention to detail, you can create a polished, authentic self-tape that showcases your unique talent.

We’ve compiled eight common mistakes performers often make in self-tapes—and practical solutions to help you shine.

1. Framing: Let Yourself Be Seen

Proper framing is essential for creating a professional self-tape. It ensures the panel sees your expressions, physicality, and performance clearly.

  • Avoid Tight Shots: For musical theater auditions, your framing should be at least waist-up or even knees-up to allow room for movement. A head-and-shoulders frame might work for TV or film but doesn’t showcase the physicality needed for theater.
  • Raise the Camera: Set your camera at eye level or slightly above. This prevents unflattering angles and keeps the focus on you—not your nostrils!
  • Test Your Frame: Before you hit record, take a moment to review your setup. A quick test shot can save you from needing a reshoot later.

2. Eyeline: Find Your Connection

Your eyeline can make or break your connection with the viewer.

  • Look Slightly Off-Camera: Position your gaze just off-center to mimic the feel of interacting with a scene partner. Looking directly into the lens can feel unnatural, while gazing too far to the side may obscure your face.
  • Mark Your Spot: Place a sticky note near your camera as a guide to help you maintain consistency.
  • Practice for Naturalness: Play with your eyeline until it feels natural and keeps your face fully visible.

Your eyeline helps you engage your audience—it’s like inviting them into the story you’re telling.

3. Accompaniment: Make Your Voice Shine

Audio is just as important as visuals in a self-tape, but it’s often overlooked.

  • Use a Quality Speaker: Play your track on an external Bluetooth or wired speaker rather than relying on your phone or laptop speakers. This ensures clear, balanced sound.
  • Check the Volume: Test your setup to ensure the accompaniment supports your voice without overpowering it.
  • Always Use a Track: Singing a cappella doesn’t allow the panel to evaluate your sense of rhythm or how you work with accompaniment.

Taking a few moments to test your audio can make your performance sound polished and professional.

4. Lighting: Let Yourself Shine

Good lighting ensures your expressions and performance stand out.

  • Avoid Shadows: Shadows over your eyes or face can make it harder for the panel to connect with your emotions.
  • Invest in a Ring Light: Affordable and easy to use, a ring light provides even, flattering lighting.
  • Maximize Natural Light: If you don’t have equipment, set up near a window with soft, diffused natural light.

Lighting doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—it just needs to work for you.

5. Background: Keep It Clean and Simple

Your background should complement your performance, not distract from it.

  • Declutter Your Space: Make sure the visible area is clean and free of distractions like laundry or messy shelves.
  • Use a Plain Backdrop: A neutral wall or solid-colored curtain works well. It keeps the focus on you, where it belongs.

Think of your background as the stage—it should support your performance without stealing attention.

6. The Moment Before: Start in the Story

The “moment before” is a powerful tool for grounding your performance in emotion and context.

  • Set the Scene: Think about what your character is feeling and why they’re singing. Use this to guide your body language and expressions before the first note.
  • Engage From the Start: Avoid standing stiffly or starting “cold.” Instead, use the introduction to draw your audience into the story.

When you take the time to connect with the material, your performance becomes more compelling and authentic.

7. Physicality: Use the Space

Self-tapes don’t mean you have to lose the physicality that makes musical theater so dynamic.

  • Embrace Movement: Let your physicality reflect the character and energy of the song. For a bold role like Persephone in Hadestown, lean into larger, grounded movements. For quieter roles, subtle gestures can speak volumes.
  • Stay Intentional: Even small movements should have purpose. Avoid “fidgeting” and focus on storytelling through your body.

Don’t be afraid to move—your physicality brings your performance to life.

8. Closed Eyes: Stay Open

While closing your eyes can feel natural during emotional moments, overusing this choice can disconnect you from your audience.

  • Use Sparingly: Treat closed eyes like a seasoning—use them intentionally and at key moments for dramatic effect.
  • Stay Connected: Keep your eyes open for most of the performance to engage your viewers and convey the story.

Think of your eyes as a bridge between you and the panel—they’re essential for creating a lasting impression.

Creating a standout self-tape doesn’t require expensive equipment or perfect conditions. It’s about showing your authentic self, connecting with the material, and letting your talent shine. By addressing these common mistakes—framing, eyeline, audio, lighting, background, storytelling, physicality, and eye contact—you’ll be ready to deliver a polished, professional performance.

Remember, self-taping is a skill, and every attempt helps you improve. Trust your preparation, enjoy the process, and know that each tape is an opportunity to share your unique voice. You’re more ready than you think!

If you're interested in diving deeper into this mindset or exploring other interesting musical theatre conversations, check out the Broadway Vocal Coach podcast! Or check us out on Instagram, and get involved in the conversation! 

Are you a musical theatre performer and wondering what your next step should be? Take our Quiz—we can’t wait to hear your story and help you take the next step in your career.

💌 Get the Wednesday newsletter people actually look forward to reading 

It's amazing how we can weave a singing-related lesson into stories about overflowing toilets, postpartum photoshoots, or maid-of-honor wedding speeches. Now you're intrigued, right?! 

We hate SPAM. Unsubscribe at any time.