How to self-tape a monologue

A self-tape is often the first time anyone sees you work. You can make a strong one at home with a phone, a quiet room and some preparation.

Last updated 15 November 2026

1. Read the brief first

Every casting brief is different. Before you do anything else, read it carefully and follow it exactly. It may tell you the framing, how long the tape should be, whether you should slate (say your name and details at the start), what to wear, what file type to send and how to name the file. If the brief and this guide disagree, the brief wins.

If anything is unclear, ask. A short, polite question is far better than guessing wrong.

2. Prepare the performance

• Know the lines, well enough that you are thinking about the person you are talking to, not about the words.
• Decide who you are speaking to. A monologue works best when it is aimed at someone: what do you want from them, and what happens if you do not get it?
• Find the turn. Most good monologues change direction at least once. Know where the thought shifts, where you realise something or where you decide.
• Keep it specific and small. The camera is close, so a thought in your eyes reads more than a big gesture.
• Rehearse out loud, on your feet, and then once or twice on camera, just to see what the lens picks up.

If you do not have a monologue ready, choose one that suits you and is within your playing age. A short, well-written piece that has not been done to death will stand out more than a famous speech. For the Record is an original monologue for one actor of around two minutes, with a shooting and performance guide.

3. Set up your space

• Choose a plain background. A blank wall or a simple, uncluttered area works well. Avoid posters, logos and anything that draws the eye. Mid-grey or soft neutral shades are a common choice.
• Pick a quiet room. Switch off appliances, close windows and put every phone on silent.
• Soft furnishings help. Curtains, rugs and sofas reduce echo, so your voice sounds warmer.
• Stand a little away from the wall so you do not cast a shadow behind you.

4. Frame the shot

• Hold the phone sideways (landscape) unless the brief asks for vertical.
• Use a tripod, or prop the phone up securely, at about eye level. Do not hold it.
• Use the back camera if you can, as it is usually better quality than the selfie camera, and ask a friend to help or use a mirror setup to check the frame.
• A mid-shot is a safe choice, showing roughly from the chest or shoulders up, with a little space above your head. Follow the brief if it asks for something different.
• Check you are centred and that nothing is cut off awkwardly.

Where to look

For most monologues, you will not look straight down the lens. Choose a spot just beside the camera, at the height of your eyes, and speak to that spot, as if someone is sitting just off-camera. Keep your eyeline consistent. If the brief asks you to speak directly to camera, do so.

5. Light and sound

• Face a window so soft daylight falls on your face, and avoid having a bright window behind you, which turns you into a silhouette.
• Avoid mixing light colours. Turn off ceiling lights if you are using daylight.
• Use a lamp if it is dark, placed behind the camera and slightly to one side, and aimed softly at your face.
• Sound matters as much as picture. A clip-on microphone is inexpensive and a big improvement over the built-in microphone. If you do not have one, put the phone closer.
• Test it. Record ten seconds, then watch and listen back with headphones before you do the real thing.

6. Record your takes

• Do several takes, and do not stop at the first good one. Often the second or third is the most relaxed.
• Start the tape, take a breath, and begin when you are ready. You can trim the start and end later.
• Keep going if you stumble, unless it is a big mistake. A small recovery can look human, and it can be better than a stiff, over-polished take.
• Vary them. Try one take a little quieter or a little faster, so you have a choice.
• Watch your takes back the next day if you can, when you can judge them more clearly.

7. Name, check and send

1. Choose your best take. Pick the one that feels most truthful, not the one that looks the best.
2. Trim only the start and end. Unless the brief asks otherwise, there is no need for effects, music or fancy edits.
3. Check the file size and format. Most casting platforms accept MP4. If the file is too large, export at a lower resolution rather than cutting the length.
4. Name it as the brief asks. If there are no instructions, a clear name such as your name and the role is sensible.
5. Watch it all the way through before you send, to be sure the picture and sound are fine.
6. Send it on time, and keep a copy.

8. Common mistakes

• Ignoring the brief. This is the most common way to lose a good tape.
• Poor sound. Echo, background noise and a distant voice are easily avoided.
• A busy background or bad light. Keep attention on your face.
• Playing it too big. The camera sees everything. Trust small, real choices.
• Looking at the screen. Staring at your own image makes your eyes look unfocused. Put a piece of tape by the lens to remind you where to look.
• Sending a tired first take. Give yourself time to do several.

Using your self-tape as a showreel

A strong self-tape of an original monologue can also work as part of your showreel. If you are choosing material, our guide to choosing scenes for your showreel explains what to look for, and our guide to filming on your phone covers light, sound and editing in more depth. Our licence summary explains what you can do with our scripts, including filming, performing and publishing your production.