Student Blog: Summer Stock Central: Step #5 | Master The Self-Tape

Hey Summer Stock-ers,

I know the summer's almost over, butttt we're just over halfway done with this series and I wanted to take time to thank you for following along up to this point. I really appreciate everyone who's been reading and I hope you've been able to find value in these posts. Again, I'm always available to help answer questions or to strategize about your Summer Stock journey... so don't hesitate to reach out:)

But without further ado...we're onto Step #5! Can you believe it?!

Before continuing on, be sure to read Step #4| Create Your List in this 8 Steps to Booking Work Next Summer series. To find all the steps in one place, Click Here. It'll take you to my profile, which will be the home base for all my articles in the Summer Stock Central series.

So after you've created your list of Venues that you'll audition for (i.e., approx. around 12-15 Venues) it's time for...

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STEP #5: Master The Self-Tape

So...I could be totally wrong with this forecast, but just in seeing the relative convenience and ease that self-taped submissions provide for performers and decision-makers alike, I think self-tapes will be a permanent staple in this industry for years to come. As the delta variant is flaring up, who knows when true cattle calls and in-person open calls will be back, so being able to produce a high-quality tape will continue to be a necessary skill. For your Summer Stock search, depending on when you're reading this series, it's highly likely that you'll have to complete at least one self-tape...so let's master it in just 3 steps:

1. Gather your Equipment

2. Prepare your Material

3. Execute Efficiently

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#1) Gather your Equipment

Now, I wish I could tell you that the talent and artistry you display in your tape is the only thing that matters...believe me, I really wish I could. Unfortunately, the production value and quality of your tape influences the way decision-makers perceive you. Would you show up to an in-person audition with your hair messy or shoes untied? No. But that's the type of vibe you might give off if your tape isn't clean and tight. However, I'm not saying to hire a videographer or pay someone to shoot your self-tapes. On the contrary, I recommend investing in quality *portable* equipment that you'll be able to utilize for years to come. Here are some examples of the types of equipment that I've found useful...but be sure to shop around for best deals/higher quality :)

Camera: Your latest iPhone produces an incredible picture/video quality (Always Horizontal)

Lighting: Soft Box Set

Background: Collapsible Back Drop

Stand: Phone Tripod

Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro has more functionality, but iMovie is really all you need.

For you DIY-ers out there who don't want to buy any equipment, just remember: 1) neutral/blank background (solid color bed sheets work great) 2) natural light > room light 3) use books and household items to help stand your phone up.

*I did not include a microphone in the above description because, personally, I've never used one and have still booked multiple gigs. However, try taping without a mic and decide for yourself if you should invest in one.

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#2) Prepare your Material

This is the most self-explanatory step in the self-tape process. I'm not going to tell another actor how to act, but I will tell you to do *whatever* makes you feel the most comfortable and confident prior to your taping session. Don't stress too much on the prep though, you can always post the lyrics to your song or the words to your monologue on the back wall haha. Also, doing multiple takes is the norm. So, if you mess up some of your takes, don't worry...because you SHOULD. To save time on your end, I would also look at the casting calls for the Venues you're submitting for with a keen eye for any overlap. If 5 of your Venues need a 16-bar uptempo, see if you can't choose 1-2 cuts that could work for all 5 Venues, rather than you having to prepare and film 5 separate cuts.

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#3) Execute Efficiently

The best advice for this section I can give you is to strategically batch film. Say you have to film 3 dance combos, 5 vocal cuts and 2 monologues, two of those three types of material require you to just stand still in front of your camera. I'd first film all the songs AND monologues, get those out of the way, before tearing down your equipment to set up for dance videos, rather than piecemealing and filming the videos in random order. Likewise, try and prioritize your material, if you need a certain type of video, say that 16-bar example from above, for all your Venues...film that material FIRST. This way you'll be sure to leave your taping session with at least the most important material completed. Additionally, expect to film multiple days. While I highly recommend preparing for and getting the most bang for your buck out of each day you film, also acknowledge the reality that maybe your voice will get tired from constant belting, or that setting up/tearing down the equipment may take up half of your allotted filming time. Just a few things to consider.

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That's about it for this installment!

Follow along over the next few months as I'll be addressing 1 of the 8 Steps to Booking Work Next Summer in each of my posts. To find all the steps in one place, Click Here. It'll take you to my profile, which will be the home base for all my articles in the Summer Stock Central series.

If you want to geek out about this stuff more or want to talk about your personalized goals and aspirations with regard to your Summer Stock journey and/or career writ large, hmu on IG @mattguernier. Get ready to dive into Step #6| Nail the Audition on my next post, but until then, stay safe and Happy Summer! :)

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