Published 30 August 2024
Explore 5 types of self-tape readers. Learn the pros and cons of each to choose the best reader for your self-tape.
Finding the right reader for your self-tape can be challenging. However it’s crucial to do your homework on this topic to make sure you elevate your performance and stand out in your audition. This article will guide you through practical solutions to overcome this common hurdle.
Remember, acting is reacting.
With the rise of self taping, having the right person reading lines with you can be the difference between landing the role or not.
A good reader understands whats happening in the scene, their role in it as well as timing, tone, and rhythm. They give you something to work with, react to, enhancing your performance. Choose someone who can keep pace with you and respond naturally.
Here’s what good readers help you with:
Timing and pace
The other actor should respond to you in good timing. It can sound unnatural if there is a pause in the wrong place or for too long likewise if they keep cutting you off before your line is finished (and it is not written into the script) it can be a little distasteful or even change the meaning of the scene. Make sure every choice you make on timing and pace is deliberate not accidental, a good reader will listen and respond to you well.
Improve your performance
A skilled reader helps you stay in character by giving you something to work with and react to. They will provide the right cues, emotions, and responses so you can react authentically. When the reader understands the scene’s tone and their own role in it, they can make you more convincing and impactful. Conversely, a reader who lacks the necessary skills or focus can disrupt your rhythm, pulling you out of the scene and diminishing your chances of success.
Understanding the Material
The ideal reader also grasps the material’s tone and context, especially for genres like comedy, where timing is everything. Their familiarity with the show or script can guide their delivery, ensuring it complements your performance. This nuanced understanding helps create a cohesive and believable scene that resonates with casting directors.
Spotlight you
A good reader supports your performance without distracting from it. They understand their role isn’t to steal the spotlight but to support you, allowing the focus to remain on your performance. This subtle yet crucial contribution can make your audition stand out in a competitive field.
There are multiple types of readers available to you. Depending on your goals, you should pick a reader that helps you achieve them.
Don't be afraid to use and combine multiple readers e.g. using your non-acting friends and apps for learning lines and an actor friend to record your final self-tape.
This is the only option if you must put your best self-tape take forward.
When to use
Applying to lead roles or bigger projects
Pros
Most authentic
Provides an additional dimension to work with
Produces best results
Cons
Requires you to organise and set time aside with another actor
Can cost a lot - especially if you chose to go via a company
Can’t find an actor in person? Get an AI reader. Depending on your goals, this might be your optimal choice.
These allow you to read with yourself. While not ideal, they’re better than nothing. Be aware of their limitations—timing can feel forced, and spontaneity is lost. Use these tools sparingly, only when you have no other choice.
When to use
Applying to multiple, smaller roles
Student films and low budget projects
Rehearsing
Pros
Rehearse and self-tape solo
Multiple AI voices (with age, gender and accent filters) available to match your characters
Consistent reading (every read is the same)
Controllable and customisable
Cons
AI voice effects cost money
👉 Read our guide on self-taping using an AI reader
Can’t find someone in person? Use technology. Video calls on platforms like Zoom or Hangouts work well. Even with slight lag, having a reader is better than none.
Create a group of actor friends who can help each other with self-tapes. The group ensures that everyone has someone to read with. You could start a group chat, coordinate schedules, and commit to helping one another. It’s a win-win situation that builds community and gets good results.
There are also many groups that you can join online. This comes with an added benefit of being part of a larger community and making new connections. At the same time, it can be trickier to organise and schedule rehearsing with random people on the internet.
When to use
Applying to smaller roles
Pros
Grows your acting network
Produces good self-tape results
Cons
Possible lag due to internet connection, difficult to organise with randoms
Unsolicited advice, especially from actors in acting groups
Can cost a lot
If you can’t find an actor, a non-actor can be a good option. Choose someone who can follow directions and understand the script. Neighbours, roommates, or family members can work. Brief them on the scene, and they’ll likely do just fine. The key is their ability to take direction.
When to use
When other options aren't available
Pros
Locally available
Person can be in the room
Can become a good reader in the future
Cons
Non-actors require training
Requires you to work with a non-actor
Never self-tape without a reader. Pausing in silence for the other character’s lines isn’t a performance—it’s just reading. This mistake can ruin your audition. Also, avoid over-relying on non-actors who can’t follow your lead or timing. Always aim for the best possible reader available.
The best outcome to expect from your agent would be them asking you to do the scene again, but this time, with a reader.
When to use
Never do this (Many actors still do!)
Cons
Unnatural results
Forces you to speed up and slow down to fit pre-defined intervals
Pros
None
Here is a table of all available types of readers that you can use for rehearsing and self-taping.
Option | When to Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Actor in the room | Applying to lead roles or feature films | Most authentic Provides an additional dimension to work with Produces best results | Difficult to organize |
AI Reader | Applying to multiple, smaller roles Student films and non-lead roles Rehearsing | Rehearse and self-tape solo Multiple AI voices (with age, gender, and accent filters) available Consistent reading (every read is the same) Controllable and customizable | AI voice effects cost money |
Actor on call | Auditioning for professional or paid roles | Grows your acting network- Produces good self-tape results | Possible lag due to internet connection Difficult to organize with randoms Unsolicited advice, especially from actors in acting groups Can cost a lot |
Non-Actors | When other options aren't available | Locally available- Person can be in the room Can become a good reader in the future | Non-actors require training Requires another person's effort |
No reader | Never do this (Many actors still do!) | None | Long time to setup A lot of recording takes Unnatural results Forces you to speed up and slow down to fit pre-defined intervals |
Finding the right reader is essential for a strong self-tape. Whether you're lucky enough to have an actor in the room, or you're relying on AI, technology, or even a non-actor, each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. The key is to weigh these factors based on the role you're auditioning for, your resources, and your goals.
Remember, a great reader elevates your performance, allowing you to focus on your craft and present your best self. Invest the time to find or create the ideal setup, and your self-tape will stand out for all the right reasons. Avoid common mistakes, and you’ll set yourself up for self-tape success. Your performance depends on it.
Break a leg!