Self-tape auditions can allow more actors in. But opportunity needs to be matched with preparedness ...

There is an entire chapter in my booked devoted to the topic of self-tape auditions ... and, in this coronavirus and eventually post-coronavirus landscape, we will see more, not less, of this movement -- and it's here to stay. That is both great and potentially not-so-great news, unless you are prepared for the unique challenges that come with the proliferation of this opportunity.

When self-taping, just because you can record as many takes of an audition as you want, you shouldn't. Aim to get it right the first time. It is as important to be as prepped and camera-ready for your self-tape as you should expect yourself to be in a casting director's office, where you're not guaranteed a second shot at it.

I love how wide the doors are opening for actors because of self-tape auditions. This potentially creates more opportunity for more actors to be seen for each role. But beyond the technical challenges of getting it right, the performance challenges require a level of focus, commitment and readiness that can take some time to get comfortable with and thrive at. But it is essential work that needs to be done -- and the end results are always more than worth effort.

BL