Video Recording Guide

Please do not worry too much about the video quality of your self-tape. We are not expecting to see a Hollywood movie! We appreciate that you are doing this yourself and within the restraints of the technology that is available to you. Generally, smartphone will suffice. Here are some further guidelines:

  • Ensure you are in a well-lit area, natural light is best, but do not worry too much. The main thing is that we can see your expressions.  
  • Try to find an area that sound does not echo too much. If you are doing a singing audition, do a sound check and make sure that your backing track is not too loud – we want to hear your voice clearly.  If you are using a backing track, you may ask someone to provide some technical assistance by pressing play on a separate device – but don’t worry too much!  
  • At the start of each video, state: Your Name and the piece you are about to do  
  • Your phone (or other device) should be set to landscape.

Try and frame yourself as follows:

Framing for acting video

For acting pieces:

A shot from the chest upwards is usually fine for this type of audition.

Try to stand on a slight angle so not to be too much in ‘profile’ and look just off camera.

Framing for signing video

For singing:

A shot from the waist upwards allows us to see your full physicality and expression when singing.

Stand at a slight angle, just off camera, and imagine the audience are just above the camera.

Framing for dance video

For movement or dance:

For any movement / dance, of course we would like to see your full body in frame, so please place the camera at a suitable distance.

Continued...

  • Try to sit your camera on something steady, such as a table, tall stool or a tripod, or ask a friend or relative to hold the camera steady for you.  
  • You are free to move within the space, don’t worry too much about remaining in the framing for the whole audition.  
  • Look just ‘off camera’, not too much into the lens, and not too ‘straight on’.  
  • Lastly, do not worry. Try to let your personality shine through. We are sorry we will not get to meet you face to face at this stage of the audition – what we are always looking for is potential and someone we can work with.

Sending your video

Please save your videos as MOV or MP4 and send via WeTransfer (a simple, free file transfer system) to our central email address: arden@ucenmanchester.ac.uk
 

Inside the message please include:

  • Your Name
  • Your UCAS Number
  • The Course you are auditioning for (e.g Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre and Performance, Vocal Studies)

 

For more helpful tips, please see the following industry websites:

Equity guide to self-taping