1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL. 
0151 709 4321
boxoffice@liverpoolsroyalcourt.com
1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL. 0151 709 4321 boxoffice@liverpoolsroyalcourt.com
1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL. 0151 709 4321 boxoffice@liverpoolsroyalcourt.comHere at the Royal Court, we’re always on the lookout for exciting and talented actors to work with. This open Self-Tape Portal is an opportunity for anybody and everybody to introduce themselves and get themselves seen.
Dead simple.
First, fill in the form with your name, contact details etc and any relevant links (Spotlight, website etc).
Second, attach any supporting documents (CV etc).
Thirdly, drag your self-tape into the box to send it our way.
Once we’ve received it, you should get an email from us to let you know it’s landed on our desk, safe and sound.
Auditioning can be terrifying. We know this. But it’s important to remember one thing: when we see you audition, we want you to do your best. We are not here to criticize or intimidate. What we want is to meet talented and exciting actors who love what they do. Be bold. If you’re character is talking to the audience, don’t be afraid to deliver it right down the lens at us. And never forget that this should be fun. The more relaxed you are, the better you’ll audition. So no matter how nervous you get, just try and remember that we are on your side.
We want to get a feel for you as a performer. Your energy, your voice, your style. You’ve only got two minutes to give us an impression of yourself as a performer, so we recommend to keep it simple. Choose a piece that sits comfortably with your natural voice and playing age. If you’re an actor from Ormskirk or Leeds or Bristol, let us hear your regional accent. Your Texan accent might be superb, but first and foremost we want to hear your speak naturally. If you’re eighteen years old, don’t choose a monologue from the point of view of a seventy year old. It might be a fantastic speech, but we’d rather see you playing somebody closer to your own age, as those are the roles we’ll be considering you for.
Our advice, as always, is to keep it simple. A black t-shirt or top is tried and true. It’s simple, unfussy and won’t distract us from what really matters: your performance. If you want to wear something to help you get into character, keep it subtle. A plain collared shirt or a jacket is fine, but avoid anything with busy patterns or stripes.
If you’re torn between pieces that are happy or sad, funny or tragic, the most important thing to remember is that we want you to ENGAGE with us. What matters most is that we feel you are really talking to us. Keep it direct, real, relatable. Most important is that your piece makes sense out of the context. Make absolutely sure we will understand what your character is talking about without having read the rest of the script.
It may sound obvious, but it bears repeating: we need to be able to see and hear you. There’s nothing more frustrating than a talented actor being held back by a poor self tape. Make sure the sound is crystal, the picture crisp and the camera steady. If you’re taping with your phone, there are a number of really good, affordable tripods available that save you the hassle of propping your mobile up against a wobbly pile of books.
Find a spot in your house that you can designate as your Self – Tape Spot. Make sure your surroundings are good and neutral: clean, unfussy walls and a good light source are all you need.
When recording your tape, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. If you’re rushed when you record it, that fluster will almost certainly come across on screen. If you can, afford yourself at least two or three practice runs to allow yourself to settle in and find an energy that’s both relaxed and focused. Once you’ve got a few different takes under your belt that you’re happy with, you’ll feel far more confident that the tape you’re submitting shows you at your best. If you’re finding it hard to decide which take to submit, ask a colleague or agent to offer their feedback.
Still have questions? Check out Spotlight’s brilliant guide to Self-Taping: How to Self-tape Auditions (spotlight.com)
If you follow these simple steps and give yourself plenty of time, you’ll be well on the way to sending us a great tape.
Enjoy.