BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen self-tape guidance

Everything you need to know about your self-recorded audition video for the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course.

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Everything you need to know about your self-recorded audition video for the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course.

BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen self-tape guidance

BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen self-tape guidance

Thank you for applying to the BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen course at the University of East London. 

As part of your admissions process, you are required to submit a self-recorded audition video (self-tape) that shows your performance and acting potential.

FAQs

What’s required?

The recorded audition must consist of three parts:

1.    An introduction about yourself
2.    Your monologue
3.    A sight reading of the attached film script “HER”, choosing to play either of the character roles.

The introduction

State your name, where you are from, tell us something about yourself and why you wish to study Acting for Stage and Screen at UEL.

Monologue

Before your monologue, introduce the piece with the name of the character you are playing, the play from which the speech originates, and the author. For example, “This is Chima from Gods Property by Arinze Kene”. You must read the whole of the play from which your monologue is taken so that you understand the character and the context properly.

The maximum length of the introduction and monologue is two minutes each. Your recording will be four minutes in total, plus the reading. Please do not extend it beyond this time limit.

All audition materials must be performed in English.

Reading

The sight reading does NOT need to be learnt and should be played to the camera.

Tips and hints

Tips for delivery: 

  • Do not refer to any notes or script for the monologue and introduction
  • Look directly into the camera for the introduction
  • Deliver your monologue either with your eye line slightly off-frame (i.e. not down the lens) or directly to the camera. If possible, have someone standing just to the side of the camera, out of shot, for you to talk to.

Tips for recording your audition video

  • Your audition video can be recorded using a smartphone camera (i.e. iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, etc.). You do not need a professional-grade camera.
  • When recording your audition video, try to use a room that has privacy, some space to move and very little or no background noise.
  • If possible, position your equipment in front of a plain wall and place it so that the main light source comes from behind the camera and that the image clearly shows your head, shoulders and torso.
  • Do not stand too far away from the camera or in front of a window, as this will create a silhouette, and we may find it difficult to see you.  
  • If you are using a smartphone, to maintain a steady image, it should ideally sit on a tripod (or similar device) or be secured on a stable surface where it cannot move.  
  • If you are filming your submission in one continuous take, leave a brief pause between the end of your first speech and the beginning of the reading.

How to send your self tape?

  • Attach your self-tape details as a single PDF or Word document (no larger than 10 MB).
  • In that document, include a link to the online video (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive) so we can view it.
  • If your video is password-protected, include the password in the document so we can access it.
  • Submit within two weeks of receiving the request in your Applicant Portal.
  • If you cannot meet this deadline, please contact Admissions early to avoid your application being withdrawn.

Further information

If you have questions about your application or need support:

  • Call +44 (0) 20 8223 3333 Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm; or
  • Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen.