Do You Read Stage Directions in a Self-Tape?

By Webmaster

  • Do You Read Stage Directions in a Self-Tape?

    Why you should focus on embodying the stage directions physically and emotionally

    (By Tonya Tannenbaum)

    Stage directions, which provide context about the characters’ actions, emotions, and setting, are often detailed in sides or scripts provided for auditions. But should you read them aloud in a self-tape?

    Generally, the answer is no—you should focus on embodying the stage directions physically and emotionally rather than verbalizing them. Stage directions are included in scripts to guide the actors and director in understanding the setting, tone, and action of a scene. They often provide cues about:

    Physical actions: (“She sits down,” “He storms out of the room”)

    Emotional states: (“He hesitates, unsure of what to say”)

    Scene context: (“A dimly lit room” or “The sound of rain in the distance”)

    In a live audition, the casting director might provide the setting and emotional direction in person. But in a self-tape, you have to make these decisions yourself, showing how you interpret and perform the scene without any additional explanation.

    Why You Shouldn’t Read Stage Directions Aloud

    In a self-tape, reading the stage directions aloud is generally unnecessary and could detract from your performance. The casting director is interested in seeing how you bring the scene to life, not in hearing you narrate what’s supposed to happen. Here are some reasons why you should avoid vocalizing stage directions:

    Reading aloud stage directions can interrupt the natural rhythm of the scene. The focus should be on the dialogue and your performance, not on descriptions of what’s happening.

    Also, casting directors are already familiar with the script and expect you to show, not tell. They want to see how well you can internalize and interpret the character’s emotions and actions, rather than hearing you read a line like “She looks frustrated” instead of expressing that frustration through your performance.

    Casting directors want to be pulled into the world of the character. Verbalizing stage directions can take them out of the moment, breaking the illusion that you’re in the middle of the story.

    How to Handle Stage Directions in a Self-Tape

    While you don’t want to read stage directions out loud, you do need to find ways to incorporate them into your performance naturally.

    Incorporate physical actions: If the stage direction mentions that the character sits down, paces, or gestures, try to incorporate these movements subtly into your self-tape. However, make sure that your actions remain natural and don’t overshadow the performance. You want to enhance the scene, not overdo the physicality.

    Show emotions through expression and tone: If the stage direction notes that the character hesitates, looks confused, or gets angry, use your facial expressions and vocal delivery to convey those emotions. It’s important to embody the emotional beats of the scene, even if they’re not explicitly stated in your lines.

    Stay true to your interpretation: Stage directions are often suggestions, and you’re free to interpret them in a way that feels authentic to your performance. For example, if the script says “He’s visibly shocked,” you don’t have to play it with wide eyes and exaggerated expressions. You could choose a more subtle response that aligns with your interpretation of the character.

    Keep your space in mind: In self-tapes, you’re usually limited by the space you’re filming in, so adapt the stage directions to fit within your environment. If the script says your character walks across the room, but you don’t have the room to do that, find smaller ways to imply the movement—like a shift in posture or stepping forward.

    When to Ignore Stage Directions

    There may be instances when stage directions feel overly complicated or distracting for a self-tape. For example, if a script calls for a dramatic action like smashing a glass or running out of the room, it might be impractical or even unsafe to perform in your self-tape. In these cases:

    Imply the action: You can suggest the action without fully committing to it. If the character is supposed to knock something over, you might mime the movement without physically knocking anything over. The goal is to give the casting director a sense of the action without needing to replicate it exactly.

    Focus on the emotion: If the action can’t be performed, focus on conveying the emotional weight behind the stage direction. For instance, if your character is supposed to throw something in anger, make sure the emotional intensity comes through in your expression, voice, and posture, even if you don’t physically throw anything.

    Exceptions and Special Cases

    While most of the time you shouldn’t read stage directions, there may be rare exceptions where casting directors specifically request that you include them in your self-tape (for instance, if the scene is particularly technical). Always read the casting instructions carefully and follow any specific requests provided.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What Nationality Is Flo from Progressive?

    What Nationality Is Flo from Progressive? The cultural background of a beloved commercial icon and its impact on her persona (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Rise of Flo: An Iconic Commercial Character Flo, the…

    What Insurance Company Keeps You from Becoming Your Parents?

    What Insurance Company Keeps You from Becoming Your Parents? Exploring how choosing the right insurance can help break the cycle and create your own financial path (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Generational Insurance Trap…

    Is improv acting hard?

    Is improv acting hard? Exploring the challenges and rewards of thinking on your feet in performance (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Understanding the Basics of Improv Acting Improv, short for improvisational acting, is the art…

    How much do acting agents cost?

    How much do acting agents cost? Understanding the commission, structure, and what to expect when signing with an agent (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Standard Commission: How Agents Make Their Money Unlike managers or…

    Should an actor get a manager or agent first?

    Should an actor get a manager or agent first? Navigating the first big step in your acting career: choosing the right representative (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Difference Between an Agent and a Manager…

  • Ad

  • How much do you pay an acting manager?

    How much do you pay an acting manager? Understanding the standard fees and real-world examples for actors’ managers (By Tonya Tannenbaum) What Does an Acting Manager Do? An acting manager plays a critical…

    Why is Flo from Progressive So Popular?

    Why is Flo from Progressive So Popular? Exploring the Phenomenon Behind the Iconic Insurance Spokesperson (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Introduction to Flo: A Modern Advertising Icon When you think of insurance commercials, you might…

    How Much Do McDonald’s Commercial Actors Make?

    How Much Do McDonald’s Commercial Actors Make? A Look Into the Pay and Perks of McDonald’s Ad Stars (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Role of McDonald’s Commercial Actors McDonald’s, one of the most iconic…

  • Ad

  • How to Do Improvisation Acting?

    How to Do Improvisation Acting? Mastering the Art of Spontaneity on Stage and Screen (By Tonya Tannenbaum) What Is Improvisation Acting? Improvisation acting, or improv, is the art of creating characters, dialogue, and…

    How Do I Get an Acting Manager?

    How Do I Get an Acting Manager? A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Right Representation for Your Acting Career (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Understanding What an Acting Manager Does Before seeking representation, it’s crucial…

    Do Acting Managers Get You Auditions?

    Do Acting Managers Get You Auditions? Exploring the Truth About What Acting Managers Can—and Can’t—Do for Your Career (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Role of Acting Managers in an Actor’s Career Acting managers play…

    What is an Acting Manager?

    What is an Acting Manager? Understanding the Role, Responsibilities, and Importance of Acting Managers in the Entertainment Industry (By Tonya Tannenbaum) What Does an Acting Manager Do? An acting manager, also known as…

    How Does a Modesty Pouch Stay On?

    How Does a Modesty Pouch Stay On? Exploring the Technology and Function of Modesty Pouches in Performances (By Jim Webb) Introduction: What is a Modesty Pouch? A modesty pouch is a small garment…

  • Ad

  • Do You Have to Pay SAG Dues?

    Do You Have to Pay SAG Dues? Understanding the Requirements and Benefits of Being a Member of the Screen Actors Guild (By Jim Webb) Introduction: What is the Screen Actors Guild (SAG)? The…

    Did Stallone Study Acting?

    Did Stallone Study Acting? Exploring Sylvester Stallone’s Journey into Acting and How He Became a Hollywood Legend (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Rise of Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Stallone is a name synonymous with…

    How Many Movies Has Arnold Schwarzenegger Acted In?

    How Many Movies Has Arnold Schwarzenegger Acted In? Tracing the extensive filmography of Arnold Schwarzenegger, from his first role to his most recent films. (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Hollywood Legacy Arnold…

  • Ad

  • Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Take Acting Lessons?

    Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Take Acting Lessons? Exploring the iconic journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger from bodybuilder to Hollywood legend and how he learned the craft of acting. (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Beginning of…

    How Long Can You Stay SAG Eligible?

    How Long Can You Stay SAG Eligible? Understanding the Journey to Full SAG-AFTRA Membership (By Jim Webb) What Does “SAG Eligible” Mean? For many actors, becoming SAG-AFTRA eligible is a major milestone on…

    Is it Hard to Get Your SAG Card?

    Is it Hard to Get Your SAG Card? Navigating the Path to Becoming a SAG-AFTRA Member (By Ray Reese) The Importance of a SAG Card For aspiring actors, the SAG-AFTRA card represents a…

    Has Sylvester Stallone Retired from Acting?

    Has Sylvester Stallone Retired from Acting? An In-Depth Look at Stallone’s Career and Future in Film (By Carmichael Phillip) The Early Years: Stallone’s Rise to Stardom Sylvester Stallone’s journey to becoming a global…

    What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best acting?

    What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best acting? An Exploration of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Career Highlights and Best Performances (By Carmichael Phillip) The Rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rise to fame is nothing short of…

  • Ad