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.
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