How to Find Self Tape Auditions
posted 27th May 2025
If you’re an actor in the UK, you’ll know that self tapes are here to stay. You can love them or hate them, but they are often your first (and sometimes only) shot at landing a role.
So, where exactly do you find self tape auditions? Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while and want to level up, here’s a breakdown of how to stay ahead and keep those scripts rolling in.
To level up your self taping game, visit Book The Self Studio to find out about our services.
1. Sign Up to Casting Platforms
Signing up to casting platforms should be part of your self tape checklist. Many actors are focused on one casting platform or they don't know where to look at all. Spotlight is still the gold standard for professional UK actors, however, their requirements can be strict for a budding actor. Not to worry, as there are many networks anyone can sign up to, such as Casting Networks, Mandy, and Backstage. Many roles, especially commercial or indie projects, pop up on multiple platforms.
Keep your profiles updated with fresh headshots and self tape examples, especially if you’ve had a new look or recent training. If you have done previous acting work, make sure you add your most recent showreel to showcase your work as this is most likely what a casting director will look at first.
2. Follow Casting Directors and Agents on Social Media
Instagram and X have a ton of casting info and many actors underutilise this option. Casting directors like to share opportunities, especially for fast-turnaround self tape castings.
Finding the right casting directors may require some thinking outside the box, but there are good ways to find them. Look on IMDB to see what creatives are involved in your favourite project. You can also use hashtags like #selftapecasting, #ukactors, or #castingcalluk to find open calls and last-minute tapes. They are often also shared in stories, so make sure you set some time aside daily to look through casting directors' stories.
3. Join Facebook Groups and Whatsapp Groups
There are some fantastic actor communities out there. Facebook or Whatsapp groups often post self tape opportunities, open calls, and tips from those already in the room. Ask other actors what groups they are a part of and whether they can invite you or do some googling yourself.
Just make sure to vet any post before you dive in as this option can come with some level of 'fake news'.
5. Be Genuine When Reaching Out to People for Self Tape Auditions
While all these tips can help you, most people can smell it a mile off if they are constantly contacted by someone who is only looking for what is in it for them. The best connections come from long-term engagement with people, their social media accounts or applications for their projects.
Make sure you also champion other people's work, even if you weren't involved in it to make stronger connections and to be remembered in a positive way by industry creatives.
Need a pro setup or a reader who actually gets it? Book a session at Book The Self Tape Studio; we're here to help actors in London and beyond put their best tape forward, every time.
