Blog

April 13, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How to Self-Submit for Acting Roles (And Actually Get Seen)

Self-submitting on Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks can actually work. Here's how to do it right.

April 12, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How to Choose an Audition Monologue (That Isn't Everyone Else's Monologue)

Choosing the wrong audition monologue can tank you before you open your mouth. Here's how to pick one that actually works.

April 11, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How to Deal with Audition Nerves (From Someone Who Still Gets Them)

Audition nerves don't go away with experience. Here's what actually helps — from a working actor who's been nervous for twenty years.

April 10, 2026 · Philip Riccio

Your Ultimate Audition Prep Guide

Everything you need for a successful audition, from preparation to submission.

April 9, 2026 · Philip Riccio

What Is a Chemistry Read?

Chemistry reads confuse a lot of actors. Here's what they actually are, what casting is testing, and how to stop overplaying them.

April 8, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How to Get Better at Cold Reads

Cold reads aren't about being perfect. They're about making fast, playable choices. Here's how actors actually get better at them.

April 7, 2026 · Philip Riccio

Can You Use Self-Tapes in a Demo Reel?

Should actors use self-tape footage in a demo reel? Sometimes yes, often no. Here's the honest answer agents and casting actually care about.

April 6, 2026 · Philip Riccio

Commercial vs Theatrical Headshots: What Actors Actually Need

Confused about commercial vs theatrical headshots? Here's what casting actually expects, how many looks you need, and where actors waste money.

April 5, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How to Prepare for a Callback Audition (Without Losing Your Mind)

Got a callback? Here's how working actors actually prepare — what changes from the first tape, what casting wants, and what not to overthink.

April 4, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How Many Takes Should You Do for a Self-Tape? (Fewer Than You Think)

Most actors do way too many takes on self-tapes. Here's why your best work lives in takes 1-4 and how to stop the perfection spiral.

April 3, 2026 · Philip Riccio

Self-Tape Tips Every Actor Should Know — Lighting, Framing, and Audio

The practical self-tape tips that actually matter. A working actor's guide to lighting, framing, and audio that will make your tape look professional.

April 3, 2026 · Philip Riccio

What Casting Directors Actually Want in a Self-Tape

I asked casting directors what makes a self-tape stand out — and what makes them stop watching. Here's what they told me.

March 30, 2026 · Philip Riccio

The Best Self-Tape Apps for Actors in 2026 — An Honest Look

A working actor's honest breakdown of every self-tape app on the market — what they actually do well, where they fall short, and what to look for.

March 30, 2026 · Philip Riccio

How to Record a Self-Tape Without a Reader

It's 11 PM, you just got sides, and your reader bailed. Here's how to put yourself on tape solo — and actually be proud of what you send.

March 30, 2026 · Philip Riccio

Why We Created the Residuals Program

Streamers gutted residuals. We're giving them back. Here's why Self-e-Tape pays actors for building our community.

March 30, 2026 · Philip Riccio

Why Your Self-Tape Audio Sounds Bad (And What to Do About It)

Your performance was great. Your audio wasn't. Here's why self-tape audio is harder than it looks, and what actually makes a difference.