Welcome
Many of our performance courses use self-tapes as part of the admissions process.
A self-tape gives us an opportunity to see your work before inviting applicants to the next stage of the admissions process. It also gives you the flexibility to prepare and record your pieces in a space where you feel comfortable.
You do not need professional equipment or advanced editing skills to create a successful self-tape. We are much more interested in your performance, creativity and communication than production quality.
This guidance applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate performance applicants, unless your course-specific admissions guidance states otherwise.
Preparing Your Self-Tape
The specific requirements will vary depending on the course you are applying for. Please refer to your course-specific admissions guidance for details of the pieces you need to submit.
Where monologues are required:
- Monologues should be filmed in landscape format.
- Each monologue should begin with a short introduction.
- All pieces must be performed by you.
- All pieces must be performed in English.
- Speeches should be between one and two minutes in length.
Your introduction should include:
- Your name
- The title of the piece
- The writer
- The character you are portraying
For example:
“Hello, my name is Jane Smith. I’ll be performing Juliet’s speech from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.”
Recording Your Self-Tape
A self-tape does not need to be professionally produced.
Choose a quiet space where you can be seen and heard clearly. A simple setup is often the most effective, allowing us to focus on your performance rather than technical effects.
We recommend:
- Recording in landscape format
- Using a well-lit space
- Making sure your voice can be heard clearly
- Keeping the background simple and free from distractions
- Watching your recording back before submitting it
You can successfully create a self-tape using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Performing Your Monologues
Focus on communication, storytelling and connection to the text.
We are interested in how you engage with the material, how you communicate ideas and relationships, and how you bring characters and stories to life through performance.
Costumes, props and special effects are not required. The most important thing is that we can clearly see and hear your work.
Creating a Devising Piece
For our Acting BA and Acting for Screen and Devised Performance BA programmes we ask you to submit a devised piece as part of your self-tape.
As part of the task, you will be asked to choose one stimulus from a selection of four images provided by the College. These images change each year.
Using your chosen image as inspiration, create and perform your own original piece. Your response should be recorded as part of your self-tape and should be between 60 and 80 seconds in length.
There is no single correct interpretation of the stimulus. We’re interested in how you respond to the image and develop your own ideas.
Your piece might include, but is not limited to:
- A short film created and edited by you
- A piece of storytelling or a self-written monologue
- Puppetry or mask work
- Poetry or spoken word
- Movement-based performance or dance
- Song, vocal work or a soundscape
- Any other creative form that reflects your interests, skills and creative practice
You are free to work in one art form or combine several.
Use this opportunity to show us how you generate ideas and express yourself through your work. We are interested in your imagination, creativity and individuality more than a polished or technically complex piece.
Instrumental Submissions
For those applying to our Actor Musicianship BA programme you will also be asked to submit at least one instrumental performance video as part of your self-tape.
Please note that singing does not count as an instrument for this stage of the admissions process.
Choose a piece that demonstrates your strengths as a musician. This doesn’t have to be the most difficult piece you can play. It is often more effective to perform something you know well and can play confidently.
Think about what the piece says about you as a musician. We’re interested in musical communication, expression and individuality as well as technical ability.
If you play more than one instrument, we encourage you to submit additional videos. This can help us understand the breadth of your musical experience and interests.
Record your instrument videos in a way that allows us to see you playing clearly. Make sure both you and your instrument are visible wherever possible, and ensure the sound is clear enough for us to hear the detail in your performance.
As with the acting elements of your self-tape, professional recording equipment is not required. A clear recording in a quiet environment is all you need.
Common Questions About Self-Tapes
Do I need professional recording equipment?
No. We are much more interested in your performance than in production quality.
A clear recording with good lighting and sound is all that is required.
Can I record my self-tape on a phone?
Yes. Most applicants successfully record their self-tapes using a smartphone or tablet.
Can I edit my self-tape?
Simple editing is fine, but we recommend keeping the recording straightforward and focused on the performance.
What should I wear for my self-tape?
Wear something comfortable that allows you to focus on the performance. Costumes are not required.
Can I perform with an accent?
Yes, where appropriate to the text and character.
What if I make a mistake?
Small mistakes happen. Focus on communicating the story and connecting with the material rather than striving for perfection.
What We're Looking For
We’re interested in how you engage with the material, communicate your ideas and bring your own creativity to the work.
We enjoy seeing performers who are imaginative, thoughtful and willing to explore their own creative voice. Above all, we want to gain an understanding of your potential and how you might develop through training.
For Parents, Carers, Supporters and Teachers
Self-tapes are often the first stage of the admissions process and can feel both exciting and daunting for applicants.
The most valuable support is often practical encouragement. Helping applicants manage their time, prepare their material and create a suitable space for recording can make a real difference.
We encourage applicants to focus on communicating their ideas and engaging with the material rather than striving for technical perfection.
Need More Help?
If you have questions about self-tapes, auditions or preparing your application, please visit our Auditions & Interviews FAQs or contact the Admissions team.