Share your acting audition tape - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Share your acting audition tape

Record a short acting audition tape: choose a sixty to ninety second monologue, rehearse expression and voice, film safely, and share with a trusted adult.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to record an acting audition tape

What you need

Monologue script, paper and pencil, mirror, simple costume or prop, quiet room, adult supervision required

Step 1

Pick a monologue that will last between sixty and ninety seconds.

Step 2

Read the whole monologue slowly to understand the story and who your character is.

Step 3

Use your pencil to underline emotions and mark pauses on the script.

Step 4

Stand in front of the mirror and practice facial expressions and body movements for the character.

Step 5

Say your lines out loud while trying different voice tones and speeds to find what feels right.

Step 6

Put on a simple costume piece or hold a prop that helps you become the character.

Step 7

Rehearse the entire monologue three times from start to finish without stopping.

Step 8

Choose a quiet well-lit room where you can record without interruptions.

Step 9

Ask a trusted adult to help set up the camera or phone for recording.

Step 10

Ask the trusted adult to stay nearby during your recording for safety.

Step 11

Record two to three takes of your monologue keeping each take between sixty and ninety seconds.

Step 12

Watch the recordings and pick the take you like best.

Step 13

Show your chosen take to the trusted adult and ask for friendly feedback.

Step 14

Record one final take using the adult’s feedback if you want to improve your performance.

Step 15

Share your finished audition tape on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a pencil, mirror, camera/phone, or a costume piece?

Use a pen or highlighter to underline emotions on the script (step to use your pencil), a laptop screen or clean window for the mirror practice, a tablet or webcam instead of a phone for recording, and a scarf, hat, or favorite toy as the simple costume piece or prop (steps 3–6, 8–9).

My recordings look dark or the sound is noisy—how do I fix that?

Choose a quiet, well-lit room by a window or add a lamp and move the camera closer, use the phone's mic or an external mic if you have one, and ask the trusted adult to minimize background noise and interruptions while setting up the camera (steps 7–10).

How can we adapt the activity for younger children or older teens?

For younger kids, pick a shorter 30–45 second monologue, use a simple prop and record only one or two takes with the trusted adult nearby, while older teens can add detailed character notes on the script, rehearse the full monologue more times, and experiment with varied voice tones and costume pieces before choosing a final take (steps 1, 3–6, 11–13).

What are some ways to improve or personalize our final audition tape?

Add a plain backdrop or subtle lighting, include a short title card with your name and monologue title at the start, try small costume or prop changes between takes, and use the trusted adult's feedback to record one polished final take before sharing on DIY.org (steps 6, 9, 12–14).

Watch videos on how to record an acting audition tape

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How To Self-Tape | Step by Step | ULTIMATE GUIDE

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Facts about acting and auditioning for kids

🎭 Many actors keep a “monologue book” with 10–20 pieces so they can pick the perfect short audition instantly.

🎬 Self-tape auditions skyrocketed after 2020 and now many casting calls prefer video submissions over in-person first rounds.

⏱️ Casting directors often look for 60–90 second clips — that sweet spot shows range without losing attention.

🎤 Facial expression and vocal choices can change how a line reads more than the exact words do.

👀 Research and casting stories say teams can form an impression in the first 10–20 seconds, so strong starts matter.

How do I help my child record a short acting audition tape?

To record a 60–90 second audition tape, pick a short monologue appropriate for your child. Warm up with voice and facial exercises, mark beats and intentions, and rehearse until comfortable. Choose a quiet spot with a neutral background, steady camera at eye level, and good lighting. Frame head and shoulders, do several takes, and encourage natural expression and clear projection. Review footage with your child and a trusted adult to pick the best take before sharing.

What materials do I need to record an audition tape for my child?

You’ll need a smartphone, tablet, or camera with clear audio, plus a tripod or steady surface. Use natural or soft lighting and a quiet room. Have the printed script or a teleprompter app, a timer, and a glass of water. An external microphone and simple editing app are optional but helpful. Make sure a trusted adult is available to give feedback, help with filming, and manage file sharing.

What ages is recording a 60–90 second audition tape suitable for?

This activity works well for children who can memorize and perform short pieces, typically ages 6 and up. Younger children (4–5) can try very short lines or poems with close adult guidance. Preteens and teenagers can complete 60–90 second monologues independently and learn more technique. Always choose age-appropriate material and provide supervision, encouragement, and help with technical steps.

How can I keep my child safe when sharing their audition tape?

Share the tape only with trusted adults or through secure channels; avoid public posting. Use private links, password protection, or direct file transfers, and remove identifying background details and metadata. Don’t include home or school addresses or full names. Get written consent before sending to agents or contests, and review any requests together. Stay involved by watching and approving submissions with your child.

Ready to create?