How to Self Tape Without a Reader

Wondering how to self tape without a reader? Use ScenePartner, an app that lets you upload scripts and run lines with an AI reader. It listens for you to finish your lines and reads the other parts in a natural voice that sounds just like a human reader.

You just got an audition request, and it sounds like the perfect role. BUT it's due tomorrow, your actor friends aren't available (or you don't want to bother them for the seventeenth time), and you want to get the audition done right now. What do you do if you don't have a reader?

In this guide, we'll cover the best ways for you to to self tape without a reader:

1. Use an app

The easiest and fastest way is to use an app like ScenePartner that's purpose-built to read lines with you. Here’s how it works:

1. Upload your script - Upload a PDF or type the lines in yourself.

2. Choose a reader - choose from a variety of super realistic male and female voices that are indistinguishable from a live human reader.

3. Run the scene - Hit play on your camera and play the scene in ScenePartner. You and the AI go back and forth, just like you would with a live reader. You say your line, ScenePartner listens for you to finish, then it delivers the other characters' lines.

4. Run it again - One great thing about an AI reader is that you're not "on the clock" like you would be with a human reader. You can run the scene as many times as you want at no extra cost. This is super nice if you're learning your lines or just want to try a bunch of different takes.

Pro Tip: For finer control of how the AI reader says its lines, you can record lines and have it mimic your tone and pacing!

2. Pre-record the other lines

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can pre-record the other characters' lines into your phone or computer. Here's how:

1. Open audio or video recording app - On iOS or Mac, open the Voice Memos app. On Mac, you can also use the Photobooth app. On Android, use the pre-installed Recorder app. And on Windows, look for the Voice Recorder app.

2. Read the script - For your lines, read the line in your head or very softly to yourself at the pace you'll deliver the line. For the other characters, read the lines out loud.

3. Run the scene - Start recording on your camera, then hit play on the recording

Challenges: Getting the timing right can be tricky, and you'll have to deliver the line at the same pace each time or the recording timing will be off. It's frustrating, but doable, so be mentally prepared for some trial and error.

3. Find a reader online

Okay, so this guide was supposed to be about self taping without a reader, but we have to throw this in as an option. If you don't have a friend or family member available, and the options above don't work for you, consider hiring a reader.

WeAudition is a popular platform for finding readers online. There is a monthly subscription fee of $9.99 and readers typically charge $8-20 per 15 minutes.

You can also find self-tape studios by googling "self tape studios near me". These are more "white-glove" services that will provide you with a live reader in a studio, tape the audition for you, and in some cases provide you with some coaching. They're not exactly cheap, but do take on a lot of the work of taping for you.

Comparing the options

• ScenePartner

  • Pros: Easy to use, fast, sounds just like a human reader

  • Cons: First 3 scripts free, but paid after that

• Pre-record lines

  • Pros: Free to use, no additional tools required

  • Cons: Frustrating to get timing right, clear that you're reading your own lines, time-consuming

• Hire reader

  • Pros: Human interaction, can provide coaching and feedback

  • Cons: Gets expensive quickly, reader quality varies

Final Thoughts

You absolutely can self tape on your own and plenty of actors do! Ultimately, you'll need to choose the option that works based on your budget, schedule and willingness to work with technology. But don't skip an audition because you don't have a reader available to you. You got the audition request because the casting director saw something in you, and you should absolutely submit your tape. Knock'em dead!

Ready to nail your self tapes? Try ScenePartner out for free today.