Filming Guidelines

General Guidelines and Tips

Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.)
Solid-colored walls are ideal, but any background that does not steal the focus from your performance is desired.
Take care that your space allows for adequate lighting. Having a lamp or window directly behind you will cast a shadow over your face. Keep the lighting source behind your recording device or to the side of you so that your face is lit.
When using pre-recorded music, place the music source (the speaker) closer to you than it is to the device on which you are recording. By having the accompaniment near you, your voice and music will reach the microphone on your device in a more balanced manner.
Before filming, do a trial run to test both your audio & visual presentation. Watch your video back to ensure everything looks AND sounds okay.
Ensure the camera portion of your device is at eye level (see example). You can use a tripod built for a smartphone or tablet. If you do not have a tripod, consider using a stack of books on a desk or box. Filming in “landscape” (horizontally) is recommended.

A person looking straight ahead with a camera below eye-level tiling up. A red x is next to this image. A person looking straight ahead with a camera at eye-level tiling up. A green check mark is next to this image.

Introduction "Slate" Video

Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera.
- This is an opportunity for the auditors to get a sense of your personality and to learn the pronunciation of your name.
There is no need to slate your individual performance videos and pieces. Instead, clearly label each video with your name and the title of the piece you are performing (see more details below).

Labeling Guidelines for All Videos

Label each video file with the piece you are performing, the show or playwright, and your first & last name:

Title of Song – Musical/Show – Your First & Last Name
Title of Play – Playwright – Your First & Last Name

Examples:

Slate – James Smith
Your Daddy’s Son – Ragtime – Minnie Mouse
Much Ado About Nothing – William Shakespeare – Luke Skywalker

Time Guidelines for All Performance Videos

All song, monologue, dance, ballet, and wild card videos are recommended to be between 60-90 seconds each.

Framing for Slates, Songs, and Monologues

Camera framing is simply the placement and position of the actor in the shot. We recommend a waist up frame so we can see your face and hear you clearly.