Filming Tips

  • Find a space where you can move around freely, taking care to move items that might impede your creative exploration. This is especially important for dance and movement.

  • See below for examples of a Close-up Shot and a Full-frame Shot.

  • Ensure the camera portion of your device is at eye level. This way the camera can record you the way others see you. You can use a tripod (at least 60 inches tall) built for a smart phone 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 always preferable, but not required.

  • Do your best to find a space that is free of visual distractions. 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. Do not have a lamp or window directly behind you as it 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.

  • Choose comfortable clothing with little-to-no stripes or patterns.

  • Try not to obsess over a little mistake – we’re all human. Do a couple of takes of each monologue or song and choose the one to upload. Make sure the sound quality is good and watch your videos all the way through before you upload them.

  • Keep the upload process simple. There is no need to add captions or graphics.

Two boxes. The left box is labeled Close-Up Shot and shows a blue figure from the head to just below the shoulders. The right box is labeled Full-Frame Shot and shows a person in a wheelchair from the top of the head to the bottom of the wheelchair wheels.