with Max Barsness
May 5th - June 2nd
Self-tapes are a chance to grow as an actor while showing casting what you can do—but they’re not about booking the job. The truth is, you could give the best performance of your life, make the casting director laugh or cry, and still not get the part. Maybe you don’t match the lead, remind the director of their ex, or just don’t fit the vision in ways you can’t control. And that’s okay! The key is to let go of the outcome and focus on what is in your control.
In this class, we’ll take the pressure off and approach self-tapes as an opportunity to explore, take risks, and stay present. We’ll work on ways to stay grounded, quiet self-doubt, and make the process more enjoyable. What excites you about the character? How does your personal life inform your choices? How can you make the material feel alive in a way that’s uniquely you? By focusing on the work instead of the result, your performances will become more specific, confident, and compelling—without the weight of overthinking or trying to “get it right.” When you’re fully engaged in what you’re doing, the frame is yours.
We’ll also dig into the business of casting—how to build relationships, take adjustments with ease, and understand what casting directors are really looking for. You’ll even get to see things from the other side of the table, helping you approach self-tapes with more confidence and clarity. We’ll work on script analysis and making choices that keep casting interested—choices that feel fresh and unexpected rather than safe and predictable. You can always pull back if needed, but the goal is to submit a tape that makes them want to watch. Because when you’re truly invested, it shows.
Tension wins the frame.