How To Make A Casting Tape For A Reality Performance Show

Step 1: Pick Your Performance Piece

If the show that you're auditioning for has already been on the air, study it to see what's worked for other contestants. If it's a pop music show, you don't want to sing an aria. If it's a ballroom dancing show, pop-locking is probably not going to land you a part. Pick a piece that allows you to showcase your range- but doesn't take you beyond your talents. And though you want to stick with the TYPE of performance that the show is famous for, don't be afraid to choose a piece that the judges haven't heard a million times.

Step 2: Pick Your Location

Choose a location with lots of light and enough space to perform in. Make sure you're not backlit-- that is, that you don't have a window or bright light in back of you.

Step 3: Set Up The Camera

Set the camera on a tripod at your eye level. If you don't have a tripod, set it on a high table or shelf, making sure it's not crooked. If you're singing, make sure you're close enough to the camera to be heard. If you're dancing, make sure the camera is far enough back to get your whole routine. And don't shoot outside-- there will probably be too much background noise.

Step 4: Tape an Introduction

Give a brief, energetic introduction. Make sure you hit any points listed in the show's instructions. If you have an interesting back-story to why you want to perform, tell it. This is your chance to show that you're an engaging, exciting person that an audience can root for.

Step 5: Perform!

And...You're up! Here's where you give it all you've got. If you mess up, start over. We'll show you how to fix it in the next step.

Step 6: Edit Your Performance

If you've recorded a couple versions of your audition and you want to send in the best, connect your camcorder to your television's AV inputs with an AV cable, available at electronics stores. Make sure you've also got a VCR connected to the TV, in the "Out" jacks. Find your introduction, cue it up on the TV, and hit record on the VCR. Stop the VCR as soon as the intro's over. Then find the version of your performance that you like and do the same. Remember to hit stop on the VCR, or you'll be showing more than you want to.

Step 7: Check Your Tape

Check the final VHS tape, making sure the lighting is OK and that your performance can be seen and heard clearly. (You may need to reconnect your VCR to the "In" jacks to do this). Label the tape with your name and contact information-- skip the stickers and glitter paint-- and drop it in the mail.