Self-Tape Masterclass: 3-Week Online Programme

Learn how to create stronger, more confident self-tapes for auditions, castings and drama school applications.

Following the success of our Intro to Self-Tapes workshop, we’re delighted to launch a focused 3-week Self-Tape Masterclass with Sarah Mayhew.

This programme is designed for young performers who want to feel more confident on camera, understand what casting teams are looking for, and learn how to create self-tapes that look, sound and feel more professional.

Across the 3 weeks, students will learn the practical, technical and performance skills needed to approach self-tapes with clarity and confidence. They’ll also create their own self-tape during the course and receive direct feedback from Sarah in a small group setting.

This is not just a “how to press record” course. It’s about learning how to perform truthfully on screen, make smart choices quickly, understand audition material, and present yourself professionally when opportunities come in.

Course details

Course length: 3 weeks
Session length: 1 hour 30 minutes per week
Total training time: 4.5 hours
Price: £75
Group size: Maximum 8 students per group

DATES (Each 6:00-7:30pm)

• Tuesday 23rd June
• Tuesday 30th June
• Tuesday 7th July 

Students must book the full 3-week course.

Spaces are intentionally limited to just 8 students per group so every participant receives personal attention, practical guidance and individual feedback.

If the first group sells out quickly, we will look at opening a second block.

Why self-taping matters

Self-tapes are now a huge part of the audition world.

Whether a student is applying for professional opportunities, youth productions, drama school, college courses, agencies or future castings, being able to create a strong self-tape is an essential skill.

A good self-tape is not just about having a nice camera or good lighting. It’s about knowing how to frame yourself, where to place your eyeline, how to use stillness, how to connect with the material, how to work with a reader, and how to make bold but truthful performance choices on screen.

These are skills that can make a real difference.

About Sarah Mayhew

Sarah Mayhew is a TV actress and self-tape specialist who teaches this subject at college and professional level.

Her knowledge of screen technique, audition preparation and self-tape performance is incredibly valuable for young performers who want to understand how to present themselves properly on camera.

Students will be learning from someone who understands both the technical side of self-taping and the performance detail needed to make a tape land.

Why the course is limited to 8 students

We’ve deliberately kept this programme small.

Self-tape training works best when students can be seen, coached and given individual feedback. With only 8 students per group, Sarah can spend proper time helping each performer understand what they’re doing well, what could be stronger, and how to make their tape more effective.

This is a practical, feedback-led course — not a webinar.

Week 1: Introduction to Self-Taping and Screen Technique

The first session introduces students to the fundamentals of professional self-taping within the UK industry.

Students will cover the key technical and performance basics, including framing, lighting, sound, background setup, eyelines, screen awareness and adapting performance style for camera.

This session will also recap key learning from the intro workshop, so students can still join the course even if they did not attend the initial one-off session.

Students will also begin looking at how to break down audition material and understand the information given by casting.

Homework: Learn the script provided.

Week 2: Script Analysis, Performance Choices and Monologues

The second session focuses on helping students make clear, truthful and adaptable choices within a self-tape.

Students will explore quick script analysis techniques, objectives, subtext, emotional stakes, pacing and authenticity on camera.

They’ll also look at working with readers effectively, trying multiple takes, and making adjustments without overthinking or losing confidence.

This session will also touch on monologues and material choice for drama school-style preparation.

Homework: Finalise performance material

Week 3: Professional Practice and Mock Auditions

The final session brings everything together through practical application.

Students will work through mock audition scenarios, watch tapes, receive feedback, take direction and practise making quick adjustments under time pressure.

The aim is for students to leave the course with a clearer understanding of how to approach self-tapes professionally and with much more confidence in what they are sending out.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for young performers who:

• Want to feel more confident creating self-tapes
• Are interested in auditioning for professional opportunities, youth productions, agencies, colleges or drama schools
• Want to understand how to perform truthfully on camera
• Have previously felt unsure about lighting, framing, eyelines or setup
• Want practical feedback in a small, supportive group
• Are serious about improving their audition skills