How Many Takes Should I Send on a Self-Tape? CW Casting

How many takes should I send on a self-tape?

Short answer

Two at most. Catherine Willis asks that if you send two takes, they are significantly different versions of the scene. The UK self-tape guidelines agreed in 2021 by the Casting Directors' Guild, Equity, the Personal Managers' Association and the Co-operative Personal Management Association set the same limit: no more than two versions of each scene.

What else do the UK guidelines limit?

Limit	Guideline
Versions of each scene	No more than two
Scenes per role	No more than two
Roles per self-tape	No more than two
Pages to learn for a first tape	No more than six
Notice	At least four days, or three days for three pages or fewer

Why only two?

Choosing is part of the audition. Two significantly different versions of a scene show range and judgement. Sending more hands that choice to someone else.

Do I need a reader?

The guidelines say a reader is optional, need not be an actor, and that actors are not expected to pay for one.

Last checked 9 October 2026. Answered by CW Casting. Tell us if something here is out of date.