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

> 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.

## Sources

- [Backstage: UK self-tape best practice guidelines, August 2021](https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/casting-directors-equity-best-practice-self-tapes-73820/)

Last checked: 9 October 2026. Page: https://www.cwcasting.co.uk/questions/how-many-takes-should-i-send-on-a-self-tape