From Self-Tape To Set: A Masterclass With Stef Tovar

In this module, you’ll meet Stef Tovar, hear his motivation for writing The MAP: An Actor’s Guide to On-Camera Acting and creating From Self-Tape to Set, and begin to experience his expertise. Due to the evolving nature of the acting industry, you’ll discover the importance of mastering on-camera techniques and self-tape skills. Glean immediate insights from Stef’s extensive research and experience in coaching actors, setting the stage for your subsequent lessons breaking down on-camera auditions.

Now it’s time for you to apply what you’ve learned. You can’t just watch videos and expect to master these skills. We’ve included exercises after each module to challenge you to take action on the principles or enhance comprehension. We’ll start easy...

I’m including a self-tape here of mine—not to boast. Not to have you look at and judge my acting, but to look for the STORY. Watch it with the sound down—is the story clear?

I booked this role with no callback, without ever meeting the director (Kenny Leon, who I learned so much from). So many jobs you will audition for and book without ever meeting the director.

In this module, you'll gain access to a transformative approach for your auditions. Discover the MAP Technique, a comprehensive method that will guide you from the moment you receive an audition to delivering a captivating performance. This module not only walks you through each step of the technique, but also equips you with strategies to tackle common challenges, ensuring you're fully prepared to transition confidently from self-tape to being on set.

Discover the MAP Technique, a comprehensive method that will guide you from the moment you receive an audition to delivering a captivating performance. This module not only walks you through each step of the technique, but also equips you with strategies to tackle common challenges, ensuring you're fully prepared to transition confidently from self-tape to being on set.

Using the “Receptionist” scene, map out your beats. Make sure your scene has a beginning, middle and end (by using the “Need to Speak” and a “Button”). And focus on the STORY your short film is telling—NOT your performance. Make sure your thoughts in your beats are CLEAR.

This module transforms self-tape auditions with key on-camera technical tricks that you can use on set as well. Learn “Thinking Places” to allow your audience to watch your character think and process, understand and use Vertical Eye Movement and voice modulation, and learn to break up the line and make it your own. Embrace “Less is More” for impactful, subtle performances.

Time to employ those technical tricks! These subtle tricks are going to have you laughing out loud at actors you see making these mistakes.

Take the Receptionist scene and do at least one other take—employing the technical tricks from this module. Watch your takes side by side and make notes for yourself.

In this module, you'll learn to embrace the “Director’s” mindset, refine your storytelling, and simplify your technical setup to create self-tapes that truly showcase your talent and professionalism. You’ll learn how and when to wear your Actor and Director hats. This module provides you with the technical knowledge and creative insights to ensure your self-tapes are not just good, but exceptional.

You've got the foundation of a great self-tape: The MAP Technique. You've added the 4 Technical Tricks to your foundation and now: make sure you adhere to the self-tape "Do's" and stay away from the don'ts.