Self tapes aren't going anywhere—and we want to help you nail them.

This week, Aura Casting launched the beta version of our first-ever educational video course: Audition Glow Up! It's a project that’s been in the works for months, born out of hundreds of casting sessions and thousands of tapes. Our goal? To give actors the tools they need to feel confident, clear, and castable—even from their living room.

Whether you're new to the business, returning to the craft, or just tired of guessing what makes a good tape, this course is for you.

šŸŽ„ What Is Audition Glow Up?

A fun, straightforward guide to mastering self tape auditions—taught by a casting director.

Audition Glow Up is a 12-part video series (about 75 minutes total) packed with essential self tape know-how. It’s designed to meet actors where they are—whether you’re filming your first tape or still unsure why yours isn’t getting callbacks.

Through short, engaging lessons, we’ll walk you through everything from lighting and camera placement to editing, wardrobe, and backdrop setup. You’ll also get downloadable resource guides sprinkled throughout the course to keep things simple and actionable.

Meet Your Instructor:

Taylor Lambert, CSA

With over 15 years in the industry, Taylor Lambert brings a unique perspective: he's seen the casting process from both sides of the camera.

As the founder of Aura Casting, Taylor has cast more than 180 projects across 13 states, working with brands like Google, Toyota and Amazon. He launched Aura during the pandemic, right as self tape auditions were becoming the norm.

ā€œActors were overwhelmed. Suddenly they had to be their own cinematographer, editor, lighting designer, and scene partner. I wanted to create something that demystifies that process—and makes it feel doable,ā€
— Taylor Lambert

Now, through Audition Glow Up, he’s turning years of casting insight into something truly helpful: a step-by-step course that shows actors exactly what makes a self tape stand out.

šŸŽÆ Who Is This Course For?

Aka: Is this for you?

Yes, if you’re any of the following:

  • A new actor just starting out and unsure how to create a professional-looking tape at home.

  • A returning actor who's adjusting to how much auditioning has changed post-2020.

  • A working actor who books sometimes but wants to get more consistent callbacks—and stop worrying about your tech setup.

šŸŽ¬ What Makes Audition Glow Up Different?

There are plenty of self tape tutorials out there—we have to say, this one is super fun, and super useful.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Made by a casting director. Taylor doesn’t just teach theory—he’s watched thousands of self tapes and knows exactly what works.

  • Audition demos. See real examples of ā€œwhat not to doā€ vs. ā€œnailed it!ā€ so you can spot the difference.

  • Bite-sized lessons. No fluff, no filler. Just real info, simply explained.

  • Go at your own pace. Watch it all in a weekend, or come back to it every time you tape.

  • Downloadable guides. Gear recommendations on a sliding price scale to accommodate your needs.

🧪 Behind the Scenes: Beta Launch This Week!

We just kicked off the beta launch of Audition Glow Up, inviting about 30 people to test the materials and give feedback.

This group includes:

  • Actors we’ve worked with

  • Friends of Aura

  • A few non-actors to make sure it’s crystal clear, even for total beginners

They’re getting access to the full course and helping us identify what’s working, what’s confusing, and what could be even stronger.

šŸ“… When Is the Full Course Launching?

We’re aiming for a Fall 2025 release!

Between now and then, we’ll be editing based on beta feedback, tightening up the resources, and making sure it’s a great experience from start to finish.

Want to be the first to know when it drops?

āž”ļø Follow us on Instagram

āž”ļø Or create a profile in our actor database

šŸ’” Why We Made This

We’ve heard the same questions over and over again:

  • ā€œIs this background okay?ā€

  • ā€œWhy am I not getting callbacks?ā€

  • ā€œWhat kind of light do I need?ā€

  • ā€œDo I need a reader for this scene?ā€

There’s an art to self taping, and it’s not just about gear—it’s about how you present yourself. We wanted to take the guesswork out of that.

Creating this course is an extension of what Aura Casting is all about:
✨ Empowering actors. Making casting more human. Leveling the playing field.

šŸš€ What’s Next?

We’re just getting started.

Over the next few months, we’ll share:

  • Behind-the-scenes looks at the filming process

  • Feedback from beta testers

  • Sneak peeks of course content

  • Tips from Taylor on how to make your next tape your best one yet

And once Audition Glow Up officially launches, we hope it becomes a tool you return to again and again—whenever you need a refresher, a pep talk, or just a quick reminder of what makes a tape pop.

šŸ“£ Stay in the Loop

Want updates on the official release?

Let’s stay connected:

šŸ‘‰ Follow us on Instagram @auracasting
šŸ‘‰ Create a profile in our Actor Database

We can’t wait to help you glow up your next audition.

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