The Acting Habit:
21-Day Self-Tape Challenge
I accepted the challenge from Manuel Puro to provide 21 self-tapes using scripts from popular films/shows. This project ran from 1st November to 22nd November 2025. He, along with my fellow actors (over a dozen participated) provide feedback and instructions on learning the lines, improvisation, lighting and filming, and applications you can use. It has helped me tremendously. I highly recommend Click here for the link.
21 Self-Tapes
Day 1: The Achiever
A scene written by Joseph Arnone, which emphasises seeing a task to the end. Appropriate for this challenge.
Day 3: DD
This is from "Opposite of Sex" written/directed by Don Roos; I play DD, a confused teenager talking about sex.
Day 5: Parent
This is from "American Horror Story" written by Ryan Murphy. I play a grief-stricken parent connecting with his dead daughter.
Day 7: Surgeon
This scene is from ER, an episode directed by Quientin Tarantino. Dramatic surgery scene.
Day 9: Judge
This comes from the 2nd season of "Black Mirror"where you gain credits by riding stationary bikes. I'm a callous judge on a singing contest.
Day 11: Donavan
This is a monologue written by Brenna Allen. A needy stalker is leaving a VM on his victim's answering machine.
Day 13: Quinn
It comes from "Little Miss Sunshine" written by Michael Arndt.
Day 15: Sam
This scene comes from the tv show "Pretty Little Liars" with this excerpt written by Sara Shepard.
Day 2: Dr. Siebert
This is from "Side Effects" written by Scott Burns; I play a psychiatrist confiding with a colleague.
Day 4: Leto
This is from "Dune", and I play Leto speaking to a large gathering as a leader.
Day 6: Romantic
It comes from likeable comedy FRANCES HA written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig. I am describing the perfect relationship.
Day 8:
I'm a dog walker outraged with a couple "dogging" in their car.
Day 10: Alex
This is a scene from the film, Barcelona, written and directed by Stuart Whitman. I play Alex trying to understand subtext.
Day 12: Dreamer
The scene comes from the film THE MAJESTIC written by Michael Sloane and directed by Frank Darabont. I am the "dreamer" favouring cinemas over TV.
Day 14: Devon
This scene is from a film called "Eighth Grade" written and directed by actor Bo Burnham. I'm a very nervous teenager.
Day 16: Hayden
This scene comes from "A Star is Born" with Noodles (Shappelle) consulting with Jack (Cooper).