When the world shut down in 2020, the acting industry flipped upside down almost overnight. Actors who once drove to casting offices, waited in crowded lobbies, and auditioned in front of casting directors suddenly faced a brand-new reality.
Everything went digital, and that shift hasn’t gone back to how it was. Covid didn’t just change the acting industry temporarily—it changed it forever.
THE END OF IN-PERSON AUDITIONS
Before Covid, actors expected to show up in person for most auditions. You shook hands, exchanged small talk, and felt the energy in the room. When lockdowns hit, those moments disappeared.
Instead, casting directors asked actors to submit self-tapes from home. Even after restrictions lifted, the industry didn’t return to the old way. Self-tapes became the new standard, and now every actor needs to know how to film a strong audition at home.
SELF-TAPES PUT MORE RESPONSIBILITY ON ACTORS
One of the biggest changes is the responsibility shift. Before, you only needed to prepare your lines and show up on time. Now, you’re responsible for the entire production of your audition.
You need a quiet space, proper lighting, good sound, and a way to record high-quality video. You also need to edit your tape and upload it correctly. Many actors had to learn technical skills they never thought they’d need. The work that casting offices once handled now falls on the actor’s shoulders.
MORE CHANCES TO BE SEEN
While self-tapes added new challenges, they also created huge opportunities. In the past, casting directors only had time to see a limited number of actors in person. Travel, scheduling, and time in the room all set limits.
With self-tapes, casting directors can now see far more actors for each role. This means you have a better chance of being seen and considered, even if you live outside the main filming hubs. For example, students at a Vancouver acting school can now submit auditions for projects filming across North America without traveling.
LESS CONNECTION IN THE ROOM
One downside many actors feel strongly about is the lack of connection. Auditioning in person gave you a chance to show your energy, personality, and presence. Casting directors could sense your charisma the moment you walked in the door.
With self-tapes, that personal interaction doesn’t exist. You can’t joke with the reader, ask questions, or adjust based on feedback. For some actors, that feels like a huge loss. The process feels less human, and many miss the chance to make real connections with casting teams.
THE RISE OF VIRTUAL CALLBACKS
In addition to self-tapes, callbacks also shifted online. Instead of gathering in a casting office, actors now log into video calls. Zoom and other platforms became the main stage for callbacks. This change allowed productions to save time and money, but it also changed the dynamic.
Technical issues, lag, and background noise sometimes get in the way. Still, virtual callbacks opened doors for actors who live outside major cities. You don’t need to hop on a plane for a callback anymore.
TRAINING LOOKS DIFFERENT
Covid also changed how actors train. Many acting classes moved online during lockdowns, and some stayed that way. Virtual classes gave actors more access to teachers from around the world. Students who lived far from acting hubs could now learn from top professionals without relocating.
Of course, in-person classes still matter, especially for scene work and building chemistry. But online training remains part of the industry. For example, a Vancouver acting school might offer both in-person and online classes now, giving students more flexibility than before.
A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR SOME
Another unexpected effect of Covid was the leveling of the playing field. Before, living near casting offices gave actors a big advantage. Now, location matters less. An actor in a small town can send a self-tape that competes directly with someone in Los Angeles or Toronto.
Of course, bigger markets still offer more opportunities overall, but the gap has narrowed. For many, this feels like a step toward fairness in casting.
NEW EXPECTATIONS FOR PROFESSIONALISM
Because self-tapes are now the standard, casting directors expect polished submissions. A shaky phone video in bad lighting no longer cuts it. Actors need tripods, ring lights, and neutral backdrops to look professional.
Good sound is just as important. Many actors invest in lav mics or external recorders. The shift forced actors to treat auditions almost like mini-productions. Those who adapt stand out, while those who resist fall behind.
CHANGES ON SET
The changes didn’t stop at auditions. On set, safety protocols transformed the filming process. Covid testing, reduced crew sizes, and strict safety zones became normal. While some rules have relaxed, the industry remains more health-conscious than before.
Actors also learned to adjust to smaller sets and less contact between departments. These changes pushed the industry toward efficiency, and many productions plan to keep some of these systems in place.
THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
So, where does the industry go from here? Self-tapes and virtual auditions are here to stay. They save time, cut costs, and open doors to more talent. At the same time, actors and casting directors continue to miss the energy of in-person auditions.
Some productions may offer a hybrid approach, mixing self-tapes with occasional in-person callbacks. But the old system won’t fully return. Covid permanently changed the way the acting world operates.
HOW ACTORS CAN ADAPT
The best way forward is to embrace these changes. Build a solid self-tape setup at home. Learn basic editing skills. Take classes that help you feel confident on camera, not just on stage. Stay open to virtual opportunities while still pursuing in-person training when possible. Most importantly, keep your mindset positive. The industry shifted, but that shift brought new opportunities along with challenges.
CONCLUSION
Covid reshaped the acting industry in ways no one could have predicted. It ended in-person auditions as the standard, pushed actors to handle their own self-tapes, and gave casting directors the chance to see more talent than ever. It also took away some of the personal connection that actors value.
The industry may still evolve, but the days of packed casting offices and long audition waits belong to the past. For actors who stay flexible and keep learning, the new system offers more chances to shine than ever before.