Need a reader for your self-tape?
Your audition is due. Nobody's available to read. You still have options.
You can ask someone to read remotely, record the other characters yourself, or use a reader app that responds as you perform.
SideRunner is built for that third option.
How to self-tape without a reader
Use a human reader remotely
A good human reader gives you another person to play with, even if they're joining remotely. If someone's available, that's a great option.
Record the other lines yourself
You can prerecord the other characters and leave gaps for your lines. It's simple and costs nothing, but those gaps have predetermined timing. Change your pace or take a longer pause and the recording can't wait for you.
Use a responsive reader
A responsive reader gives you the other characters without requiring another person's schedule. Instead of making you perform against fixed gaps, it listens as you run the scene and responds when it's the reader's turn.
Your reader waits for you.
Import your sides, choose your character, and start the scene. SideRunner reads everyone else and listens for your lines. When you finish, your reader responds.
Change your pace. Add a pause where a moment needs room. Try the scene differently. You're not performing against a recording with fixed gaps.
How it works
- Import your PDF, DOCX or TXT sides.
- Choose the character you're playing.
- Pick a voice for each of the other characters, or keep the default.
- Run the scene. SideRunner listens and responds when it's their turn.
- Rehearse again, or record your self-tape in the SideRunner iPhone app.
Questions about self-tape readers
Can I self-tape without a reader?
Yes. SideRunner can read the other characters while you perform. If your audition instructions specifically require a live reader, follow those instructions.
Is SideRunner an AI reader?
SideRunner uses AI technology to listen to your performance and voice the other characters' lines. The point isn't AI. It's having a reader available when another person isn't.
Is this the same as recording the other lines myself?
No. A recording has predetermined timing. SideRunner listens while you perform, so the scene can respond to your pace rather than making you fit predetermined gaps.
Can I use it just to rehearse?
Yes. You can run the scene repeatedly without recording anything.
Does it work in a web browser?
Yes. You can rehearse in your web browser at siderunner.app. Create a free account to import your own sides, or try a sample scene first without signing up. Recording a self-tape with your reader happens in the SideRunner iPhone app.
Do I need to memorize my lines first?
No. You can use SideRunner while learning the scene and continue using it once you're off-book.
Is a SideRunner reader better than a human reader?
A good human reader gives you a real person to play with, and SideRunner isn't intended to pretend otherwise. It's there when you don't have one available, or when you simply want to run the scene repeatedly on your own schedule.
Your reader is ready when you are.
Create a free account, import your sides, and run the scene in your browser.