Choosing the Best Backdrop for Acting Self-Tape Auditions

Val Tannuzzi
Dec 11
3 min read

One of the most common questions I get as an acting headshot photographer from actors self-taping their auditions, is: “What backdrop should I use?”

There are plenty of options, including the simplest one: a clean, blank wall in your house. But for the purpose of this blog, I’ll assume you’re looking for a colored backdrop, and I’ll be talking specifically about the two most popular types: paper vs. fabric.

Fabric Backdrops (Muslin, Canvas, Polyester)

Fabric backdrops come in many materials—muslin, canvas, and polyester being the most common. They also give you more texture and personality than paper. Great for theatrical vibes.

Pros

Easier to transport. Fold it, roll it, toss it in your car—done.
Depending on quality, can be very wrinkle-resistant.
More textured and character-rich options, which some auditions (especially theatrical ones) really benefit from.

Cons

Wrinkles can happen, especially with cheaper fabrics.
Avoid vinyl. It tends to reflect light, whether you’re using flash or continuous lighting, and it can create hotspots. Not ideal.

My go-to fabric backdrop for theatrical auditions:

The Kate Dark Blue Abstract Backdrop. Kate brand is fantastic: affordable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. And if it does wrinkle? Pop it in the dryer for about five minutes and it’s good as new. ➡️ https://amzn.to/48M3r5H

I love the 7×5 ft size for most self-tapes. It’s wide enough, tall enough, and unless you're over seven feet tall (in which case: congratulations on booking all the basketball commercials!) you’ll be perfectly covered.

Paper Backdrops (Seamless Rolls)

Paper is the classic photography-studio backdrop. It’s smooth, clean, and super consistent, which makes it perfect if you want a modern, distraction-free look.

Pros

No wrinkles (or extremely minimal). As long as you store the roll properly, paper stays nice and smooth.
Crisp and clean texture—your camera will love it.
Lots of beautiful neutral shades that flatter most skin tones.

Cons

Transporting a paper roll can be… an adventure. They’re long, they’re bulky, and you need space to carry them around without creasing the edges.

My paper backdrop personal favorite:

The Seamless Photography Background Paper in Neutral Grey. This color works beautifully for most auditions:➡️https://amzn.to/48v6bpm

My go-to size is the 53-inch wide by 16.5-foot roll. It gives you plenty of width, and the extra-long paper is a huge bonus for full-body auditions—you can step on it and get that clean, seamless look from head to toe.

Collapsible Backdrops

I also own a collapsible backdrop. It's super convenient when you want to travel as light as possible.

However… it’s not my favorite for auditions. They rarely cover enough area, and things get messy when you zoom out for a full-body shot. But if portability is your number one priority, they absolutely work.

Here’s the one I recommend:➡️ https://amzn.to/4rPXc9T

Backdrop Stand

No matter which backdrop you choose, you’ll need an adjustable stand to hold it. This one works well for both paper and fabric options:➡️ https://amzn.to/4iOwt9s

So… which background should YOU use?

The best background is the one that compliments your skin tone and doesn’t distract from your performance.

Try a few shades -grays, blues, soft neutrals- and see what makes you feel confident and well-lit. The color of your backdrop will also seemingly change shades depending on the color of the clothing you're wearing, so keep that in mind when planning your self-tape setup. Lighting plays a huge role here, too. Even the most gorgeous backdrop can look off if your lighting isn’t placed or balanced correctly.

Good lighting + a clean backdrop = an audition that looks polished, intentional, and professional.(And I’ll share more lighting tips in a next blog entry!)

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