Meet Tara Goldsborough | Actor & Self-Tape Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tara Goldsborough and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As an actor, I’ve experienced the not so great versions of self-tape studios. In opening On Your Side Tapes, I wanted to create a space that encompassed all the things I wished I had but never quite got all in one place.
– adjustable lighting
– readers that feel more like scene partners
– insightful direction and collaboration
– an external monitor for real time playback
– quick turn around times
And for me it’s about way more that just the tech. I knew I wanted a space where actors felt comfortable and free to do the work. That has always been the #1 intention behind everything I do.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been in LA almost 14 years. The life of an actor is a grind and, frankly, a marathon. And while you haven’t seen my name in lights yet, so much of the work that goes into being an actor is finding the jobs that give you the freedom to pursue your dreams. Coming out of the pandemic, it was clear I had had my fill of the service industry and needed something different. I always loved helping my friends put their auditions on tape and I realized I really wanted to open my own studio. Finding a space was challenging, setting up the space took me a month longer than anticipated, the first few weeks I had no clients coming in, figuring out how to factor in marketing and what kind to invest in can be exhausting. But, here’s the thing if you are doing something you truly love, you will find a way. You will be met with roadblock after roadblock and you will continue to find ways over and around them because that’s what you have to do to stay in the game.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I used to be a Concierge so I’ve done this for people so many times. I’m a foodie so let’s talk restaurants first. Republique in Miracle Mile will always be a go to for brunch along with Vivan’s Millenium Cafe in Studio City and Highly Likely in Crenshaw. And if it’s pastries you’re after, you have to hit up Huckleberry in Santa Monica, Porto’s (multiple locations) and Comoncy has THE BEST chocolate croissant you’ll ever have. Also, Bread Lounge in the downtown arts district if you’re in the area- and the coffee is on point!
I’m all about hiking so download the AllTrails app and get outside. Runyon Canyon is obviously the fan favorite and trust me I love it too, but don’t be afraid to go outside the box. Fryman Canyon, Temescal Canyon, Eaton Canyon, Los Leones… I could go on.
Some of my favorite places for nightlife aren’t the ones you’ll see in the headlines. For my money, it’s all about the vibe & the music. The Shortstop, The Friend, Everson Royce Bar, Echo Plex, Dirty Laundry, Johnnie’s West, Mandrake, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Blind Barber… the list goes on. You don’t have to pay for bottle service to have an incredible night.
Also, there are shows going on CONSTANTLY! Find a DJ you love and go where they’re spinning, find an experimental theatre show, check out SoFar sounds or a comedy show anywhere in the city.
I’m all about a lounging by the pool or beach situation. You can get day passes to hotel pools online and places like Shutters on the Beach will let you rent beach chairs or check out Paradise Cove Cafe in Malibu (this one is first come first serve.)
And if you’re a baseball fan like me, you gotta hit up a Dodger’s game. It’s the best time and I promise you won’t regret it. Pro tip: bring your own water! Get a bottle at a convenience store and don’t open it until you’ve gone through security. You can also bring your own food. And, if you take the metro to Union Station, you can get a free bus ride to the stadium and back. So you’re only paying your metro fare which is $1.50 each way!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so blessed to have incredible people in my corner. My friends, accountability partners and significant other were and are behind me all the way in this pursuit. Anything worth doing takes a village and my village showed up BIG! From touring spaces with me to helping me put all the pieces of the studio together, they’ve done it all. And the emotional support they’ve shown has been vital to my success.
Website: www.onyoursidetapes.com
Instagram: @onyoursidetapes and @tbabygold
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/on-your-side-tapes-los-angeles
Image Credits
Jackson Davis Britt Elexandria