Rafy
Self-tape and audition practice app for actors. Mobile-first design. AI-powered scene partner. Practice and record auditions. iOS focused.
Overview
Rafy is a mobile-first self-tape and audition practice application designed specifically for the workflow realities of actors who prepare auditions on smartphones and tablets rather than traditional computer setups. The platform combines AI-powered scene partner functionality with integrated recording capabilities, recognizing that most contemporary actors prepare self-tapes entirely on mobile devices. The application's interface is optimized for touchscreen interaction and vertical video orientation options, reflecting the increasing acceptance of mobile-shot content in professional casting workflows.
The app's core functionality centers on providing a complete audition preparation experience within a single mobile application. Actors import scripts, assign AI voices to different characters, rehearse scenes with the AI scene partner responding to their delivery, and then record their self-tape using the built-in camera interface with professional framing guides and audio monitoring. The AI voice system recognizes when actors complete their lines and responds with appropriate timing, creating a conversational flow that helps actors practice the rhythm and pacing of scenes.
How It Works
Getting started with Rafy involves downloading the app from the iOS App Store, creating an account, and importing a script as a PDF or text file. The app guides new users through the process of assigning AI voices to characters, adjusting timing and delivery preferences, and setting up their recording environment with proper framing and lighting. The mobile-first design means that all features are accessible through touch gestures optimized for one-handed operation when possible, and the interface accommodates both horizontal and vertical video recording to match different audition requirements and self-tape submission preferences. The integration of rehearsal and recording in a single app eliminates the need to switch between separate line-reading and recording applications during the high-pressure moments of audition preparation.
The technology behind Rafy uses on-device AI processing for voice synthesis and cue recognition, which allows the app to function reliably even in areas with limited internet connectivity, making it valuable for actors who prepare auditions while traveling or in locations without consistent WiFi access. The recording module uses the smartphone's native camera capabilities with additional optimization for the lighting and audio conditions typical of home self-tape setups, and the app includes basic editing features such as trim and retake selection that allow actors to refine their submissions without exporting to separate editing software. The mobile-first design philosophy means that every feature has been optimized for the constraints and affordances of smartphone interfaces rather than being desktop applications awkwardly adapted to mobile platforms.
Who Uses It
Rafy's user base consists primarily of actors who prefer mobile workflows over desktop or tablet setups, including younger performers who have grown up with smartphone-native habits, working actors who prepare auditions during downtime on set or while traveling between jobs, and performers in markets where laptop ownership is less common than smartphone access. The iOS focus reflects the platform's development priorities and the demographic realities of the professional actor market where iPhone penetration is particularly high. Many users appreciate that Rafy enables complete audition preparation from script receipt to submission file creation without requiring access to computers or tablets, making professional self-tape capabilities available in a truly pocket-sized format that can be used in any location with adequate lighting.
Pricing & Plans
Rafy offers a freemium pricing model with a free tier that includes limited rehearsal sessions and recordings per month, allowing actors to evaluate the platform's mobile-first approach before committing to a subscription. The premium subscription removes all limits on rehearsals and recordings, unlocks the full AI voice library, and adds advanced recording features such as multiple camera angle support for actors using additional devices. The subscription is priced competitively with other self-tape apps, and the mobile-native design means actors who prepare primarily on smartphones can eliminate the need for separate computer-based tools. For actors who value mobility and convenience over desktop power-user features, Rafy provides a streamlined workflow that matches how they actually prepare auditions in practice.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Rafy's greatest strengths are its mobile-first design optimized for smartphone workflows, its integration of AI rehearsal and recording in a single application, and its on-device processing that supports offline use. The app's interface reflects genuine understanding of how actors use mobile devices, and the combination of practice and recording capabilities eliminates tool-switching during preparation. The iOS optimization ensures smooth performance on iPhones and iPads.
What Could Be Better
The mobile-first design, while optimal for smartphone users, limits functionality compared to desktop or tablet applications with more screen real estate and processing power. The app is currently iOS-focused, which excludes Android users from accessing it. Some actors report that the small screen size of phones makes script review and annotation more difficult compared to larger tablet or computer displays. The AI voices, while functional, are constrained by on-device processing limitations and may not achieve the realism of cloud-based synthesis models used by platforms with continuous internet connectivity.
Our Recommendation
Rafy is most valuable for actors who prepare auditions primarily on smartphones and want a mobile-native tool rather than desktop applications awkwardly adapted to smaller screens, and it is particularly recommended for performers who travel frequently and need complete audition preparation capabilities in a pocket-sized format, younger actors who are smartphone-native in their technology habits, and those in situations where laptop access is inconsistent or unavailable. Actors who prefer working on larger screens such as tablets or computers may find that apps designed for those form factors provide more comfortable script review and editing experiences, and Android users cannot currently access Rafy and will need alternative platforms.
Pro Tips
To maximize Rafy's effectiveness, embrace the mobile workflow fully rather than fighting against screen size limitations by using the app's gestures and shortcuts designed for one-handed operation. Invest in a smartphone tripod mount to ensure stable recording and consistent framing across multiple takes, and use the on-device processing capability to prepare auditions during travel or in locations without WiFi. Practice with the AI scene partner during downtime moments throughout your day, taking advantage of the pocket-sized accessibility to maintain continuous engagement with audition material, and use the built-in recording when preparing lower-stakes auditions while still relying on more comprehensive setups for high-priority callbacks and studio tests.