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Today is:
The Reasonably Perfect Resume
A resume tells us not just what you've done, but how well you know the business and what matters to the people who'll see the resume. Again this is just my perspective on things. People disagree widely on what belongs on one.
JOHN THEACTOR
UNION AFFILIATIONS (SAG, AEA, AFTRA, AGMA, ACTRA whatever)
Service Number
Home Number
First point of contention: Do you put height and weight on a resume? Most casting directors will say hell yes to this one, but I'm against it unless it helps you. Helps you means you're tall (for either sex) and in shape. Otherwise let them judge from the picture. Don't make it easy for someone to say no just because of height and weight.
Voice: Baritone with a three octave range,
Don't put voice down on your resume unless you can sing at a Broadway level. Otherwise we just don't care.
New York Theater
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NAME OF PLAY
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ROLE
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DIRECTOR/PLACE
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If you have a ton of showcase credits, try to be selective. Choose credits in which we might be more interested than others. Did the director/author/co-star go on to achieve something? Was this the premiere? Make the credit stand out if you can. Don't let the intriguing ones get lost in a laundry list.
REGIONAL/STOCK/UNIVERSITY
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NAME OF PLAY
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ROLE
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DIRECTOR/PLACE
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We're not strict on these definitions, but they do mean something. Regional traditionally refers to theatres which are members of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), not just the Cider House Playhouse in Upstate Michigan, Stock refers to theatres which either operate under a COST contract, or are the big sprawling amateur productions we all know and remember from the Summer. As above, if you have a number of these credits try to be selective and show us the one's you think either represent you the best or sell you the best.
FILM/TV
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NAME OF TV SHOW
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TYPE OF ROLE (Guest Star, Supporting, Featured, Day Player)
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NETWORK OR PRODUCING ENTITY/DIRECTOR
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SOAP
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TYPE OF ROLE (Contract, Recurring, Day Player, U/5)
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NETWORK OR PRODUCING ENTITY
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FILM
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TYPE OF ROLE (Lead, Supporting, Featured, Day Player)
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STUDIO/DIRECTOR/FESTIVALS
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Film/TV tends to be where most people sin. Exclude all extra work. Try not to puff things too much. Indie film covers a lot of ground, so there's no need to try to make it sound better. Just be straightforward and all will be well.
COMMERCIALS/INDUSTRIALS
Conflicts available upon request.
Commercials and industrials don't really tell me much. Most legit agents don't need to see them.
TRAINING
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ACTING (Or Type: Method, Meisner, Shakespeare, etc)
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SCHOOL/STUDIO
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TEACHER/DURATION
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VOICE
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SCHOOL/STUDIO
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TEACHER/DURATION
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DANCE/MOVEMENT
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SCHOOL/STUDIO
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TEACHER/DURATION
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STAGE COMBAT
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SCHOOL/STUDIO
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TEACHER/DURATION
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SINGING
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SCHOOL/STUDIO
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TEACHER/DURATION
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Most beginning actors have this as their densest part of the resume. Again, be straightforward. Exclude seminars and classes taught by agents and casting directors.
SPECIALS SKILLS
A lot of people feel very differently on this silly subject. Some counsel to be very inclusive: "You never know what might pique a person's interest." I look at it from more of a utilitarian standpoint. I only want to see the following: LANGUAGES, INSTRUMENTS PLAYED, MARTIAL ARTS, HORSEBACK RIDING.
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