Handbook for Actors-Resume/Portfolio

Introduction

$1000 Contest

Even if you or your child has no professional credits, a professionally-prepared resume should be attached to the back of each 8x10. It’s probably a good investment to have the resume done by a professional service who understands the business. The rules for a business resume do not apply here.

Your professional resume should be printed in a clear easy-to-read format, and you might want to include a 2x3 photo in the upper right-hand corner. This gives you an opportunity to provide another "look". If you want to go all the way, the photo could be color; but avoid colored paper or print for the body of the resume.

No matter how little experience you or your child has, keep the resume honest. It should be no more than one page in length, concise and easy to read. Your name should be at the top, either center stage or upper left. Use only the name, even if it’s a nickname, that you want to be known by. Be careful of "cutesy" nicknames that might typecast you or your child or that may no longer be appropriate in a year or two. If you are affiliated with any of the professional unions, place that information directly under your name.

You will next want to list a current telephone number. NEVER PUT YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS ON THE RESUME. These photos get passed around quite a bit and there is always the chance that someone with less than professional motives could obtain this information. If the phone number is a beeper, machine, voice mail, etc., be sure to indicate that on the resume. You will then list vital statistics (age or range, height/weight, measurements, etc.), credits, training and special skills and sports – in that order.

We recommend you get a pager or voicemail system for home -- both would be better. The pager allows your agent to get a hold of you quickly. Be sure to update your answering machine/voicemail frequently. Check multiple times a day for messages from your agent. Keep the message short and professional. Leave the cutesy music OUT.

Training, especially with highly experienced coaches, could be a great asset and should be mentioned. Also, include any credits for work done in college student films, roles in school or community theater and for youth, sports your child can perform at least moderately well. If you have done commercials, note that but do not mention product names.

Ensure that your resume is short, to the point, and truthful.