Resume Experts?

[Steev]

I'm building an improvisation resource web site geared towards servicing improv groups in Chicago. Basically, it will provide groups with an interface to create free, customizable web sites, (similar to Geocities...) and online calendars to advertise their shows. I'm also trying to develop a few useful tools, one of which is a resume wizard. It will take the improviser through a series of questions, and, through those, develop a nice, clean, printable resume.

I'm in need of a resume expert... What information belongs on a theater resume? For simplicity's sake, I'd like to have just one template. What items are essential, and what order is preferred?

Thanks so much for your collective input... I appreciate your help!

 

[Louise]

there are different resumes for different purposes

Cool idea, Steev!

I don't think, though, that there can be one template, even for theater resumes. People will arrange things differently depending on what their experience is and what kind of role they're auditioning for. Also, resumes for scripted work would emphasize different things from improv work.

Some info is essential. At the top:

name (on the top line, by itself)
height
weight
eye color
hair color
phone number
e-mail address (if you have one)
professional affiliations (SAG, AFTRA, Equity)

Some people put down the age range they can play, but some directors say don't, the director can figure out how he or she wants to cast you.

Then there's a list of your experience and training. It's divided up by category. For example, national theater, regional theater, local theater, university theater, film, movies, commercials, industrials, improv. The info you list for each item depends on what category it's in. For plays, for example, you list the name of the play, the role you played, and where it was produced.

At the bottom is a list of special skills. This can be anything someone might look for in casting.

The list of experience and training varies a lot. Partly it depends on what kind of job you're looking for. If you're looking for scripted work, your theater experience goes on top, and the resume emphasizes your theater training etc. If you're looking for improv work, that goes on top. And so on. I have three resumes, one for improv work, one for theater work, and one for teaching improv. And I'm not even a working actor!

I hope this helps.

 

[Steev]

Listed items

Louise -

Thanks so much for the info! I have a few questions for you...

You mention that different bits o' info are listed depending on the type of work... for instance, for a play you mention the title, role, and where it was produced. What are the bits o' info you would need to list for other categories, such as improv? Is it ever appropriate to list the director's name? To list the dates of production?

Thanks again.

Take care...

 

[Louise]

what do you list?

For improv work, I list name of show (or just "Short-Form Shows," if that's what it was), my role (a specific one if I had one, otherwise "Ensemble"), and the place it was produced.

In general, I think you list the director only if the director is someone the auditors are likely to know.

Auditors = people who you audition for.