Every day, actors send out their resume in hopes of landing an audition or interview. They trust that the information conveyed in their picture or resume will grab the reader’s attention, tell them what they need know about that actor and become the tipping point in their decision to call that actor in. Unfortunately, the actor is working against their own goals by sending out a resume that makes it next to impossible for the reader to easily glean this important information. And it’s all because the form of the resume doesn’t match its function.
Curriculum Vitae
The problem begins when actors are taught how to put a resume together in the first place. In most cases, they’re shown examples of resumes from working professional actors…and most of these resumes are incorrect! They’re incorrect because they have been designed to function as a standard business resume – a brief written account of someone’s personal, educational, and professional qualifications and experience, like that prepared by an applicant for a job.
These curriculum vitae are meant to provide a general overview of a person’s life and qualifications and are presented in a generic fashion – name and contact info at the top, followed by a chronology of work experience, then one’s education and skills. The form, or layout, that this resume takes is ubiquitous in the business world and serves its function well. The problem arises, however, when an actor’s resume is shoehorned into this business concept.
Extra, Extra, Read All About It
An actor’s resume isn’t a CV, but rather a piece of advertising! Strictly speaking, it informs an audience about a certain product/service (the actor) and tries to persuade them to buy it (meaning, call the actor in for an interview or audition). This is done by using a selective listing of an actor’s experience, skills and education that highlights their essence in relation to the role/project they are auditioning for.
Also, it should be understood that an effective piece of advertising is like a little play in three acts. Here it is, along with its show business equivalent.
- In Act 1 someone has a problem they need help with. – The director needs to audition the right actors for her upcoming production of Hamlet.
- In Act 2 the product/service is presented and claims to be able to solve the problem. – You send her your resume which highlights all the relevant experience you have in classical theatre, including your training and education, etc.
- Finally, in Act 3 the product/service delivers on its promises and the person’s problem is solved. – You get called in for the audition and knock her socks off!
…and They Lived Happily Ever After
So if the function of your resume is to be an advertisement for you and your skills in relation to that particular project, this will naturally dictate the form it will take. By carefully selecting only the relevant information, creating a layout that is easy to read and understand, and highlighting specific pieces of it for further emphasis, you’ll be telling not one but two complementary stories.
The first is from Act 2 of the play analogy, where your resume offers to solve the director’s problem. This is the main function every actor’s resume should have. The second and more subtle story you’re telling, is how you want to be perceived in the industry - the leading man, the comic ingénue, the dramatic character actress. Since you control the information and how it’s presented, you must carefully craft this message because it can reap big rewards for you over time.
- A good resume not only shows what you’ve done, but who you are and where you’re going! – Sean Pratt
To read another article on this general topic, go to: Your Acting Resume 101
Sean Pratt - A 25 year veteran, I teach actors about the business of the Biz; holding workshops, writing articles, posting videos & career coaching. ...
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