How to Write a Theatre Resume

Crafting a theater resume might seem a bit like auditioning for a role. Daunting at first glance, but with the right guidance, it's totally doable. This guide will walk you through the nuts and bolts of building a resume that stands out in the theatrical world. Whether you're a seasoned actor looking to update your existing resume or a fresh face eager to make a mark, I'll break down the essentials in a relatable, easy-to-follow manner.

The Purpose of a Theater Resume

Let's kick things off by understanding the primary role of a theater resume. Unlike a conventional job resume, which might focus heavily on education and work experience, a theater resume is all about showcasing your artistic journey. This document is your chance to highlight your training, skills, and stage experience in a way that paints you as the ideal candidate for a casting director.

So, what makes a theater resume different? Well, imagine you're a director casting for a play. You're not just interested in where someone went to school; you're looking for evidence of their acting chops, their versatility, and how they've honed their craft over time. This is where a theater resume shines. It's a snapshot of your artistic life, emphasizing:

• Your performances in plays, musicals, or other stage productions.
• Training and workshops that have contributed to your growth as an actor.
• Special skills that might come in handy on stage, like dialects or stage combat.

Formatting Your Theater Resume

Before we jump into specifics, let's talk about the layout. A well-formatted resume isn’t just about looking pretty. It ensures that casting directors can quickly find the information they need. Think of it like a well-rehearsed play. Every detail is polished and serves a purpose.

• Keep it to one page: Brevity is key. One page is all you need to showcase your talents effectively.
• Use a simple font: Stick to something classic like Arial or Times New Roman. The stage should be dramatic, not your font choices.
• Consistent margins and spacing: Ensure your margins are even and that there's enough white space to make the document easy to read.

Here's a basic layout structure:

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information: phone number, email, website (if applicable)]
[Union Affiliations: SAG-AFTRA, AEA, etc.]

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Institution Name, Degree or Certification, Year
- Additional training, workshops, or notable instructors

THEATER EXPERIENCE
- Production Name, Role, Theater/Company, Director

FILM AND TELEVISION EXPERIENCE
- Project Name, Role, Production Company, Director

SPECIAL SKILLS
- Languages, accents, musical instruments, dance, etc.

Highlighting Your Acting Experience

Experience is the heart of your theater resume. This is where you list all the productions you've been a part of, whether they were school plays, community theater, or professional gigs. Remember, it’s not just about quantity. Quality matters too.

For each role, include:

• Production Title: The name of the play or musical.
• Role: The character you portrayed. If it was a lead or significant supporting role, feel free to specify.
• Theater/Company: Where the production was staged.
• Director: Include the director's name if it's likely to be recognized.

Here's an example of how to format this section:

THEATER EXPERIENCE
- "Romeo and Juliet", Juliet, Shakespeare Theater Company, Director: Jane Doe
- "Les Misérables", Eponine, City Lights Theater, Director: John Smith

Be honest about your experience. It’s tempting to embellish, but remember, authenticity is key. Every director values integrity, so let your genuine experience shine through.

Listing Education and Training

Your education and training section is where you demonstrate the foundation of your acting skills. This isn’t just about formal degrees. Include workshops, seminars, and any specialized training you’ve undergone.

Consider the following when listing your training:

• Formal Education: Include any degrees or certifications in theater arts or related fields.
• Workshops and Classes: Have you taken a masterclass with a renowned actor or director? Include it here.
• Specialized Training: Skills like stage combat or voice training can be crucial.

Example:

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- BFA in Theater Arts, New York University, 2020
- Masterclass with Viola Davis, 2021
- Workshop on Shakespearean Acting, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, 2019

Training shows dedication to your craft, so don’t shy away from listing ongoing education. It demonstrates that you’re continually honing your skills.

Showcasing Special Skills

The special skills section is your chance to highlight any unique talents that might set you apart. Whether you can juggle flaming torches or play the bagpipes, this is where you let those skills shine. These talents can be the deciding factor if a director is looking for something specific.

Consider including:

• Languages: Are you fluent in French or Spanish? List it.
• Accents: Being able to pull off a convincing British accent could be a game-changer.
• Musical Abilities: Instruments you play or your vocal range.
• Physical Skills: Dance, stage combat, gymnastics.

Here’s how you might format this:

SPECIAL SKILLS
- Fluent in French and Spanish
- Proficient in British and Southern American accents
- Alto singer, plays guitar and piano
- Stage combat certified, basic ballet

Don’t overdo it, though. Make sure you can actually perform these skills if asked on the spot during an audition or callback.

Including Film and Television Experience

If you’ve worked in film or television, this section is where you get to brag a little. While theater is the focus, showing a range of acting experiences can be beneficial. It demonstrates versatility and the ability to adapt to different types of projects.

For each entry, list:

• Project Title: The name of the film or TV show.
• Role: Your character's name or a brief description if it was a small part.
• Production Company: The name of the company producing the work.
• Director: Again, include this if the director is noteworthy.

Example:

FILM AND TELEVISION EXPERIENCE
- "Indie Flick", Lead Role, Indie Films Inc., Director: Sarah Lee
- "Crime Series", Guest Star, Network Studios, Director: Tom Hardy

While theater and film are different beasts, having experience in both can only bolster your resume, making you a more appealing candidate for diverse roles.

Contact Information and Union Affiliations

Let’s not forget the basics. Your contact information should be easy to find, as well as any union affiliations. This information is usually placed at the top of your resume.

• Name: Easy, right? But make sure it‚Äôs the name you go by professionally.
• Contact Details: Phone number, email, and any professional website or social media links.
• Union Affiliations: If you‚Äôre part of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, or another union, include that.

Example:

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Website URL]
[SAG-AFTRA, AEA]

Simple but essential. Make sure this information is current, as you don’t want to miss out on opportunities due to outdated contact details.

Using Spell to Perfect Your Resume

As you pull together your theater resume, you might find yourself tweaking wording or layout a dozen times. That's where tools like Spell come in handy. Since Spell is designed to streamline the writing process, it can help you fine-tune your resume quickly and efficiently. Whether you're generating a first draft or refining specific sections, Spell's AI capabilities allow you to polish your document in no time.

Think of Spell as your backstage crew, handling the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best. Acting. You can collaborate in real time, meaning if you've got a friend or mentor willing to offer feedback, Spell makes it easy to accept their notes and make changes on the fly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most seasoned actors can make mistakes when crafting their resumes. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Overloading with Information: Stick to relevant roles and training. Casting directors are skimming for highlights, not reading a novel.
• Typos and Errors: A resume with spelling mistakes can make you look unprofessional. Double-check your work, or better yet, have someone else take a look.
• Inconsistent Formatting: Keep fonts, spacing, and styles consistent across the document.

While it’s tempting to include everything you've ever done, remember that less is often more. Highlight the most impactful experiences and let them speak for themselves.

Final Thoughts

Building a compelling theater resume is like setting the stage for your next big role. With a focus on relevant experience, tailored skills, and solid formatting, you’re well on your way to impressing casting directors. And if you find yourself stuck, Spell can be your trusty assistant, helping you draft, refine, and polish your document with ease. Good luck, and break a leg!