Overall, as the head of your acting business, carefully choose how you present yourself, your monologues, and your marketing materials.
1. How many pieces should I have prepared
at any time?
2. How long should my audition monologues
typically be?
3. How should I dress for an audition?
4. Is photographic paper or lithography preferable
for headshots?
5. How much personal information should I
put on my resumes? (Height, weight, etc.)
6. When should I include directors’
names on my resume?
7. Should I put my picture on my business
card?
8. Other tips
1. How many pieces should I have
prepared at any time?
You should have six pieces ready to go, and another half dozen you could brush up. The six you choose comprise a wide variety of styles including classical, modern, comic, dramatic, and Shakespearian. Musical theatre actors should have six songs prepared as well. Casting directors can tell more about you from a rehearsed piece that is different from the style of the play they’re casting than an under-prepared one. Be prepared.
2. How long should my audition monologues typically be?
Audition monologues should be 1 minute, 15 seconds, and 14 to 16 lines of Shakespeare. Your audition is your first opportunity to demonstrate to a director that you can follow directions. Follow the audition notice instructions – always.
3. How should I dress for an audition?
Absolutely dress up for an audition, no costuming, no props. Look professional, dress for comfort, and wear something that makes you feel confident. You may add small character touches, but these should be treated very carefully. For example, if you’re auditioning for a 1930’s show, a man could add a pair of suspenders while a woman might choose to wear red lipstick and heels. For more tips, read You Look Mahvelous!
4. Is photographic paper or lithography preferable for headshots?
Photographic paper presents considerably better than lithography. Photographic paper achieves better skin tone and contrast quality. A heavier-weight paper makes your headshot easily accessible to casting agents flipping through dozens of headshots. To note: photographic paper is much more expensive. If you choose the lithography option, make sure your shot is good and clear. Headshots are your primary marketing expense: represent yourself clearly and carefully.
5. How much personal information should I put on my resumes? (Height, weight, etc.)
Generally, it’s good to put personal information on your resume, and be honest. Approximate weight is fine. Some directors don’t find it necessary since they can see what you look like from your headshot. Therefore, be sure your headshot is recent, and that you resemble the headshot when you walk through the door. Digital photography really doesn’t add those 10 to 20 pounds we used to expect from old Hollywood cameras and videotape.
6. When should I include directors’ names on my resume?
For the San Francisco Bay Area, absolutely put directors names on your theatrical resume. From left to right include: the play, the role, the company, and the director. Listing directors’ names serves as a good ice-breaker for the auditioner, and you never know who they might know. Directors and casting agents may call your former directors to enquire about you than during a brief audition. Eventually you may not need the Special Skills category either, but until you’re working steadily, providing a list of skills: fire-eating, tap dancing, volleyball, etc. presents more information and maybe a conversation piece. Drop the fourth column for film and television resumes and outside the Bay Area. Here’s my resume layout.
7. Should I put my picture on my business card?
A picture is a great way to help other people remember you. Choose a different look from your headshot and postcards. Get creative with all your marketing materials, select a standard and match the style all the way through.
Do not use accents or regional dialects during your audition monologues unless the play calls for a specific accent. This includes Shakespeare which should be prepared in your voice, not a British dialect. Avoid performing pieces that are sexual or disturbingly violent in nature. Your resume and audition are your chances for the director to learn as much as they can about you in a short period of time. Use this time to your advantage.
Special thanks to Jeffrey
Bihr, Barbara
Cannon, Richard Frederick, Melissa
Hillman, Richard
Ryan, and Michael Ray Wisely.