A key part of being an actor is self-promotion. Literally, you are marketing yourself and your abilities to potential employers—often the only way to get work as a performer. But figuring out how to do that effectively is sometimes a challenge.
First, consider your headshot, résumé and demo reel. They are an actor's most basic calling cards. More than simply a photo and a list of credits, the headshot and résumé reflect what abilities, training and experiences you offer this person's project. Video and audio reels can be a more powerful tool; they literally demonstrate what you can do.
But which photographer will do the best work for you? What do you need to know to make a compelling résumé for film, stage or commercial work? How can you edit your reel together to grab someone's attention? Some of these questions are subjective, but there are good practices to follow and bad ones to avoid.
Is a website a necessity? Many now believe that the best way to promote yourself is having your headshot, résumé and demo reel online. Others question its effectiveness. Either way, many people are using the web as a tool with good results.
Finally, what is the best way to let people know about your projects? Postcards are a time-honored tradition, but email blasts are quickly becoming a new standard. For many actors, a combination of both techniques works best.
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» Headshots
Whether color or black & white, headshots are a casting director's first glimpse of an actor. We discuss ways to make it memorable.
» Résumés
Résumés are more than a list of credits and skills. Making it stand out is a task many actors take for granted.
» Video and Audio Reels
We discuss what to do and what to avoid when assembling your clips into an audio or video reel.
» Websites
Is a website necessary for you? The answer depends greatly on what you will use it for, and how much it will cost.
» Postcards & Email Blasts
What are the best ways to promote your upcoming projects? Many use a combination of the old and the new.
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NY Panel on How to Run a Theater Company
December 02, 2008
Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) and Back Stage will host the networking panel, How to Run That Theater Company That¿s Been Running Your Life, a follow-up to September's panel, on Wednesday, December 17.
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