Expert: Rusty Meyers - 3/6/2009

Question
Hi my name is Kristen and him 16 years old. i have always been extremely passionate about acting and i would give anything in this world to fulfill my dream. i recently had headshots taken and i am extremely please with the way they turned out, but when it comes to mailing them out to agents or managers it get a little nervous because my resume isn't the most impressive. i can sing but him not a singer, so i am never doing any musical theatre shows. to make up for that fact, i have had extensive training and currently attend a performing arts high school. my main concern is that agents/managers wont consider me because i don't have alot of experience when it comes to theatre. is it impossible to get an agent or manager in this condition? and what are some other ways i can make my resume more impressive?

Answer
Your 16 what is it that you think (other than some local hs or community theatre) should be on your resume.

Studying with a reputable coach (outside of your high school) can help.

Look EVERYONE up on imdb.com to see if they are telling the truth.

NEVER pay ANYONE up front for ANYTHING.

Also having special skills listed on your resume is good.

Such as: Musical instruments, languages, accents, sports, dance, juggling, stunts.

Awards, honor or deans list, gpa all this stuff can be added.

There are a lot of thing that you can add to a resume, while you are buliding one.

If you are so passionate about acting then what are you doing about it?

I was in 6 plays and 3 musicals by my junior year in hs.

Look into some community theatre or doing some extra work on a movie, or get involved on an indie film.

You better have a couple (at least) monologues prepared.

Not just made up, but from something like a play or a film to do when you meet this agent or manager.

Where do you live?

Don't make the font or size of it too small and double space.

You also have your name at the top in larger letters than everything else.

Then you have height weight hair eyes listed below that.

Look up some resumes on line.

Call one of these agents or managers and ask them to send you a sample of one of their clients.

Good Luck.

Don't get so anxious you will look to needy and people can take advantage of people that are looking for a quick fix, so SLOW DOWN, you are still young.