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Question
Hi!
I am applying to musical theater summer programs for this upcoming year and have come across a problem in making a resume. I have only been acting, singing, and dancing seriously for 2.5 years. I want to show in my resume how far I have come in this short time period, particularly in dance, in a non-tacky, non-awkward, totally professional way.
I tried:
Ballet and Jazz Dance - Ballet 5 of 6, Jazz 5 of 5 - 2 years
Ballet - Ballet 8 of 9 - 1 year
It just doesn't feel right. How would you suggest that I format it?
Thanks so much for your help!
Gracie
Hi Gracie,
First, don't sweat the small stuff=and it usually all is small stuff! Lol!
They aren't expecting the world, just what you've done. They realize you haven't got an Oscar, Tony or Emmy yet.
You can find sample resumes on the net. I just looked this one up from Bestsampleresume.com:
http://www.bestsampleresume.com/sample-acting-resume/sample-acting-resume-1.html
It is a standard format, same as I use. The only argument I have with it is you don't want to put your stats: Height/Weight/Hair color/Age on your resume. Why? so they have to see you before they reject you! Sometimes casting people aren't the "imagineers" they believe themselves to be. If they just dump you because you don't match the lead actor's height, you are never seen. Even if they don't cast you in the show they are doing, if you have talent-you were seen and noted for the future. Don't make it easy for them to cull you before seeing you!
If you have modeling aspirations or have done some and want to throw that in on the acting resume...DON'T! While some things change, there still could be those who won't take you seriously as an actor if you admit you modeled.
Break a leg!
Best,
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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