So what's next?

Next, we need to put together and/or update our tools of the trade: the headshot and resume. The picture and resume are the actor's calling card. They are frequently the first impression you'll get to make on a casting director, agent or producer. And after you've auditioned and gone home, it's your picture and resume that stay behind to represent you. With that in mind, it's up to you to put together the best combination possible.

So, what makes good headshot?

Perhaps the most important, and most elusive, quality of a good headshot is that it needs to look like you. Sound simple? It's not. A good headshot conveys more than just 'how you look', it should have a spark of personality -- a little bit of who you are. This is where that realistic view of yourself we talked about last month comes into play. Your headshot introduces you to the professional world. You need to make sure that you're introducing YOU....not some image of what you think people want to see. The fact is, with enough make-up and lighting, anyone can become the stubble-clad-heart-throb or the fire-in-her-eyes-temptress. You need to sell what no one else can possibly offer: THE REAL YOU. This isn't to say that you won't want a variety of pictures and you may well sell yourself as a variety of types. But to begin with, you want to find a picture that is you both in look and personality.

Where do I get these pictures done?

Depending on what area you're in (geographically) there will be either too few or too many photographer's to choose from. While I'd rather avoid recommending any specific studios, I will give you a few DO's:

• DO use an experienced headshot photographer. A Portrait Studio or Glamour Shots just won't cut it. Headshot photography is a specific style best left to those who do it for a living.
• DO call multiple photographers and ask to come see their portfolios. Looking at their work will give you an idea what style pictures they tend to take.
• DO work with someone you enjoy. Feeling relaxed and comfortable in your shoot will improve the quality of your pictures beyond measure.
• DO ask to see pictures of actors you know (remember that acting class you got into). Ask them where they got their headshots done and what they think of the photographer.
• DO shop around. You'll likely find a great range of prices. The more expensive may be out of your range and the least expensive may offer less quality than you want. It will be up to you to find the perfect balance between price and service.

The shoot and after.

Once you've found a photographer you'll be ready to do the shoot. Select three or four different outfits that you look good and feel comfortable in. Ask the photographer for suggestions on wardrobe and make-up. Get plenty of rest the night before the shoot and, most importantly, have fun. Within a week of your shoot the photographer will provide you with a 'proof sheet', an 8x10 sheet with miniatures of each picture taken during the shoot. Using a magnifying glass or 'loop', decide which pictures you'll want blown up to full size. Once you've selected a picture or pictures you're happy with, you'll need to get them reproduced for mailings and auditions. As this varies depending on where you are, ask the photographer and your friends from acting class where they suggest you get reproductions done.

Okay, you've got a good headshot so you're halfway there. Now it's time to put together a resume. The resume will round out your introduction to the agents, casting directors, and others. While your headshot will tell them what you look like and a little about your style, your resume is your way of telling them what you've done, where you've studied and what special skills you may have to offer.

There are an infinite number of ways to put together a resume. My best advice is, keep it simple, easily readable and honest. Here's a sample of what I use:

• In the header of the resume go your name, contact information (service or pager numbers), union affiliation (if any) and any vital statistics you wish (height, hair color, etc.) to include. (** Forgive me if this sounds sexist, but I have a practicle note here: Women living alone, especially in larger towns, should avoid keeping their home number on their resume. There's no way to be sure where it will end up, especially if you mail a great number. An answering service or voice mail is usually cheap, more reliable and safer. ** )
  

• The body of the resume will contain a list of your credits. I prefer a three column format in which the name of the production goes in the left column, your role in the center and the theatre or production company on the right. If you've worked with a notable director you may wish to list them in place of the production company or theatre.
  

• After your credits, you'll want to list any training you've had or classes you've taken. At the bottom of the resume goes a list of your special skills. Include in your special skills any sports you're good at, languages you speak and anything else that tells a little about your abilities.
  

Get the resume laser printed or neatly typed and attach it to your headshot. Trim it down to size (the resume will be 8 1/2 x 11 and the headshot 8 x 10) and you're ready to go.

What's the first step?

First you'll want to get a hold of the local trade journal. In the New York area, pick up a copy of Backstage and/or NYCasting . In Los Angeles you can get Backstage West and Dramalogue. Every region with an entertainment industry has some sort of professional trade publication (much like The Journal here at Theatre Central). Find out what your area has by calling a local newsstand or bookstore and pick up a copy. The local trade paper will be an invaluable source for information on what's shooting, performing and auditioning in your area. It's likely you'll find calls for pictures and resumes for upcoming projects -- this is your chance to get your face out into the market.

Mailings!

One of the most basic and important tools for the hustling actor is the mailing. Whether you're submitting yourself for a project (theatre or on-camera) or soliciting the services of an agent, you'll spend a great deal of time mailing out your picture and resume. That means you'll need to come up with some sort of cover letter. While you'll want to tailor your cover letter to your specific style, follow these basic guidelines:

• Keep the letter brief and to the point.
• Follow a standard business letter format.
• When submitting for a project, mention where you saw the ad.
• Be sure your name and contact information are on the cover letter.
• While you may want to mention your background in the cover letter, don't give your complete work history (that's what your resume is for).

Here's an example:

While it may seem short, remember that a production may receive hundreds of submissions. By keeping your cover letter short and to the point, you save the recipient the time of reading a long, drawn out letter (which they're more likely to throw out than read, anyway). Once you've gotten the audition, you'll have ample opportunity to introduce yourself.

At this point you may find yourself waiting for the phone to ring. Don't panic. There's plenty for you to be doing. You should be reading and going to plays, preparing audition material and looking for an agent...

Copyright © J.D. Roberto, 1997
All Rights Reserved



Reproduced by permission of the copyright holder

J.D. Roberto has been writing an "Acting As A Business"
column for an internet trade paper called The Journal.

He may be contacted via E-mail at jdroberto@aol.com
or by visiting his HomePage.