Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Welcome to this video module focused on presenting key strategies for updating your resume. This
video module is just one of a series available to our VIP Access members in addition 100+
free resume templates, references templates, and more available at www.TheResumeManual.com.
The resume, headshot, and references for each professional performer are always a work in
progress. Independent of your personal success and skill level, each performer is constantly
adding and broadening their skills, abilities, and performance experiences. It is important
that your performance materials always reflect these new changes and additions. Remember
that the resume and headshot always need to be reflective of the person standing before
the director and casting agents. If your contact information, weight, hair color, or the talents
and abilities of the resume change make sure that this changed within the resume. You have
only a few moments to make an impact before the casting agents and you don’t want them
to be spent discussing inconsistencies.
It is also key that as you make additions and changes to your professional performance
resume, that you make decisions based upon the resume as a whole. Now that you completed
and finished creating the resume, you have a working concept and design for the resume
as a whole. See where the recently completed show or production fits with the rest. Make
sure that you weigh all aspects of each entry. While a recent production might feel like
it should go first, there might be a stronger role that should be first followed by the
recent production. However, if your first entry is a leading role that is now ten years
old, then you may want to add a more recent production above that one. In the end, there
is no right answer. The key is to make sure that you are making conscious decisions and
have reasons behind your choices.
Once you have decided upon the final format and layout of current changes take the time
to get a second opinion. Ask fellow performers for their advice. However, always try to find
performers that have different strengths and experiences than you so that you get another
perspective. This is also a great opportunity to enhance your personal relationships with
a few of your references. Ask one or two of your references if they have a moment to meet
with you over to coffee to ask them questions and for advice. This will be a great opportunity
to get some excellent feedback and deepen those personal and professional reference
connections.
In conclusion, make sure that you are always working and improving upon your performance
resume and audition materials. They will always be evolving and changing just as you are as
a performer. Take the necessary steps to insure that your resume and headshots are professionally
designed to give you the competitive edge. Thank you once again for your time and attention,
and Break a Leg!