Theatre Actor Portfolios

The portfolios in the field of performance theatre are different from the ones in other fields that I've looked at in that the focus is solely on the person whose portfolio it is. Instead of artwork, or writing samples the site contains video and audio clips of audition songs and monologues as well as various head shots of the performer.

Similarly, however, the portfolios still contain a resume of the performer. The resume lists all past training and experience, as most resumes do. In another difference, theatre resumes also list voice part, hair and eye color, and height and weight.

The specifics within the resume, as well as the headshots are fairly specific to the theatre profession. It is also different that the "product" being sold is the performer herself, not something that he or she creates on paper.

As far as creating a portfolio in my field goes, I think that it is important that one chooses flattering headshots to use, as this is the face that casting agents and directors are going to remember when they see your name. The photos should be as updated as possible. I also think that it is important to keep the resume updated -- new shows and new training must be added on a regular basis in order to keep the resume as up-to-date as possible. Finally, I think the most important thing is that the portfolio sells the performer in whatever ways possible. In theatre, you are looking for the things that make you unique and cause you to stand out from a crowd. It is these traits that need to be highlighted in the portfolio.