Theatre

If you want to really stand out as an actor (and I think you do), you will have to make your resume stand out for you.

Your resume, cover letter, and headshot are really the first impressions you’ll ever make. They act as your agentgood ones get you auditions, bad ones don’t

So, how does one go about standing out from the rest of the crowd? Well, first of all, you have to think like a marketer. What makes YOU interesting and unique as an actor? This is you USP (Unique Selling Point). Your resume and cover letter act as your USP

In order to make your resume and cover letters really effective, you must follow a few simple guidelines:

For your resume, divide the page into two partsone part for your actual resume, one part for testimonials (yes, testimonials!). Testimonials should be from former directors, playwrights, etc. and they shouldn’t be hard to get. Just ask! (but be sure to get their permission to use their testimonial on your resume) Include the name and position of the person underneath each testimonial quote.

If you are just starting out, include EVERYTHING acting-related on your resumelist every acting job you’ve ever hadno matter how small or big the part (yes, even the non-speaking parts!). Remember, you are trying to fill out your resumelist as much as you can. As time goes by, pick off the less glamorous acting parts and replace them with the true gems that highlight your best work.

Include a small thumbnail headshot of yourself on your resume. This will ensure that if your headshot and resume ever do get separated, your photo will be forever intact ON your resume.

Actors have little time to spend on marketing themselveslet alone anything else non-acting related. For this reason, you should have two form letters ready to go at all timesone for theater, one for film/television. Keep it short and sweet. Your letter should include a brief introduction, your purpose for writing in, your recent endeavors, and a friendly closing. For example, my cover letter states: I’m writing you today because I am very interested in auditioning for your play (or ‘film’ or ‘project’depending on what you’re submitting for) . I know your time is valuable, so I’ll make this short: I would really appreciate it if you could take a moment to review my headshot and resume and let me know if you’d like to meet with me. Again, your letter should include your most recent or current work (try to include pictures within the body of the letter), what classes you’re taking, etc. Then wrap it up with something short and sweet like: Thank you for your time and consideration. I’d love to meet with you. I can be reached at XXX-XXX-XXXX. I hope to hear from you soon. And then, sign your name to it.

When sending a headshot and resume via email, use the same cover letter used in regular mailingssimply cut and paste it into the text portion of your email (remember, you’re trying to save time, so make it easy on yourself!). Don’t forget to attach your headshotand make sure to size the headshot appropriately.

Headshots should look like how you look right now. If your headshot doesn’t look like how you look now, get a new one

You don’t have to spend a big chunk of change on a reputable, big deal, bells-and-whistles photographer to get a nice headshot. Just look around and find someone who has a pretty good portfolio and low prices. I got my headshot done by a photographer who was just starting out. I got a great deal on my headshots and she used my images in her portfolio. A win-win situation!

Get an 8″ x 10″, black and white headshot (which is standard).

I recommend keeping it simpleyour clothing, jewelry, etc. You want YOU (not your clothing and accouterments) to stand out.

That wraps up our section on resumes, cover letters, and headshots. I hope this section has inspired you to make your HS/resume kit brilliant!

Amy is an actress in NYC. Her website can be found at http://www.amyhoerler.com/menu (includes loads of links and tips for actors).

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First off, when the bus doesn’t hit you! Secondly, when it does collide with one Daniel Miller, a character in a spiritual movie that is not only motivational but very funny as well.

Albert Brooks plays Daniel Miller, the man hit by a bus. The fatal accident lands him in Judgement City. There he is put on trial to see if he is worthy to advance to the next level or if he must return to earth for another incarnation.

While there he meets and falls for the wonderful Julia (Meryl Streep) who is also on trial. Julia has lived an exemplary life and her good deeds are replayed showcasing her altruism. Brooks character, meanwhile, is subjected to watching his many shortcomings come to life on a big screen video as the lawyers for and against watch and comment.

Rip Torn does a great job as Brooks’ defense lawyer Bob Diamond and Lee Grant plays the prosecutor Lena Foster. But it is Brooks and Streep who carry this film. Brooks is at his best as his usual hyperchondriacish self. And, Streep is very sweet as his love-interest. Streep’s almost saint-like life is bolstered by her humble attitude and makes her all the more attractive. Brooks, on the other hand, in reviewing his less than stellar stint on planet earth is able to make it a memorable one by injecting it with big doses of self-deprecating humor. Witness the following exchange between Brooks and the lawyers:

Bob Diamond: Did we ever stop to think that this young boy had a bond with his father? I don’t think it had anything to do with the friend. I just think Daniel couldn’t lie to his dad. That’s all.

Lena Foster: You’re nodding, Mr. Miller. Does that mean you agree with Mr. Diamond?

Daniel Miller: Oh, yes. I had a bond with my father. I pretty much never lied to him.

Lena Foster: You never lied to your father? Would you like me to show you at least 500 examples?

Daniel Miller: I said “pretty much” never lied. I didn’t say I never, ever lied. You have to lie sometimes… in an emergency. But, ah, it doesn’t mean the bond is affected. If you’ve got the bond the bond is always there, and if you have to lie occasionally you’re not going to interfere with the bond. You know, the bond can wait for a little lie and… in the end it’s there for you. You know, sometimes in the middle of a lie I found that the bond would kick in… maybe squeeze a little truth out.

Bob Diamond: Psst, wrap it up.

Daniel Miller: I’m through.

Through, indeed…

As this motivational movie progresses and the relationship develops between Streeps and Brooks, the question becomes - will they be through? Will they get to stay together or will they be sent to different places following their life reviews and possibly never be together again.

It is interesting to see what criteria Brooks is ultimately judged on in his quest for salvation. For a spiritual journey with a lot of laughs and to find the answer to his salvation watch Defending Your Life.

What is spiritual about this movie? I like the notion that redemption is just around the corner if you are only willing to take a chance at it - in the case of this movie that payoff comes at the very end - a lesson well-learned by Brooks’ character. There is also the uncommon spiritual notion that life doesn’t have to be some solemn austere enterprise but should be for the living. To that end, Brooks is given kudos for upgrading his ticket on a long flight to first class - pampering himself in essense at the expense of expense!

Essentially, life is for the living, so live it - cause, hey, like Daniel Miller, you could get hit by a bus tomorrow. Along the way though you may want to help some folks, do some charity work, and love others cause if you end up landing in Judgement City watching a movie review of your life you’ll want to be able to enjoy it…

Defending Your Life makes getting hit by a bus a pleasurable
experience - provided you’re not the one taking the hit.

Free ebook reviews and lists top motivational movies. This spiritual movies site reviews the best spiritual movies and the Spiritual Cinema Circle.

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The school summer holidays are upon us again and we have to decide what to do with our children regardless of the weather. We can always take a trip to the coast and if we are lucky (or unlucky) the weather will be scorching hot and we can laze on the beach aka the Costa del Brighton. Alternatively we can pack the kids into the car, picnic basket, shades, sun tan lotion etc get to the sea-side only to find the weather has changed and it is cold and or raining.
If you are visiting from the continent, it is always a problem as to what to wear on a day trip out - be prepared for roasting hot and freezing cold and wet - and walk around looking like a tourist that is prepared for anything. Apart from enjoying yourself as you are too busy carrying everything except the kitchen sink. The joys of English weather!

As a great alternative we can always take a trip to London, by train and bus preferably (unless you are prepared for the Congestion Charge) and then visit one of London’s historical (and often hysterical) theatres. Whether you buy your tickets on-line or queue in London - (best not from a tout!) - there are always some brilliant shows to see, including comedy, drama, musicals and more! To try to help visitors from Germany, the website at www.uklondontheatretickets.com has produced a translated version (mostly in German) at www.londontheatretickets.de It is worth a visit if only to find out where to go when you get to London, as there is a useful on-line theatre guide which includes travel guidance. There is live ticket availability for theatres, The London Eye, Madame Tussauds and much more! With top shows to see such as Phantom of The Opera, Lion King, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins and more, why risk the weather?

One of the great shows to see is Evita;. this is what has been written about the show

“Eva Peron used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. She won international acclaim and adoration as a champion of the poor, whilst glamour, power and greed made her one of the 21st century’s most major political celebrities. With its multi award winning production team and new orchestrations, EVITA tells Eva Peron’s passionate and tragic story through Andrew LLoyd Webber’s most dazzling score and Tim Rice’s famous lyrics.
EVITA originally ran in London for seven Years and won the Olivier award for Musical of the Year and seven Tony Awards on Broadway. Songs include:
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Another Suitcase In Another Hall, Oh What a Circus and YOU MUST LOVE ME.

Whether you visit a London theatre during the summer or take a trip to the beach - do it with a smile - and think of September when everyone is back at school!

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