RESUMES

The most important rule: don't lie. More and more film and theatre producers, directors, and casting directors are checking your credits IN ADVANCE of calling you in, as well as phoning your previous directors who you state you worked for. Just as with your regular day job, if you're caught lying on your resume, you'll either be fired, or not be hired ... and your lies will follow you.

IMPORTANT: If you've directed before, DO NOT state it on the resume you submit for acting roles. Under ANY conditions. A director looking at that will automatically think that you'll try to "direct" his / her production as well, or you'll tell the other actors what to do backstage if you disagree with the direction given you by the director (note: don't try it -- you'll be fired). Save your directing credits for your Directing resume; NEVER put it / them on your Acting resume. EVER.

Same goes for any type of modeling or promotionals (handing out free samples). This should NOT go on your acting resume.

Best to have 2 resumes: one for legitimate theatre, and another for film / TV / video, etc.

If you did the role of 'Julius Caesar' or 'James Tyrone, Sr.', etc., in high school or in college and you're a young actor in yours 20s, do NOT place these older roles on your resume for submission to professional theatres as you will NEVER be cast in them at a professional theatre.

Professional theatres cast age-appropriately, and there's a lot to be said for age maturity of actor in older roles simply due to life experience.

Always put the medium you're submitting yourself for at the top of your resume in descending order. If you're submitting your photo and resume for a film role, make certain that the category of "FILM" or "FILM and TV" heads your resume. If you're submitting for a professional theatre, make certain "THEATRE" heads your listing.