6 Tips to Building Up Your Resume

By Laura Kossoff

Whether you have just finished acting school, are new to the industry, or are simply looking for ways to expand your resume, here are some great tips.

Working on student and independent films have many benefits.  You can get bigger roles and more screen time than in larger films.  They provide invaluable experiences, working closely with the director and crew and learning about the process of movie-making.  Student films usually do not pay.  Independent films pay a small daily rate.  If they are SAG (Screen Actors Guild) approved projects, the daily rate varies depending on their SAG category (ultra-low budget, modified low budget, or low budget).  Meals and travel expenses are usually covered in both student and independent films.  It is also customary to get a copy of the finished product for your reel.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in comedy, open mic nights gives you a chance to try out new material, meet people in the industry, and be asked to perform at upcoming shows.  Many comedy clubs videotape their performances and this will give you material to put on your reel. You do not have to indicate that it is open mic night on your resume but simply list the comedy club under “Stand Up Comedy Appearances.”

While not paying gigs, Equity showcases are an excellent way to get stage time.  If you are a member of Actors Equity, you will get an Equity waiver.  Your meals and transportation will be reimbursed, but there will be no pay.  Agents, managers, and casting directors often go to Equity showcases to search for new talent.
Actors Equity: http://www.actorsequity.org

Community theater can be a great way to get experience and strengthen your acting chops.  Regional theater is another avenue to gain experience, and since they are professional theaters, you can earn points towards your Equity card.  For more helpful information, you can visit the following websites:
The American Association of Community Theater: http://www.aact.org
American Association of Regional Theaters: http://lort.web.officelive.com/default.aspx

You can increase your opportunities to work by producing projects yourself – anything from a staged reading, to a cabaret night, to a scene night.  I will be focusing on this in more depth in future articles.

Extra work can be helpful when first starting out.  Many actors are afraid of being labeled as an “extra.” However, there can be many benefits. Among them are feeling comfortable on a set, learning the practical aspects of filmmaking, working with other actors, making industry connections, and earning money working in the business.  There is always the possibility of being featured or upgraded to “principal,” if you are given a line. You can become eligible for SAG by doing three days of background work or one day as a principal.

For information on getting your SAG card, please go to: Screen Actors Guild

Helpful websites for castings include:
www.Backstage.com
www.ShowBusinessWeekly.com
www.ActorsAccess.com
www.PlayBill.com

If you found these suggestions helpful, I hope you will check out my new book. www.actingsuccesssecrets.com/book