Preparing for an audition is a crucial step in an actor's journey. It's not just about perfecting your monologue or rehearsing your lines; it's also about presenting yourself professionally and effectively through your headshots, resumes, and reels.
In this article, we'll explore the importance of each element and provide valuable insights on preparing for your audition successfully.
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Without further ado, let's explore how you should prepare for your audition with headshots, resumes, and reels.
What Are Acting Headshots Exactly?
Believe it or not, headshots are the key to starting a career as an actor. Your talent is important, but without the right headshot, it's tough even to get noticed.
Headshots for acting are close-up photos of your face, usually from the shoulders up. Often, they're used as digital thumbnails or printed in the standard headshot size, i.e., 8 x 10-inch photos.
| Headshot Guidelines | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Size | 8x10 inches (standard industry size) |
| Format | High-resolution digital image (300 dpi) |
| Color | Natural and authentic; avoid heavy retouching |
Think of your headshot as the face of your professional brand as an actor. Whether you are giving an in-person or self-taped audition, casting directors pay close attention to the headshot. Although your audition kicks off the moment you enter the room, whether you even get that chance can depend greatly on your professional headshot. Thus, it is important to learn the role of self-taping auditions by understanding how to take a perfect headshot for your audition video.
Now that you know what are headshots, let's find out how to take a headshot for acting classes.
7 Killer Tips for Better Acting Headshots
Your headshots for acting are your calling card. For casting directors, a perfect audition not only includes choosing the right monologue but also a good headshot.
Showcase The "Real" You
No matter what, be yourself in your headshot. Avoid excessive airbrushing, and ensure your photo reflects your true appearance. Casting directors expect you to match your headshot, so represent your current self, wrinkles, and all. Your headshot should showcase who you are, not the type you aspire to be.
Emote Through The Eyes
Express emotion through your eyes. Your eyes should be in focus, lively, and filled with inner thoughts. Make sure to avoid a dead or glazed-over look. A slight squint and strong, piercing eyes can bring your headshot to life. A skilled headshot photographer can capture this essence.
Pay Attention To Lighting, Framing, And Background
Opt for a chest-up shot with good face lighting and minimal dramatic shadows. Three-quarter shots work well for print, while extreme close-ups are not recommended. Maintain direct eye contact, and ensure the background is blurred to keep the focus on you.
Choose Natural Or Studio Light
Consider the atmosphere you want to convey. Natural light provides a genuine, cinematic look, while studio lighting offers a polished appearance. Both can be excellent, depending on your desired image. Opt for a well-lit studio shot if you lean towards sitcom roles, or go for an outdoor look for a "True Detective" vibe.
Keep Clothes And Props Simple
Avoid going overboard with clothing and props. Stick to simple, classy attire that follows the standard format. A solid shirt with a subtle texture that complements your eyes is ideal. Steer clear of whites, graphics, or anything diverting attention from your face.
More importantly, skip props; they can come across as desperate and limit your casting opportunities.
What Is An Acting Resume?
Whether you need an acting resume, performer resume, or theater resume, ensure it is as professional as your headshot.
The aim is to make it attractive, tidy, and comprehensive. Think of your acting resume as your introduction – it's like your foot in the door. It gives casting directors, reps, and hiring managers a quick yet thorough look at your acting journey. Cover your training, education, roles, special skills, and awards. And, of course, don't forget to send a resume with a headshot so casting directors can match your face to your accomplishments.
How to Create An Acting Resume?
Wondering what does an acting resume look like? What skills do you put on an acting resume? Listed below are a few effective tips to create a perfect acting resume:
Contact Information
What good is a professional actor resume if potential clients can't find a way to reach you? Include your complete contact details such as professional name, email address, phone number, and general location (like Los Angeles or New York City). You can skip the personal address. Also, note your union status under your name, like Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, EMC, SAG-eligible, or nonunion. Don't list your birthday or age to prevent casting biases. If you have an agent, include their contact information.
Relevant Experience
Tailor your resume to fit the role you apply for. Be truthful, but emphasize any relevant experience. You can include your years of professional experience in film, TV, and theater.
Your Look
List your physical features, such as eye and hair color, height, weight, and body type, on your acting resume. In addition, highlight any unique features you think should stand out.
Skills
Showcase any special skills, like speaking multiple languages fluently, playing an instrument, or realistic-looking combat. This sets you apart from other actors vying for the same role. You can also put acting-related skills, such as teamwork and time management.
Education & Training
Include your school's name, dates attended, degree earned, and any relevant specialized training or certification, like actor training programs or performing arts certifications.
Headshot
Print your resume on the back of your headshot to keep them together. If not, securely attach your resume to the back. A resume and headshot can work wonders for you in the audition process.
Additional Tips
- Limit Links: You can include personal website links or performance reels, but avoid overwhelming your resume with numerous URLs
- Provide Details: Share show titles, roles, directors, and producing organizations using tabbed and aligned columns for easy readability. This helps casting professionals gather information quickly
- Accents & Dialects: Only list accents or dialects if you have studied them and can improvise text in that language
- Be Concise: Keep your resume clear, confident, and concise. It's a snapshot of your professional background, not an exhaustive document. Intrigue readers to want to learn more about you
- Review & Refresh Your Acting Resume: Before each audition, review and refresh your professional acting resume. Remind yourself of past experiences, connections, and discussable highlights. This preparation can lead to more meaningful audition moments
- Take Rejection Positively: Rejections are a part of the process. The key is learning from rejection and using feedback to improve your auditions.
What Is a Demo Reel?
Whether new to the scene or a seasoned pro, every actor needs a demo reel – a brief video showcasing their best on-camera work.
Also known as a "showreel" or a "sizzle reel," this video reel is a vital tool alongside headshots and a resume. Think of it as your calling card, introducing you to decision-makers and explaining why they should hire you. Typically lasting one to two minutes, a demo acting reel highlights an actor's range and acting abilities. It's a compilation of their standout on-screen moments.
Agents, casting directors, and producers rely on demo reels to gauge an actor's on-screen presence and talent. A well-crafted reel often determines whether an actor gets an audition or secures a role. While crucial for on-screen roles in TV, film, or commercials, traditional demo reels may also benefit actors auditioning for theater productions. In such cases, including on-camera performances in their submission materials can be valuable, especially if they lack extensive professional or stage credits – though it's not always a requirement.
Now you know what is a reel, let's delve into how to make a video reel.
How to Make a Video Reel?
To make a compelling reel shot, you need five to six clips that show your best on-screen performances.
Ensure every clip is between 25-35 seconds long, and your entire acting reel should be three to four minutes long. In addition, your demo reel should contain your name, headshot, website, and contact information.
Here are a few other easy steps to craft an effective demo reel:
- Show Your Best Clip: Lead with your strong, best-quality clip. Casting directors may decide based on this first impression, so make it count. Choose a clip that showcases your acting skills rather than relying on the fame of the project
- Skip Introductions: Avoid introducing each clip separately. A simple line of text at the bottom of the screen indicating the project name or genre is sufficient
Crafting an impressive demo reel is crucial for making a lasting impression in the competitive world of acting. So, follow these guidelines to showcase your talent effectively.
Take Online Acting Classes With Superprof
Want to learn how to do method acting? Or do you want to improve your acting skills for the big screen? Whether you want to learn the basics of perfecting your audition to master your acting skills, look no further than Superprof – one of the best online tutoring platforms in the US and the world over. They have various certified acting teachers to help you learn how to act correctly providing both online and in-person acting lessons. Their certified and background-checked instructors are dedicated to your success, ensuring you get the quality education you deserve.
You can choose the acting tutor that best suits you. However, make sure to browse through multiple teachers' profiles before choosing one. Explore their background, experience, expertise, schedule, and rates to find the perfect fit for your learning journey.
Take your acting skills to the next level and land your dream project with Superprof's acting classes nyc today!
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