Juries Resources

Cover Letter

This is your letter of application
Personalize the letter
Avoid “To whom it may concern,”
Use a similar format for your resumé, so it is easy to tell they go together
Tells the reader
- Who you are and what you are applying for
- Why you are the best candidate for the job
- Why you want to work there
- That you will contact them to follow up
- Your contact information
Standard Expectations
- Format is 3-5 paragraphs
- Header includes complete information for candidate, date, and employer
- Correct salutation to address the Employer (Dear Name, Hiring Manager or Selection
  Committee)
- Correct Closing (Sincerely, 2-4 blank lines, and typed name)
- One Page
- Consistent font/spacing (10 pt or larger)
- Appropriate font choice
- No spelling, punctuation or grammar errors
- Tailored to position
- Has applicants contact information
- Opening Paragraph: States why you are writing, name the position for which you are applying. Indicate how you learned about the position (Name Drop if you can). Includes hook.
- Middle Paragraph(s): Explains why you are interested in working for this employer. Mentions work and
  educational experiences. Emphasizes skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying.
- Closing Paragraph: Provides
  strong wrap-up summary, possibly includes next steps such as following up.

How to Interview Well

Remember, the purpose of the interview is to introduce yourself in the best possible way. Be confident that you are the best candidate for the position and let your experience back you up. We suggest practicing your interview with someone! Think of it as a highly focused conversation and approach it as if you want to secure a second date.

Interview Do’s

Arrive punctually
Dress appropriately
Relax
Be enthusiastic
Tell the Story Well - topical, beginning, middle, and end
Focus on accomplishments and give examples
Identify your top three talking points, avoid listing, and give specific examples
Be able to articulate strengths and weaknesses
Know the Company
Be a good listener
Connect yourself to the job offered
Convey interest in the job when the interview is ending

Interview Don’ts

Smoke, chew gum, drink
Wing the interview
Ramble
Ask too many questions
Not ask any questions
Bad-mouth anyone
Use profanity

Potential Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths?
What is your greatest weakness?
What are you passionate about?
How do you deal with conflict?
What is your greatest pet peeve?
What type of people do you best work with?
What are your career goals?
What is your proudest theatre related moment?
Why do you want this job?
What is your ideal work environment?
Tell me about your ideal collaboration.
How would your last supervisor describe you?
How would you describe your work style?
Who is your favorite supervisor/director/etc.? Why?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you feel about taking no for an answer?
Who has impacted your career the most and how?
What can you do for us that other applicants can’t?
Why do you want this job?
How would you deal with a co-worker who is repeatedly late or unprepared?
Is there a show you dream of working on? If so, which show and why?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Who are your heroes?
What do you do in your spare time?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Do you work better in a team or alone?
What irritates you about people and how do you deal with it?
What is your greatest fear? What have you done to manage it?
What do you look for in a leader?
What was the most difficult period in you life and how did you deal with it?
When have you felt the most satisfied in your work?
Who else are you interviewing with?
Do you have any questions for me?
Describe a time when you told the truth and it hurt you?

Design and Technology Portfolio

What is a Design and Technology Portfolio?
Your path to a career in theatre
An always-evolving showcase of your skills and accomplishments
Digital or traditional book-type portfolio

Made up primarily of:

Paperwork
Research
Drawings
Sketches
Draftings
Photographs (in process and final product)

Do:	Don't:
Label everything	Take credit for other people’s work
Be neat and orderly - presentation counts	Include sloppy work or handwriting
Show process (research, sketches, swatches, samples, paperwork, etc…)	Include projects you don’t believe in or are not proud of
Proofread - Italicize show titles	Mislead or lie
Show variety
Regularly update your portfolio
Organize work logically
Show your best work first
Stylistically match your resumé and cover letter (helps with your identity)

Possible Portfolio Ingredients

Costume	Lighting	Scenery
Table of Contents	Table of Contents	Table of Contents
Statement of educational or artistic philosophy	Statement of educational or artistic philosophy	Statement of educational or artistic philosophy
Research materials	Research materials	Research materials
Production photos	Production photos	Production photos
Concept statements	Concept statements	Concept statements
Organizational materials (lists, charts, etc.)	Organizational materials (magic sheet, color key, instrument schedule, cue sheet, etc.)	Organizational materials (Scenic breakdown)
Color renderings	Light plot (hand drafted and CAD)	Painter elevations, ground plans, sections, elevations, perspective drawings
Photos of work in progress	Storyboards	Model photos and/or sketches
Resumé and letter(s) of recommendation	Resumé and letter(s) of recommendation	Resumé and letter(s) of recommendation

Portfolio Rubric

Criteria	Expert (4)	Advanced (3)	Accomplished (2)	Developing (1)
Portfolio Content Goal: Present your skills to potential employers and graduate programs.	Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted Demonstrates understanding of the elements and principles of design Demonstrates realized designs	Three of the following are met: Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted Demonstrates understanding of the elements and principles of design Demonstrates realized designs	Two of the following are met: Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted Demonstrates understanding of the elements and principles of design Demonstrates realized designs	One or less of the following are met: Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted Demonstrates understanding of the elements and principles of design Demonstrates realized designs
Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation Goal: Ensure your portfolio is polished and professional	Error-free spelling Error-free punctuation Error-free spacing Appropriate grammar Production titles Italicized	Contains 1-2 minor errors (punctuation or spacing Has a pattern of a single error (some bullets have periods, some do not)	Contains 3 or more individual errors Has a pattern of two or more of the same type of error	Contains numerous errors.
Appearance/Style/Layout Goal: To reinforce your demonstration of a mastery of the principles of design	Overall layout is attractive and keeps focus on the designs being presented Matches style of resumé Unified, cohesive font usage	Two of the following are met: Overall layout is attractive and keeps focus on the designs being presented Matches style of resumé Unified, cohesive font usage	One of the following is met: Overall layout is attractive and keeps focus on the designs being presented Matches style of resumé Unified, cohesive font usage	None of following are met: Overall layout is attractive and keeps focus on the designs being presented Matches style of resumé Unified, cohesive font usage
Process Goal: To convey a healthy design process supported by adequate analysis and research	Perfectly demonstrates process and supports design decisions	Adequately demonstrates process and supports design decisions	Shows some process and occasionally supports design choices	Does not demonstrate process
Organization Goal: To convey organizational skills to potential employers or graduate programs.	Entries are in logical order and show best work first Entries are labeled with Production/Project title, position, organization name, Image label (light plot, research image, rendering, production photo) Other peoples photos/work are credited.	Entries are in reverse chronological order Entries have a pattern of one type of error	Entries in illogical order 3 or more entries do not include organization name, position title, production Wordy or vague Irrelevant information
Aimed at a specific target Goal: To ensure your strengths are highlighted for your specific audience.	Listings are relevant to the reader		Wordy Vague Irrelevant Proficiency in target area not demonstrated

Resumé

Purpose: Get an interview

Purpose is not: History of past

Know your audience

Showcase your skills and how you would be an excellent fit into their organization
Know what they are looking for and what they do
Find out what their current projects are and ask about them in an interview to show that you are informed
Focus on the employer’s needs, not your needs
What would make you the perfect employee for this organization

Cuteness

Do not use your resume to show off your immense cuteness or incredible sense of humor

Honesty

Do Not Lie! The theatre community is very small

Efficient and Concise

Avoid being wordy
Showcase your skills and accomplishments
Do not list the shows that you did in high school

Accuracy

Use spell check
Use correct terminology
- I.e. Rehearsal, not Play practice
Be consistent in formatting and terminology

Length

For the average college student, a one-page resume should be sufficient
As you become more experienced, you should develop multiple resumes
A concise one-page resume
A longer resumé that lists everything you have done that you don’t share
Resumes tailored towards specific jobs

The Modular Resumé

Consider breaking up your resume into modular units that can be interchanged
You might swap out your shop experience for stage management experience for an acting resumé

Appearance

Choose an easily readable font
Make sure your printer is clean and does not leave any streaks or marks
Handwritten resumes are not acceptable
Leave at least 3/4” margin on both sides of the document

Paper

Be considerate of the interviewer
Do not use obnoxiously bright paper
Choose a paper that will be pleasant and easy to read, such as an ivory or granite paper

Formatting

Average resumé looked at for 10-20 seconds
- The top half of the page counts the most
- Your name should be slightly larger than everything else on the page and should be found at the top
Following your name, we should see your contact information
- Telephone number
- E-mail
- Website
Easy to read
Showcase your experience or skills
Break up your resume into sections
- Acting, Design, Technical Direction, Stage Management
- Then organize these groups by importance to you/the type of job for which you are applying
Consider adding a column to include supervisors/directors
Your lists should be organized from the most impressive role to the least impressive
Special interests or skills can often be useful
- Stick to interests or skills that reinforce your skills as an artist
Indicate your level of proficiency
- 4 years of piano
- Purple belt in Judo
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
- Basic, Conversational, Fluent in Spanish
- 1 to 5 scale or a visual scale such as filled in circles
Educational Background
- Once you graduate from college, you most likely will not need to include your high school information
- Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Emphasis Musical Theatre, expected graduation May 2030

Additions

You may be asked to provide…
List of theatre courses completed
Design or artistic philosophy
List of references
Letters of recommendation
Official Transcripts

References

Work to increase your reference possibilities
Always get permission before listing someone as a reference
Keep your references informed
- Where you are applying
- Recent career updates
The best references
- Have a good reputation
- Are articulate and experienced writers
- Well-known
- Know your work well
- Have a reputation for supporting good employees
Variety is also useful

Maintenance

Update after every show!
Keep at hand!

Traditional Resumé	Theatre Resumé
Uses and “Objective” section - “Obtain a position at AAA company where BBB and CCC are needed.”	Theatre artists tend to put this statement in their cover letter.
List duties for each job.	Theatre jobs/positions are more or less uniform from one theatre to the next, so the list of duties is usually omitted.
Make assertions about your skills as an employee and provide evidence of those skills.	Theatre artists tend to put these assertions in their cover letter.

Resumé Rubric

Criteria	Expert (4)	Advanced (3)	Accomplished (2)	Developing (1)
Style/Appearance Goal: To ensure your strengths are highlighted for your specific audience and that the resume is polished & easy to read.	Fills one page without overcrowding Acceptable margins Readable font Consistent formatting Most relevant information at the top of the page Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted	Five of the following are met: Fills one page without overcrowding Acceptable margins Readable font Consistent formatting Most relevant information at the top of the page Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted	Three of the following are met: Fills one page without overcrowding Acceptable margins Readable font Consistent formatting Most relevant information at the top of the page Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted	Two or less of the following are met: Fills one page without overcrowding Acceptable margins Readable font Consistent formatting Most relevant information at the top of the page Section headings reflect content Appropriately targeted
Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation Goal: Ensure your portfolio is polished and professional	Error-free spelling Error-free punctuation Error-free spacing Appropriate grammar Production titles Italicized	Contains 1-2 minor errors (punctuation or spacing Has a pattern of a single error (some bullets have periods, some do not)	Contains 3 or more individual errors Has a pattern of two or more of the same type of error	Contains numerous errors.
Contact Information Goal: To ensure employers can easily reach you.	Includes name, email, phone Name stands out Professional email	Includes name, email, phone Name does not stand out OR Email is too casual	Includes name, email, phone Name does not stand out AND Email is too casual	Missing contact information Name does not stand out AND/OR Unprofessional Email
Education Section Goal: To convey academic qualifications and training.	Entries are in reverse chronological order Degree is spelled out Majors declared Institution name Includes dates	Entries are in reverse chronological order Three of the following are met: Degree is spelled out Majors declared Institution name Includes dates	Not in reverse chronological order Two of the following are met: Degree is spelled out Majors declared Institution name Includes dates	Not in reverse chronological order Information is missing or incorrect Irrelevant information listed
Experience Section Goal: To convey practical qualifications and training.	Entries are in order that shows best work first Organization name, position title, production included Concise	Entries are in order that shows best work first Entries have a pattern of one type of error OR Not concise	Entries are in order that shows best work first Entries have a pattern of one type of error Not concise	Entries are not in order that shows best work first 3 or more entries do not include the organization name, position title, or production Wordy or vague Irrelevant information
Skills & Interests Goal: To reveal relevant or interesting information that does not appear elsewhere	Listings are relevant to the reader Listings are concise Levels of proficiency are indicated	Two of the following are met: Listings are relevant to the reader Listings are concise Levels of proficiency are indicated	One of the following is met: Listings are relevant to the reader Listings are concise Levels of proficiency are indicated	Wordy Vague Irrelevant Proficiency not indicated

Actor Logline

An actor logline is a 1–2 sentence branding statement that tells casting professionals who you are as a performer (type, what energy you bring) and what makes you castable. It’s about clarity and specificity, not listing your resumé.

Example from backstage.com:

“Emerald-eyed Southern Belle-next-door-pyscho-killer.”
“Silver-tounged pillar of society corporate backstabber.”

Do	Don't
Keep it short (1–2 sentences).	Ramble or tell your life story.
Define your type clearly.	Use vague words like “talented” or “passionate.”
Be specific and memorable.	List credits instead of describing your brand.
Sound confident and natural.	Apologize for where you are in your career.
Update it as you grow.

Self-tape

“A self-tape is a video audition that actors record on their own, usually at home or in a simple studio, so casting directors can see and judge performances remotely instead of in person. A strong self-tape looks professional technically (good lighting, sound, framing) and shows a grounded, connected performance that feels like a real audition.” (Backstage.com)

Do:	Don't:
Read and follow all submission instructions carefully (format, slate requirements, deadlines).	Submit late or ignore specific casting directions.
Shoot horizontally frame yourself in a medium close-up (mid-chest to just above the head), with your eyes roughly one-third down from the top of the frame. (unless overwise specified)
Use good lighting, natural front lighting or soft lights so your features are clear.	Record with harsh backlighting or poor lighting that hides your expression.
Ensure clear, crisp audio (quiet space, minimize echo/background noise).	Record with distracting sounds (traffic, pets, echo).
Center yourself in frame with a simple, non-distracting background.	Record in cluttered, busy environments that draw attention away from you.
Get off-book so performance feels natural and engaged. (some audition might not ask you to memorize it is still recommend that you do)	Have script visible in frame (unless allowed)
Slate clearly and professionally before your performance if requested (name/title).
Use a stable camera setup (tripod, ring light or steady surface)	Hold your phone/camera handheld with shaky footage.
Connect to your scene partner/reader and maintain proper eyeline off-camera.	Look directly into the camera for scene performance (unless directed).
Watch your tape before submitting (review lighting/sound/looks).	Submit the first take without checking quality.
Choose wardrobe that flatters and doesn’t distract	Wear busy patterns, logos, or costumes that draw attention away from your performance.

Slate

A slate is the brief introduction you give before performing a monologue and/or song in an audition. It tells the auditors who you are and what you’ll be performing, and it should be clear, confident, and professional.

Do:	Don't:
State your full name clearly	Rush through your name or mumble.
Include the title of the piece and the playwright/composer (if required).	Launch into your monologue without slating (unless instructed not to slate).
Speak in a natural, conversational tone.	Perform your slate like it’s part of the character.
Make brief, confident eye contact (or look directly into the camera for self-tapes).	Look at the floor, ceiling, or off to the side.
Keep it short and professional.	Add extra details (your GPA, your favorite color, your life story).
When applicable, follow the audition notice instructions exactly (age, location, height, etc)	Ignore specific slate requirements listed in the audition posting.
Smile and show your personality subtly.	Overdo it with jokes, accents, or “bits.”
Pause briefly after your slate before beginning your piece.	Immediately jump into the monologue without a breath or transition.
Research the correct pronunciation of the play title and playwright/book writer/composers name.

Revision #7
Created 2026-01-14 16:09:52 UTC by Jeff McLaughlin
Updated 2026-04-30 14:59:08 UTC by Jeff McLaughlin