Hello Mighty Actors! This is YOUR page. Accessible only to YOU..the DePaul Class of 2023. This is a place to gather resources and advice that will be helpful to you in your transition from student to professional actor. I have included super useful information for you to read and watch; these are resources that you can refer to now and when your class has ended.
This is a work in progress. I will be adding links throughout the quarter. If YOU find an article that you think would be helpful to your classmates…send it along and I will add it to this page. Warmly, Rachael
Here’s a list of guidelines, descriptions, and examples to help you format your resume. Following the industry standards outlined on this page will ensure that you present yourself and your work in the most professional way possible.
HEADSHOTS THAT WORK
Getting a decent headshot is not all that difficult…..but getting a great headshot is a real challenge and requires thought, planning, and homework! The creation of a great headshot is a result of a successful working relationship between 2 parties …the actor and the photographer.
Most photographers offer free consultations; take advantage of this offer! The more they get a sense of who you are, your personality, your vibe, and your sense of humor…the better. You should feel comfortable with your photographer. Their ability to set you at ease, help you relax and “talk you through various scenarios” is what makes for a good actor-photographer relationship.
- Shop around and use a professional. Look at various Headshot Photographer Websites. Look at the actors that are similar to us in terms of age, ethnicity, gender, and type. Do you like what you see? Also, check out Agent Websites to see more headshots of actors.
- Headshots should look like YOU. You on a good day, showing who you are now, not older or younger.
- A great headshot reveals something about your personality. Just like acting on camera, you are most interesting when we see you thinking…a joke, a secret an opinion. Your headshot should tell a story. We see the story through your eyes; eyes that are not glazed over, but thinking a specific thought.
- Keep your wardrobe simple! Stick to mostly solid colors; fabric with texture. Match the color of your eyes…or take into consideration the color of your eyes when choosing what to wear. Read this blog on what to wear in your actor headshots!
SELF-TAPE ADVICE & RESOURCES
20 Minute Video on How To Self-Tape with Adria Dawn
1 Minute Video on Connecting in the Virtual Audition Room
Janelle Snow’s Self-Tape Equipment List (This is an amazing resource!)
Theatrik is an online shop for actors run by Chicagoan Kate McCoy. Kate also runs Chicago Self Tape, a great self-taping resource when you need some help with that important audition.
EDITING YOUR SELF-TAPE
There are TONS of helpful videos on YouTube. Here’s one that’s short, talks about trimming, title cards, and compressing your file!
REELS: GETTING STARTED
ACTOR WEBSITE RESOURCES
5 STEPS TO BUILD YOUR OWN ACTOR WEBSITE
https://www.sitebuilderreport.com/wix-vs-squarespace
Research & Choose your domain name
CASTING WEBSITES
Click here to read about Actors Access, Casting Networks & others
MANAGER Q & A
Click here to read a Q & A courtesy of Denny Love (DePaul Alum) and his manager, Jim Weissenbach.