For instance, instead of writing, “I am a student at Brighton College,” write, “Jane is a student at Brighton College. ” Use “he," “she,” or “they” in following sentences. [1] X Research source The following example marks third person language with an underline, “John Smith is a graduate student in playwriting at XYZ University. He has acted in. . . "
If you’re in a lead role or expected to produce a longer bio, keep your paragraphs roughly three sentences long. Use active voice to keep content clear. For example, “She was encouraged by her family to pursue acting” would be stronger as “Her family encouraged her to pursue acting. “[3] X Research source
It is acceptable to throw a joke into your bio, but keep it brief and avoid inside jokes. You don’t want to come across as unprofessional to readers or audience members. Some members of the audience may be connected to the theatrical community. A professionally written bio will give these people a favorable impression of you.
If this is your first time writing a bio, ask the director, producer, stage manager, or a more experienced actor to look over yours. These people will be more knowledgeable about theatrical bio writing.
In addition to a word limit, some theatre companies provide templates for your bio, limiting you to discussing only certain things. Some theatre companies have rules regarding what information you can and cannot include in your bio.
Avoid listing every production you’ve ever been in. [7] X Research source Instead, focus only on your proudest or most impressive work. Write a list of your most popular or critically acclaimed roles. Use this list to help you decide which roles to cite. Refer to your resume if you have trouble recalling roles or remembering which were strongest. [8] X Expert Source Lesly Kahn, MFAActing Teacher & Coach Expert Interview. 12 May 2020. Make sure to be honest about your credits. Don’t exaggerate roles you’ve been in or make anything up. [9] X Expert Source Lesly Kahn, MFAActing Teacher & Coach Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
If you’re writing a bio for an amateur theatre production, you’ll probably also include information about your vocation. [10] X Research source If you’re a student, mention this by saying, “She is a student at the Acme University. ” This is especially appropriate if you’re studying theatre or drama with the aim of becoming a professional actor.
An example of listed minor roles might look like, “John has been involved in The Miracle Worker, Jesus, Son of Man, and Showdown at the Sugar Cane Saloon. " A mix of minor and lead roles could be written, “Jane has appeared in My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, and as Fantine in Les Misérables. “[11] X Research source
Significant life changes, like graduating with a degree in engineering before pursuing acting, can help you connect with the audience better through your bio. [13] X Research source Specialized training you received, like a workshop class in physical theatre by famed mime Marcel Marceau, can illustrate your accomplishments and the range of your skill. Your involvement with theatre related activities, like a youth theatre outreach, can show readers the kind of person you are without being heavy handed. [14] X Research source
Use this information to really incorporate your personality into your biography. You can try to be humorous or sincere or adventurous, but make sure that you’re staying true to who you are. [16] X Expert Source Lesly Kahn, MFAActing Teacher & Coach Expert Interview. 12 May 2020. Highlight facts that give readers a deeper idea of you as a person. For example, you might write, “John is an avid gardener and hiker,” which conveys a natural, rugged sense to readers.
In some situations, it may be suitable to thank a mentor or teacher in your bio, especially if that person is respected theatrically. Thanking your family in your bio can sometimes give the impression that you’re inexperienced. Serious actors may want to avoid doing this. [18] X Research source
