Tips for writing a BIO:

Hit the highlights of your theatre experience. List favorite roles or shows instead of ALL of them! Tell about your training and awards. Identify yourself as a student and tell your future plans. Please do not begin: “(Your name) is excited to be appearing on the Blair Hall Stage….

Your biography is very important to patrons who come see the show. Some patrons will read your bio before the show to prepare for the performance to see if they know anyone and others will review at intermission because they are impressed by your performance or technical work and want to know more about YOU. Who knows, there may be directors and producers in the audience looking for someone to fill a position they have now or will have in the future. OR someone who can offer you a scholarship!

It is recommended that you avoid using a majority of your promotional space thanking people, fellow cast or crew. Thank them in person or save it for your Tony acceptance speech!

•     Include your name and role first.
•     Write in third person. After listing your name first, you may use he/she, him/her or even your first name for other references to yourself.
•     Make sure all plays mentioned are in italics (include roles you played if possible)
•     Try using a clever adjective or two: madcap, cross-dressing,  (see example below)
•     Avoid over using words like: thrilled, excited, debut, main stage (see example below)
•     Learn to spell “theatre” and other words. Use spell check.
•     List your major.
•     Tell what your future plans are if you know.

Examples:

    You may have seen Name Goes Here’s madcap seducing, cross-dressing escapades as Hermidas in February'sTriumph of Love. Other favorite past roles include Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Emily Webb in Our Town and Cathy in Cat's Paw.

    Name Goes Here continues to light up Dayton.  With a background in event production, this is XXXXXX’s debut as an assistant designer.  Last year XXXXXX held the position of Master Electrician (a title he continues to carry this season), but is stretching his theatrical chops by designing lights.  Be sure to see his light design of Richard III at Blair Hall this winter!    

Tips for a good headshot:

    It Has To Look Like You.

    It Should be a photo of your head...or atleast top 1/3 of your body

    It should be of good quality...when printed in black and white (try it)

    It should be saved in a JPEG or JPG format with your last name as the file name.​ (like evans.jpeg)