So the only shows I've done have been in high school and 1 in college. I've done quite a bit, but is it appropriate to list high school shows?

Also, I've played the older character in many of these shows. What does that tell casting directors? I'm trying to land a role as a person who is in their 20s. I am 20, but some have told me I look a little older. Can I still get roles that are close to me in age?

Thanks!

Well, since no one else has answered...

You've probably been cast in the older roles just because you've done only high school and college shows. When you've got a pool of people to choose from that only vary in age by 4 or 5 years, and you want to put on something other than High School Musical, you've got to cast some people a lot older than they are. In the professional world, you'll get roles closer to your own age.

As far as keeping your high school credits on your resume, I'd say it's better than nothing if you don't have any other acting credits (but others, please feel free to disagree here... just my thought). Experience is experience, at least. But even if you try to disguise that it's high school theatre on your resume, it will still be a dead giveaway to casting directors to see those older roles you mentioned, especially if they're really a lot older. If a 20-year-old walks in with Miss Hannigan on her resume, that's a pretty good indicator that it's a high school show.

If you want more credits to your name before you dive into professional theatre, you might sniff out a good community theatre in your area and get a few of their shows under your belt. More times than not, community theatre is a great experience and can really be a lot of fun... especially if you don't mind the not-getting-paid thing.

Best of luck starting out!

If you have played older characters in HS or college, list them as such. Those credits are better than nothing. Everyone has to start somewhere and if I am casting a young role, the credits are less important to me than a strong picture. If you've done HS and college productions, however, I am more likely to give you an audition than someone who presents an empty resume.

In your professional career, you will be cast based on how old you look, not necessarily how old you are.

Good luck to you.

Best,

Ron

i am in agreeance with ron.

here's the thing- you aren't older, and everyone knows that in highschool and college, 18 yr olds will be playing 50 yr olds because that's just how HS and college theatre works.

if you create your resume as something like these:

High School Theatre
Pippin Fastrada
Annie MIss Hannigan

OR

Hello Dolly Dolly NYU
Pippin Fastrada Browning High School
Annie MIss Hannigan Browning High School


they will all know that you
A. HAve experience (everyone has to start somewhere)
B. Aren't necessarily lying about having played these roles that in a professional world you would never play

I mean, if you tried to "pad" the resume and changed "Browning High School Theatre" to "Browning Theatre"...

I think most pprofessionals in the industry would question the professionalism of "Browning THeatre", and question your professionalism for playing roles like these that are clearly all wrong for you. Whereas no one would question "Browning High School"'s professionalism.

Def keep an eye out for student films (you can call the film departments at your local colleges and ask how you can send your h/r to) and auditions for community theatre.

I dont know where in NJ you are, but NYC is right here. If you think you are ready, pick up a backstage and look on playbill, and best of luck!

Yes, list your high school shows, but do not add the word high school to your resume. If it's Central Valley High, just list it as Central Valley Theatre. That way, the focus isn't on how old you were when you did, but on the fact that you did it, regardless of your age.

Here's a thread on resume formats.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8011031/m/2...?r=24410001#24410001

Before printing and handing out your resume, make sure you have enough on there.

Put any kind of volunteer work or anything you've done as well. Not just plays.

Actually, you wouldn't put volunteer work and other non-theatre related things on your resume. Your acting resume it your acting resume....