Writing your Actor’s Bio
Your bio must be written in a specific format to be taken seriously by the industry.
Follow these seven essential rules:
1. Write in 3rd Person: Instead of “I began acting at age three,” write “Rachel Starwood began acting at age three.”
2. Avoid Excessive Personal Insights: Keep focus on experience; personal notes belong in the last paragraph.
3. Start with the Most Important Information:
The first paragraph should highlight your biggest credits or experiences.
4. Keep It Concise:
Use 1-3 short paragraphs, ideally under 150 words.
5. Italicize Titles, Avoid Quotes:
Example: Macbeth instead of “Macbeth.”
6. Use Digits for 10 and Above:
Example: “five” but “15.”
7. Be Honest:
Avoid exaggeration or false information.
Paragraph 1: Biggest Credits & Awards
Start with your full name and most significant accomplishments.
Include major roles, awards, or training styles (Meisner, Classical, etc.).
Example: Jon Smith is a classically trained actor who performed the role of Agent Smith in The Matrix, was awarded Best Actor in the 2019 Academy Awards, and has performed in over 15 theatrical productions and short films.
Paragraph 2: Training, Recent Work and Additional Credits
Highlight acting education and notable instructors or institutions.
Mention degrees, certifications, or specialized training.
Discuss recent roles, productions, and ongoing projects.
Focus on work within the past 2-3 years.
Example: Smith received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from NYU in 2022. After graduation, he studied privately for three years under Stella Adler at the Group Theater. Recently, Smith performed the role of Billy Jo Bob in a school production of the well-known play The Front Porch. He is currently working on his second one-man show, I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad.
Paragraph 3: Personal Traits, Skills, and Goals
Mention relevant skills (musical abilities, languages, athleticism, etc.).
End with a career aspiration for the next 1-2 years.
Example: Smith has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and jesting. He looks forward to bringing his talents to major motion pictures in the coming years.
Example Bio
Jon Smith (Romeo) Jon is a classically trained actor who performed the role of Agent Smith in The Matrix, was awarded Best Actor in the 2019 Academy Awards, and has performed in over 15 theatrical productions and short films. Smith received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from NYU in 2022. After graduation, he studied privately for three years under Stella Adler at the Group Theater. Recently, Smith performed the role of Billy Jo Bob in a school production of the well-known play The Front Porch. He is currently working on his second one-man show, I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad. Smith has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and jesting. He looks forward to bringing his talents to major motion pictures in the coming years.
When finished writing your Actor’s Bio:
Please copy and paste it into the body of an email and send to: programs@reddingpac.com
The subject line should be: Actor’s Bio
Please note; we cannot accept attached documents, and bios are due two weeks before opening night. Bios not adhering to these formatting requirements will be sent back for revision.
MainStage Actor Expectations
Principal Goals for the Production
-The audience enjoys the show
-The actors enjoy the process, and grow as performers
-The theatre sells tickets
Show Objectives
-The show must be comprehensible.
-The show must display talent and technical capacity. ∙
-The show must be interesting.
-The show must seem fast-paced.
Basic TALENT Expectations
-Cast will attend all scheduled rehearsals called for and performances.
-The play must have rhythm and timing.
-Cast members must understand what they are saying.
-Cast will deliver their lines in similar style.
-Standard American diction.
-Complete sentences-no paraphrasing
-All actors must work together as a performance team.
-Cast will run through show many times before performing in front of an audience.
-Cast will perform the show the same way every performance.
-Scripts must be returned at the end of the production to the Stage Manager.
A $25 dollar fee is charged by the licensing company for lost scripts.
-Scripts may be highlighted and written in, in fact you are encouraged to take notes that may help you.
-Actors may be asked to provide shoes and undergarments for the show.
Basic Performance Tips
1. You must be seen.
2. You must be heard.
3. Listen.
4. Acting is reacting.
5. Do your homework – know your lines and blocking.
6. Eliminate what you do not need.
7. Enjoy your own performance.
Basic Manners
-Please don’t direct other actors.
-Show respect for others at all times.
-Character is established through Action and Line.
-Don’t worry about establishing character for your scenes.
The characters establish themselves by the things they say and do. The scene will bring meaning to the scene.
-Strict Adherance to our Drug, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Harassment policy
-CAST MEMBERS WILL MEMORIZE THEIR LINES ASAP.
-Script In Head is NUMBER 1 PRIORITY.
-Cast will run through several times before performing in front of an audience.
-Cast will perform the show the same way every performance.
PARKING – during Rehearsals
Actors are asked to park in the center of the parking lot leaving all spaces along the sidewalks available for our neighboring businesses.
PARKING – during Performances
Actors are asked to park in the rear of the building and enter through the green room door.
Pre-show
□ Walk the stage, wings
□ Set props
□ Apply makeup as directed during tutorial
□ Style hair/apply wig as instructed during tutorial
□ Change into costume
□ Conduct mic check
Post-show
□ Change out of costume
□ Remove makeup
□ Walk the stage, wings and collect props/costume pieces
□ Return props to the designated area. Hang costume pieces in dressing room
□ Clean hair/makeup room and counters
□ Personal items must be taken home between performances
□ Clean dressing room
Post-production
□ Walk the stage, wings for forgotten costume/prop pieces
□ Separate laundry as designated by stage manager (SM)
□ Place hair/makeup and clothing accessories in designated area (determined by SM)
□ Place props in designated area (determined by SM)
□ Clean hair/makeup counters and room
□ Clean dressing room
□ Clear out cubby
□ Return score/libretto to SM. Ensure your name is on it.
□ Participate in stage strike
Drug, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Harassment Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members, volunteers, students, performers, and patrons of Redding Performing Arts Center (RPAC). This policy establishes clear expectations regarding drug and alcohol use, as well as harassment prevention, to maintain a professional and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals involved with RPAC, including but not limited to cast members, students, parents/guardians, crew, volunteers, staff, and patrons.
3. Drug and Alcohol Policy
The use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited on RPAC premises and at any official theatre event.
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited during classes, workshops, rehearsals, and performances. Exceptions may be made for theatre-sponsored events where alcohol is legally served and consumed by patrons of legal drinking age. But at no time may alcohol be consumed while an individual is participating as an actor, or while on duty, either as a volunteer or a staff member.
Any individual who arrives under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is deemed impaired will be asked to leave the premises immediately and may be banned from future particiation.
Tobacco use, including vaping, is only permitted by indivuduals who are over 21 years old, and may only occur during designated breaks outside all buildings and at least 25 feet away from any doors.
Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary actions, including removal from productions, suspension, or permanent exclusion from participation in theatre activities.
4. Harassment Policy
RPAC is committed to maintaining an environment free of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Sexual harassment, including unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Bullying, intimidation, or any behavior that creates a hostile environment for actors, students, volunteers, staff or patrons.
5. Reporting and Enforcement
Any concerns or complaints regarding drug, alcohol, or harassment violations should be reported immediately to:
Brandon Baumann, Executive Director
brandon@reddingpac.com | (530) 276-8283
Reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.
Retaliation against individuals who report violations in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to warnings, removal from productions, suspension, or permanent banning from participation in theatre activities.
6. Acknowledgment and Compliance
All individuals participating in RPAC productions, classes, and activities must acknowledge and adhere to this policy. By engaging with the theatre, members agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all.