how long to keep stuff on resume

[Chevstriss]

Posted: 2/6/04 at 10:19am

How long do you think you should keep a show on your resume before dropping it? 10 yrs? What if you were a bit young for the role when you played it?

I once heard a casting director fuss at an older man - "Get that EQUALIZER off your resume. That show was 20 yrs ago. Don't you know that dates you!!" This was a man in his 60s. What WOULDN'T date him? Should he be trying to pretend he didn't ever do any work in the 80s?

I guess I'm asking how long are pro credits relevant. Til you're too old to play the role again? What if it was a great theatre, and dropping it leaves you w/ a lot of lesser known companies?

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 2/6/04 at 10:37am

A professional credit is priceless... in most cases. If you are over 40, trust me casting directors will know it! The fact that an actor has professional and impressive regional credits only adds to their credibility, imo.

you should see some of the credits on the resumes I have for clients. How about "the voice of "Pavarotti & Domingo" on MTV's Claymation Celebrity Death Match". And he's mighty proud of it!

Put that in your book!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/6/04 at 3:05pm

I think you should not edit your credits based on time (and never put years on your resume anyway). Marni Nixon's bio for Nine included her famous vocal work for West Side Story, My Fair Lady, etc. It reminds people what you have done and that you have done professional work.

You want a resume to represent the kind of performer you are, but not at the sake of leaving out your successes and experiences. =)

[WOSQ]

Posted: 2/6/04 at 3:25pm

I remember seeing resume credits like "with the Lunts"

and

"Directed by George S. Kauffman"

It gave us something to talk about. The actors would have been in their teens or at most 20 when they did these, but these are the kind that are writ in stone. Edit judiciously. Always leave Broadway and/or First National credits unless you have 10 or so. Principal roles in features too.

Off Bway if we may have heard of it, recent stock is okay but long ago stock is less so unless its a big director or star.

If the industrial film or commercial has a reputable production house or a recognizable brand, use it.

If they've heard of it, it is valid.