How important is it to have a performance portfolio for theater, drama, music, dance, sports, etc.?

Question

I am completing a business plan on providing a multi-media performance portfolio/resume for students in the arts and in athletics. I am attempting to seek "proof of concept" for this business idea and would be interested in feedback from people in the following target markets. Schools (Sr. High, community college, universities, music-theatre-arts academies), private teaching institutes, community theartre, summer stock, equity & non-equity performers, etc.

Answer 1

I went to a public highschool for the performing arts and I think you are most dfinatley onto something. Teachers do a good job (depending on the school) teaching you tecnique and giving you appropriate training in your field of choice, but the emphasis is hardly on the fact that it is ideal to build up outside performances other than the schools in order to gain resume material. This leads kids to think that a lot of times they will get accepted into auditions on sheer talent. In some cases, this is true, but rarely. Some times, agencies and auditions will not even see you unless you have a good looking resume. And with today's technology, people are actually looking for auditions online. Sites like actorsaccess.com show different roles, but in order to recieve the audition date and location, your resume must be submited so it can be sent to the casting director, so he can decide whether or not to accept you. Without a resume, you are relying on your sheer talent, and in the entertainment industy, they really need proof of your other work, especially if you want to make a name of yourself.

Answer 2

I will use my sister as an example. She is a theatre technical director. Her portfolio is absolutely VITAL to her. It's the only way that she can show people the work she has done. She freelances and many of her jobs are for people who already know her and have worked with her. However, as her business expands, she works with new people all the time. Most of them don't trust her, because she's a girl and "what would a girl know about building sets?" Well, a lot. And her portfolio is proof. She wouldn't get as many jobs if people had to just take her word for it that's highly trained and experienced.

Answer 3

CRITICAL!

Even amateurs have resumes that showcase their work. Can you apply for a professional job without a resume? I think not.

My daughter started in community theater then advanced to paid professional stage work. She also applied to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC). We were ready because we had kept reviews and photos, and some Director's notes, in a leather binder. She was accepted easily every place she applied.
Agents really appreciate the prep as well - saves them time (=money). I'm a proud mama indeed and she's a wonderful acclaimed actress.

Answer 4

In dance it is almost always by audition. Even for college, only a resume is asked for -- no one has built a 'reel'.
Actors build 'reels', meaning short clips of their performance when on film or video but as far as I know rarely include live performance.

In the dance school where I teach (college level in spite of my spelling tyvm) each master's student takes a web class where they present their resume, portfolio images and short clips of their choreography. This level is self-promotion is great when applying for jobs ~ not necessarily the actual material but rather the fact that they've got it up and online is impressive.

I think the timing is great for your idea!