Bios

Writing a bio is fairly simple.  In fact, someone working at your theater might even give you a sample bio when they ask for one.  If not, here are a few tips:


1. Mention your character after your name.

This isn't as obvious as it might seem, because you'll probably be emailing your bio to someone who works at the theater.  It's natural to assume that whoever it is will know who you are, but don't assume that.  Give your full name, and the role you're playing. 

2. Try to keep it short.

Unless they know you, the bio appearing in the program is the only way your audience members are going to know who you are.  You want to find a happy medium between giving them a pleasant idea of your experience (or, if you don't have theater experience, your life outside the theater) and telling them way too much about it.  I've seen bios that were pages long even when edited.  That actor might have thought he was the best thing since sliced bread; everybody else just thought he was annoying.  For a simple show at a local theater, four or five lines should probably be your goal.

3. List your best roles first.

Or, even better, list only your best roles.  If you've played a townsperson with no lines a dozen times, and one lead, you want to mention that lead.  If you haven't done much theater, talk about where you go to school, or what your hobbies are.

4. Try to limit non-performance related comments.

Barring the situation above, you shouldn't really talk about things that don't involve the show.  Avoid thanking your parents (lovely as I'm sure they are).  You can say how excited you are to be joining this cast of this theater if you must, but it isn't necessary.  Once again, you'll be walking the line between sounding enthusiastic and likable and sounding childish.

5. Edit it!

I've made the mistake of not looking at my bio too carefully.  Everyone probably has.  But seriously, edit the hell out of it.  The person assembling the programs isn't going to edit it for you, and then any mistakes are going to be there, on nice laminated paper, for everyone to see.