I get asked this question all the time, and not just from newbie actors fresh out of school. You’d be surprised how many professional, talented, working actors begin to sweat when faced with putting their professional credits online. I can see the self-doubt flash across their faces as they look at me, almost embarrassed by their perceived lack of momentum, roles, or experience.
The great news is, no matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re a seasoned pro, you almost certainly have enough material for an actor website that tells your story. And I’m going to show you how!
Here are the 4 basic things you need to craft a professional actor site:
1. Headshot
Even if you’re just starting out, I’m guessing you have a headshot. That’s perfect! Your main headshot should be front and center on your home page.
2. Latest News
I highly recommend adding a “Latest News” section or Blog on your home page as well. But don’t worry – you don’t have to reserve that space solely for when you book something. Mention a great class you took or post a photo of you working on audition copy. Update this section regularly – at least once a month!
3. Printable Downloads
Another thing you probably have is a resume. Awesome! A printable version of both your headshot and resume should be in a prominent location on your website. A good idea is to save the files as PDFs since other files can look kooky on different computers.
4. Contact Info
This seems like a no-brainer, but be sure to have a clear way for people to get in touch with you. I recommend a contact form and email address at the very least. Of course, if you have an agent or manager, their info goes on this page, too.
And there you have it – a perfectly professional actor website, with only a few basic items to work with.