We spend a ton of time here at the aptly named Portfolio Center ranting and raving about getting your Body of Work in order for your portfolio. But what does that mean?
For some of our students the idea of the portfolio is fairly well established: Photographers are looking to get their print book put together, Filmmakers are putting together their reels, Broadcast Journalists are working on their resume tapes, but what about our other majors?
What the &$#@&! can the Portfolio Center do for you?
Well…as it turns out a lot, but as with all things in life first you have to know what you need. Our services come two-fold, of course we handle an assortment of production services, but your first step into our office should be educational. We want our students to be empowered and knowledgeable, savvy and prepared for the industry they are looking to make a living in.
To that end we have cobbled together a sketch here; an overview of what your portfolio might include and some guidelines to collecting materials to that end and finally a brief overview as to what else we can do to help.
Theater students come in three species: behind-the-scenes (writers, directors, producers), technical (stage hands, set design), or staged (actors). Each one will have a different Body Of Work but typically those elements cross over to varying degrees. Theater, as it is a living breathing time-art, will always require documentation; this rule applies to anyone engaged in the form. In addition to a headshot actors should always videotape their performances the same goes for directors, or anyone involved in the physical shaping of the set. It is good form to spend some time trying to capture at the very least a single video camera shot if not two cameras running for variety – perhaps one center stage and the second in the back of the box. It is also best practice to have someone photograph all the production elements during a rehearsal. This will give you both something to promote with but also some physical memory of the process.
Moving backwards from the performance each member will want to be mindful of their development and record and save each element as they labor towards opening night. Some other materials that might be applicable for a portfolio: your script, posters and promotional materials, hand bills, sketches, stage plans, and once the event wraps any professional accolades or press you might have received. Once again you are trying to document your route, something that is much harder to do in hindsight.
So what does this all mean, this blur of words? Well a few things. If you are still confused it is ok, we are here to help. Please look at our Student Quick Guide and start with your Creative Industry Liaison. We want to help and if we don’t know the answer we will make something up that sounds good, or, introduce you to one of our many industry experts whom can further illuminate the in-and-outs of your industry. We also have events all semester long where we bring in experts from you field for one-on-one meetings (Show Offs) or class based presentations (Sessions). All this with the hope that the more familiar you are with what is expected of you the more honed your Body Of Work will be. Ultimately our services are here to help you present yourself as both professional and confident. The time you invest now will pay off in dividends as your career unfolds.
We promise!
