Why You Should Have A Performing Arts Portfolio -
And How To Make One

Since I began dancing at a young age, my mother and I gathered various artifacts from my performances - photos, ticket stubs, newspaper clippings, posters, etc. I had a large tupperware container for this purpose for about as long as I can remember.

When I got older, I realized what a waste it was to have all these great memories just crammed in a box out of sight. I rarely looked at them, and if anyone had asked to see a specific photo or review, it would have taken me a significant amount of time to sort through the mess.

So a few years ago, I finally sat down and began the process of creating a portfolio. Now, being a scrapbooker, this was not a terribly surprising project for me to take on. However, I quickly realized that a performing arts portfolio has a slightly different purpose than a regular scrapbook, so I approached it differently. It was much more simple - a black background on every page, with photos of mostly myself (since it's my career!) and depending on the show, reviews, cast lists, and/or notes from production staff.

I originally created the portfolio for myself as a way of preserving memories, but it quickly became much more than that. Beyond the obvious, here are some other reasons you should consider making a portfolio:

• Creating your portfolio helps you take a critical look at your career thus far.
  I have found that during the process of creating my portfolio, I learned a great deal about myself; what gaps exist, what my strengths appear to be, and what I would like to do in future.
  
• Your portfolio helps you present yourself clearly.
  When you attend auditions, you may often be asked to tell the audition panel about yourself, and creating a portfolio will help you think about what you will tell them. You can learn a lot about yourself, and help others to know about you.
  
• A portfolio can help you share yourself with fellow cast members.
  In theatre, we are often thrown together with a group of people we don't know well. Having a portfolio on hand during those first few "getting to know you" rehearsals can help you break the ice. (Note: This only works if you are asked about your previous work - not if you chase after people and make them read all the glowing reviews!)
  
• Looking at your portfolio helps renew your confidence.
  I have started carrying my portfolio in my "show bag" wherever I go. I have found this especially helpful to have at auditions where I am feeling nervous or unsure. Looking back at all I have accomplished is a great way of helping me to regain my focus before an important audition or performance.

1. Storage
   
   • Go out and get a big tupperware bin, and ziploc freezerbags with labels.
   • For each show you are in, label a freezerbag with the production company, show name & name of your character
     
2. Save Everything
   
   • Sort any memorabilia and photos you may already have into the appropriate bag.
   • Save everything! This includes thank you cards, congratulations cards, tickets, programs, newspaper clippings (advertisements & reviews), photographs, membership cards, certificates, posters, etc.
   • Take a disposible camera with you to ALL performance-related activities.
   • Put all memorabilia in the corresponding freezerbag and keep it in the tupperware container.
   • Take special care with materials such as newspaper clippings: they yellow quickly if left out in the air & light, so make copies right away for safe-keeping. Consider using archive spray to preserve them.
     
3. Assemble Your Materials
   
   • You need to use materials that will allow you to make changes easily. I suggest a plain binder with page protectors.
   • Essentials are: Paper Trimmer, Glue Pen, Acid Free Pens, Corner Rounder, Muted Colours Paper Pack, Text Paper Stack, Printed Paper Stack, Cardstock Stack & Scrapbooking For Dummies
   • Remember that for a portfolio you want your experiences and your photographs to take center stage, so avoid using too many embellishments. Simple matting of photos is an elegant way to present your work without too much clutter.
   • If you plan on using your portfolio in a professional setting, a plain black & white color scheme throughout will convey professionalism and class.
     
4. Step Four: Prepare Your Insertions
   
   • Please Note: Do not glue any valuable memorabilia directly to the paper! You may be sorry you did later! Take them to a copy place to make duplicates or place them in clear pockets.
   • Make top-quality photocopies or scans of newspaper clippings if possible, or glue the originals to white paper if you have more than one copy. Newspaper clippings are not acid-free and can damage your photos if they touch them. You can also buy achival spray which will remove the acidity.
   • Remember that you don't have to use everything: whatever isn't going in the binder, keep in your ziploc bags.
     
5. Step Five: Put It All Together
   
   • If there is even the slightest chance you are going to want to change anything later, use repositionable adhesive instead of glue.
   • Start by making your first page your resume in chronological order, and follow the order of the resume throughout your portfolio. Starting with the oldest credit, create a one or two page representation. Cut the title and credits from your program, and add photographs. You can also add newspaper clippings, tickets, and special cards (such as ones of congrats from your director).
   • Don't clutter it up: choose only the best clippings, and don't cram too many things on a page.
   • There is no right or wrong way to do this: just take your time and let the portfolio reflect your personality.

Comments (2) >>

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written by Denise, January 09, 2008

I think this is such a brilliant idea. My daughter will be 13 on January 24th. She has been doing musical theatre since she was 4, and I have kept shoeboxes full of pictures of her performing and the programmes and other memorabilia with it. We also have souvenirs from the Broadway shows she has seen since age 4. We keep saying we are going to make our study into a "Broadway" room. Well, at minimum, I am going to make a huge scrapbook for her 13th birthday AND since all her musical theatre friends will be at her party, I plan to have each of them do a scrapbook page with memories of their times in shows together (pix, special jokes or sayings that they may have had, etc.).

Now not only will everything be consolidated in one place, she will be able to see all her accomplishments as well (sometimes people get down thinking they haven't done that much - well, surprise). The other thing I think I will do is try and find scrapbook binders in a Broadway color palette (Black and White for example) and be creative about shelving.

Thanks for the impetus to get going, and just in time for my daughter's birthday!

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written by Jonathan, January 27, 2008

i ACTUALLY READ THIS AND HAVE BEEN CREATING A PORTFOLIO OF ALL THE SONGS I KNOWN AND PERFORMED..iT WAS A BRILLIANT IDEA

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