Resume: How To List Staged Readings

I saw this question posted on the Actors Access Forum, and I posted an answer that I wanted to repost here:

I have several staged reading theater performances under my belt along with full out productions. Up until now I have always drawn attention to the fact that these were not full out performances by putting "(Staged Reading)" after the play's title on my resume. My question is this- is it necessary to note that these were staged readings? I'm thinking I may remove these notes on my resume, but wanted to get some feedback on this... Am I doing myself a disservice noting this?  

TAE responds:
Hi, there! Your original instincts are correct- it is very important to make the distinction between staged readings and full productions on your resume. If you remove the notation, someone might think that you are trying to make it look like you did the full production, which is obviously not your intention! It sounds like you are concerned that it will look bad to note the readings. Honestly, I don't think that there is any negative connotation associated with having readings on a resume. Most actors have readings under their belts (some, quite a few!) Normally, you would keep the readings on there until there are enough "full production" credits to complete the resume Some agents and casting directors might suggest removing the readings altogether. However, I wouldn't make that recommendation until I saw exactly what was on your resume. Sometimes, there are good reasons to keep the readings on there, even when you have more than enough credits to take their place. (For example, if you worked at a great theater or with a notable director.) If you are concerned about how the readings look on the resume, you could consider listing them in a different way. You could add an asterisk after each reading, and then list, " **staged reading " at the bottom of the section. You could also consider putting staged readings in their own separate section (though that would, most likely, make them stand out more.) I hope this response has been helpful to you- good luck! Have a comment or question? Leave it by clicking below!

Erin Cronican's career as a professional actor and career coach has spanned the last 25 years in New York City, Los Angeles and San Diego. She has appeared in major feature films and on television, and has done national tours of plays and musicals. She has worked in the advertising & marketing departments of major corporations, film production companies, theater magazines, and non-profit acting organizations. To learn more, check out http://www.theactorsenterprise.org.