If you’re trying to get work as an actor in film, TV, or commercials, having a reel is essential. A reel is a 2-3 minute compilation of your best on-camera acting work.
As an undergrad, having professional filmed work might be a stretch. But you can also see how much material you can get by acting in student films, or creating work of your own. The goal is to have a reel by graduation to show an agent, or a company.
Starting to think about it? Read Allie White’s Backstage article on “How to Make a Demo Reel.”
Looking for inspiration? Here’s some reels from my Chicago acting peeps:
- Kate Black-Spence
- Alex Dauphin
- Arti Ishak (there’s also a voiceover demo on Arti’s page)
Once you’ve finished your reel, you’ll want to put it on your website. Don’t have a website yet? Schedule an appointment with me (Rachel Edwards Harvith ’00) on Handshake today!
