To Tell the Truth ...

Honesty is the best policy. The performing arts world is not that big, and if you lie or hyperbolize on your resume, you're likely to get caught sometime. And, from a purely practical perspective (if you want to put moral and ethical issues aside), you may end up having exactly the opposite effect that you wanted - that is, you may unintentionally put yourself out of the running for a job.

There's a tendency on the part of performers to want to impress potential employers with their experience. But most casting people want to hire you based on what your actual abilities and looks are at this moment in time. So when you fib or exaggerate, you only show yourself in a bad light.

But where do you draw the line? Can you legitimately say that you played the role of Medea, for example, if you only understudied it? Well, if you went on, even only once, you can say that you played it. Otherwise, it would be wise to include the word "understudy" next to the role description.

And, by the way, remember: there is no Shubert Theatre in San Francisco …

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