Imagine this: You've been working hard for weeks (probably even months) to open the show. As the anticipation of opening night draws near, you're asked to do one thing: Write a bio for the Playbill. Suddenly your head is swirling. You're probably stumped. How do you start? What information should you be sharing? How long should it be? Are you allowed to thank your high school theatre teacher?
So. Many. Questions! Biography writing for any occasion can be tricky even for the most-seasoned professionals, but there are tips and tricks to help you out! The team behind PLAYBILLDER, our online program builder where you can create authentic, personalized, and professional-quality Playbills for any occasion, has some useful advice and tips.
Below is how to write a Playbill bio like a pro!
Logan Culwell-Block (Managing News Editor, Playbill): If you do not have prior credits to list yet, tell everyone it's your debut—that's super exciting! Other relevant details to include in these cases include where you're from, where you went to school previously, any special hobbies, really anything of note. And remember to include a website URL and/or social handles (if you have them) so that people know how to find you. After all, we're likely reading your bio because we loved your performance!
Natan Zamansky (Client Relations Manager, PLAYBILLDER): When listing numerous previous credits, the most common way Broadway artists do this is by listing the title of the show in italics, followed by the role in parentheses—e.g. Prior credits include: Ruddigore (Despard), Carousel (Bascombe), Mlle. Modiste (Ensemble). This isn't the only way to list credits, but whatever you do, pick a concise, consistent format to keep it looking professional. Check out examples of Casey Likes and Helen J. Shen's high school bios that did this!
Stephen Vrattos (Associate Managing Editor): Don’t be lazy! For example, do not use an ampersand (&) to denote “and” unless it is in a brand name. Use the proper form of the production, i.e. “Oklahoma!” (with exclamation point); the title is not, “How to Succeed…;” it’s, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Another great tip: Have someone outside of the business and unfamiliar with your career read the bio and cite anything they do not understand.
Diep Tran (Editor-in-Chief, Playbill): Don’t be afraid to show off your personality! A Playbill bio doesn’t need to be a collection of credits. Write it in your own voice, the way you would if you were telling someone about you at a party. There's no need to sound overly stiff. You can tell jokes, express how much being on stage means to you, or give shoutouts to the people that you love. Remember, if Broadway stars can have fun with their Playbill bios, so can you.
Margaret Hall (Staff Writer, Playbill): Professional formatting always makes things look better and remember brevity is the source of wit. Oh, and watch your use of commas!
Creating authentic Broadway-quality Playbill programs is fast and easy, elevating your show or event to a top-notch experience. Ready to get started? Go to Playbillder.com today to begin making your program!
Below, see the high school Playbill bios of current Broadway stars (from Joy Woods to Casey Likes) to see how these actors wrote their bios when they first started out and what their bios look like now.
