Cover Letters:

A Guide for School of Drama Students

When you think of a cover letter, you may think of it as a lengthy and formal document used in corporate America , rather than a tool for a drama professional. In reality, the cover letter is an important, albeit concise, tool that is quite important for pursuing drama opportunities.

Drama cover letters are short and to the point but are essential for effective job hunting. When an agent or director or other professional receives your package, whether it is a headshot and resume or a sample of your portfolio, he or she must know immediately why you are writing. Are you looking for an internship, a specific role/position, general representation, etc? The cover letter states your intent and without it, he or she will not know why you are sending materials. Professionals don't have time to contact you and see what you wanted, they will typically simply disregard your materials and move on to a packet that is more clear.

The good news is that you don't need to put a lot of time into your cover letters. These letters are brief and direct (see samples below). Just be sure that when you update and print a letter that you have names and addresses spelled correctly, and don't have any typos in the body of the letter (spell check and have someone proof it).

If you have some kind of connection with anyone involved with the production, the company, the agency, etc., do not hesitate to mention it. The truth of the business is that connections are important, and if you have one, use it; it could be very beneficial in opening doors.

Specific to Actors:

If you have recently graduated and met this agent at Leagues, you can remind him or her that you met at Leagues and spoke briefly and you are following up. Because Carnegie Mellon has such a reputable program, it doesn't hurt to mention that you trained here, but beware; according to faculty, you must never beg, nor brag.

Cover Letters are always included in headshot/resume submissions. Agents get hundreds of headshot submissions per day and they cannot spend even five minutes on each of them. This is why the cover letter needs to be short and to the point. An example of a cover letter might be this: “Hi, my name is John Doe and I have enclosed my headshot and resume as I am seeking representation in theatre, specifically acting. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.”

Specific to Designers and Production Technology Managers:

Address your letter to the artistic director, the director, or designer if you are a designer. Mention that you've always admired his/her work and why, if you indeed have. If you are a Production Technology Manager, address your letter to the company's production manager. Know his or her name; if you do not; do your research , look on the Internet, call their administrative office, but do not address it “To whom it may concern”.

Specific to Playwrights and Screenwriters:

Your one page cover letter should include a one-paragraph introduction of yourself (education, important productions, etc.) and a one-paragraph summary of your script. Also enclose ten sample pages, your biography, and a one-page script summary.

Specific to Directors:

Never write a theater company asking for a job as a director. Cover letters are only for the purpose of inquiring about an internship or contacting a specific artistic director who saw one of your shows because you are interested in working with them and/or their company.

For additional help:

Call the Career Center at 412-268-2064 for an appointment with your career consultant.

I. Sample Cover Letter ~ Actor

Jane Doe
1234 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh , PA 15213

June 4, 2004

Meg Simon

Warner Brothers Television
1325 6th Avenue
New York , New York 10019

Dear Ms. Simon,

My name is Jane Doe and I recently spoke to you at Carnegie Mellon University 's School of Drama 2004 Leagues Showcase in New York City . It was a pleasure talking with you in New York . I am currently seeking representation and have enclosed my headshot and resume. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe

Enclosed: Resume and Headshot

II. Sample Cover Letter ~ Design and PTM

John Doe
5678 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh , PA 15213

October 4, 2004

Santo Loquasto
Long Days Journey Into Night
Plymouth Theatre
236 W. 45th St .
New York , NY

My name is John Doe and I am a 2003 graduate from Carnegie Mellon University 's School of Drama with a major in Design. I have admired your work on many shows you have designed on Broadway. I most recently saw a Long Day's Journey Into Night and thought you did a beautiful job with the costume and scenic design.

I am currently looking for an internship in New York . I am relocating to the city and hope it won't be an inconvenience for me to call you when I arrive. Thank you very much!

Sincerely,
John Doe

III. Sample Cover Letter ~ Playwrights and Screenwriters

Jane Doe
1234 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh , PA 15213
October 4, 2004

New Play Program
Attn: Tanya Palmer
Actors Theatre of Louisville
316 West Main Street
Louisville , KY 40202-4218

Dear Ms. Palmer,

My name is Jane Doe and I recently received my MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University in 2003. I completed my undergraduate work at New York University 's Tisch School of the Arts.

I have recently written a play titled Sew Buttons on Ice Cream in the Hot Summer Sun . It is a coming of age play about a black girl named Lucy who is raised by her white 70-year-old grandmother in Kinton , Alabama . Lucy, at age 7, faces not only the challenge of growing up black with a white grandmother in the South, but also must understand and cope with the onset of her grandmother's Alzheimer's.

I have enclosed a more detailed, one page summary of the play along with 10 pages of the script. You can reach me at 412-268-8888. Within the next two weeks, I will send you a complete copy of the script. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe

Enclosed: Summary, 10 Page Preview

IV. Sample Cover Letter ~ Director

Jane Doe
1234 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh , PA 15213

October 4, 2004

Kent Gash
Alliance Theater
1280 Peachtree Street , NE
Atlanta , GA 30309

Dear Mr. Gash,

Thank you so much for attending the premier of my new show, Sew Buttons on Ice Cream in the Hot Summer Sun . I hope you enjoyed the production, as it was a joy and a journey for me to work on.

A few years back, while in grad school at Carnegie Mellon University , I had an opportunity to meet you when you came to visit. Your passion for the theater was so apparent and inspired me to go against the grain and challenge boundaries. I would be honored to work as an assistant director for your next show at the Alliance Theater. I will be in Atlanta from October 17 th to the 21 st and wonder if you might have some time to meet with me . You can contact me at 412-654-0987. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe