What Should NOT Be on Your Theatre Actor Website
Having a professional website can transform your career and boost your confidence online. It’s not just a digital calling card — it’s where casting directors, collaborators, and potential clients get their first impression of you. Done well, your website becomes a powerful marketing tool. Done poorly, it can hold you back.
As a performer, educator, or creative entrepreneur, your online presence matters more than ever. And while building a website might feel overwhelming, avoiding a few common mistakes will instantly elevate your digital stage.
In this post, I’m breaking down 8 things that should not be on your theatre actor website and what to do instead.
1. “Actively Seeking Representation”
This phrase shows up on so many performer websites, but it doesn’t need to. Instead of broadcasting that you’re looking for an agent, do that work privately — researching agencies, submitting your materials, and networking. Your website should radiate confidence and professionalism, not read like a classified ad.
2. “Coming Soon” Pages or Empty Sections
Imagine a casting director clicks your site, only to land on a blank page that says “Coming Soon.” Not great. If a section isn’t ready, leave it out until it is. At minimum, have your headshot, bio, and contact information visible. A polished partial site is far better than an unfinished one.
3. Oversharing Personal Information
Keep your personal phone number and home address private. Use a professional email (ideally linked to your domain) and, if needed, a contact form. Protecting your privacy online is just as important as presenting yourself professionally.
4. Highlighting “Non-Union” Status
If you’re not in the union yet, there’s no need to advertise it. Let your credits, training, and media showcase your talent. Your career stage will be clear from your materials — focus instead on what you bring to the table.
5. A PDF-Only Resume
Simply uploading a PDF of your resume feels outdated. Instead, format your credits directly onto your website so they’re easy to read on mobile. You can still link a downloadable version, but let your site tell your story in a more engaging, scroll-friendly way.
6. An Overstuffed “Portfolio” Page
Your website isn’t just a portfolio — it’s your brand. Rather than uploading dozens of headshots, include a mix of photos, videos, and media that show who you are as a performer and professional. Think storytelling, not stockpile.
7. Outdated News & Social Media Feeds
A “News” page that hasn’t been updated in three years does more harm than good. Same with broken or irrelevant social feeds. Keep your site current and curated. It’s better to have fewer, fresh updates than pages of old content.
8. Clutter & Confusing Navigation
Less is more. Clean, simple, and relevant always wins. Visitors should be able to find your materials quickly without scrolling past unnecessary extras. Your website should feel like a snapshot of who you are right now, not a storage unit for everything you’ve ever done.
Final Thoughts
Your website is your digital home base. It’s where your career, confidence, and creativity meet online. By removing the clutter and avoiding these common pitfalls, you create space for what really matters: your talent, your brand, and your next opportunity.
Remember: your online presence isn’t just about looking professional. It’s about showing up authentically and strategically so the right people can find you and say “yes.”
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build bold, burnout-free creative careers onstage and off. With two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help multi-hyphenate artists grow their visibility and income without sacrificing their well-being. Through 1:1 coaching, free weekly resources, and digital tools, she helps creatives design careers that feel as good as they look — and pay them well too.
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