How to create a professional dossier

 An artistic dossier is much more than a document: it's your introduction, your sales pitch, and the first impression many programmers, festivals, or cultural institutions will have of your project. That’s why it needs to be not only well-crafted, but also strategically designed.

Its purpose is to clearly communicate what your project is, why it matters, and what it needs in order to be presented. It should answer a central question: Why does my project deserve to be seen?


 What should it include?

There’s no single formula, but there are some essential elements that should always be there:

Project description

Short, clear, and free of unnecessary jargon. In 2 or 3 paragraphs, explain what your piece is about, its artistic approach, and what makes it unique. You don’t need to tell the whole story—just capture the essence.

Team background

A short biography of key members, highlighting relevant achievements and past experience. You don’t need to include full CVs—just what’s most relevant to this particular project or most impactful.

Artistic and technical sheet

Include the cast, director, lighting and sound designers, costume designer, etc. Also add the technical info: duration, language, number of people on tour, setup/strike times, and specific technical needs (lighting, sound, stage, etc.).

Visual material

High-quality photos that reflect the tone and style of the show. If you have a teaser or full video, include a link (preferably YouTube or Vimeo—avoid large file attachments).

Press or institutional support (optional)

If the project has received awards, public funding, or press coverage, this is the place to highlight it briefly.

Contact details

Include your name, professional email, phone number, and, if applicable, booking or distribution contact.


Common mistakes to avoid

  • Long, unclear texts: keep in mind that readers may not have time to read everything.

  • Disorganized or amateur layout.

  • Missing essential technical details.

  • Sending heavy or difficult-to-open files.

  • Pixelated or unrepresentative photos.

  • Generic dossiers not tailored to the goal (e.g., sending the same one for a tour and a residency).


Recommendations

  • Have two versions: a full one and a shorter one for quick submissions or online calls.

  • Update it regularly: an outdated dossier can damage your professional image.

  • Keep the design clean and consistent with the project’s aesthetic—you don’t have to be a designer to make it look professional.

  • Think about your reader: tailor the language, structure, and content to your audience. A programmer, a grant committee, or an educational institution are not the same.



📬 Would you like a downloadable dossier template to get started?
I'm working on a free resource to help you out. If you're interested, leave a comment or message me on Instagram.

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