<p>Hi! This thread is probably too old to help the OP, but moon.ember and others may benefit, so here's a response. I'm a theatre senior who is involved in the acting/writing/directing side, but we have a very democratic technical system. In addition to some experiencing designing shows, I'm quite a nerd, and enjoy reading about things like portfolios (especially half a year ago when I considered compiling my own technical one). Hopefully this information is a start!</p>
<p>Theatre-oriented publications like Dramatics Magazine regularly describe good methods for creating a technical portfolio. There are plenty of ways to build a "dazzling" display or impressive list, but the one thing to start with is organizing what you've done. Just as you'd do for a general college application, compile a rough but comprehensive list of the theatrical productions you've been involved in, your jobs, and what exactly those jobs entailed. Include summer work or theatre-applicable experiences, like programming or woodworking.</p>
<p>Then figure out the best way to showcase all these achievements. If you've stage managed or been a technical director, find your old production notebooks/binders/prompt books/cues. If you haven't kept good records of these, start. Now. They're very important evidence of work, and judges/school reps like to see your own notes in the margins rather than clean, recopied versions. Good notes show your system of planning and thought.</p>
<p>If you can, compile photographs of any tangible work you've done. If you're a set designer, show pictures of the finished work (under stage lights, not in the workroom). If you design lights, show some photos of the stage setup with such designs in effect.</p>
<p>If you've done more intangible stuff, like technical directing or sound design, still show pictures of the productions. Dramatics magazine says (and it makes sense) that such photos will indicate the quality of the production overall, giving the reps a reference point by which to judge your own work.</p>
<p>Finally, decide the best way to compile these accomplishments and their records into a presentation. Nowadays, a simple paper portfolio is rare. A laptop with a polished powerpoint slideshow of images, etc., can go a long way. Some people create boards, science fair style but smaller, to display their best pictures and work. In a large room full of tables of students (if such is your environment), an eye-catching display can go a long way. But in the end, you should always have paper portfolios, too. If nothing else, people still like to hold, flip through, and read physical copies.</p>
<p>The style, scope, and presentation of your portfolio depends on your needs. If you've got a wide range of accomplishments, like moon.ember, then your portfolio will be more general and varied. If you have a specific focus, it will delve deeper into the aspects of each show. Always remember to put your best work forward, and be honest--sometimes stories of the most horrible mishaps can also be a chance to reveal your strongest problem-solving abilities. That's a huge part of theatre, especially the technical side: flexibility in creating a powerful show, no matter what goes wrong.</p>
any questions feel free to ask!</p>