Crafting an Outstanding Acting Resume: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to pursuing a career in acting, a well-crafted resume is your ticket to standing out in a
competitive industry. Your acting resume serves as a crucial tool for casting directors, showcasing
your skills, experience, and unique qualities. To help you make a lasting impression, we've prepared
an insightful guide on creating an outstanding acting resume.

1. Headshot and Contact Information

Begin your resume with a professional headshot that captures your personality and showcases your
versatility as an actor. Include your name, phone number, email address, and acting union affiliation
(if applicable) prominently at the top.

2. Physical Attributes

Provide essential details about your physical appearance, such as height, weight, hair color, and eye
color. This information helps casting directors envision you in specific roles.

3. Acting Experience

List your acting experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the
name of the production, your role, the director's name, and the production company. Highlight
significant roles and projects that demonstrate your range and abilities.

4. Training and Education

Detail your acting training and educational background. Include the name of the institution, degree
earned (if applicable), and any relevant workshops or intensives you've participated in. This section
helps establish your commitment to continuous improvement in your craft.

5. Special Skills

Highlight any special skills or talents that make you stand out as an actor. This could include
proficiency in different languages, musical abilities, sports, or any unique talents that could be
valuable in certain roles.

6. Awards and Achievements

If you've received awards or recognition for your performances, showcase them in a dedicated
section. This adds credibility to your resume and emphasizes your excellence in the field.

7. References

Include references from directors, producers, or fellow actors who can vouch for your
professionalism and talent. Ensure you have obtained their permission before listing their contact
information.

In conclusion, a well-crafted acting resume is a crucial tool for any aspiring actor. It not only
provides a snapshot of your skills and experience but also serves as your introduction to casting
directors. Make a lasting impression by investing time in creating a resume that reflects your passion
and dedication to the craft.
For professional assistance in crafting an outstanding acting resume, consider utilizing the services of
BestResumeHelp.com . Their expert team can provide personalized guidance to help you showcase
your talents effectively and increase your chances of landing the roles you desire. Order your
customized acting resume today and take the first step toward a successful acting career.
However, sometimes, one of those things will catch an agent’s or casting director’s eye, and you’ll
get called in for an audition. None of the roles that launched their careers would’ve been realities for
them. There’s too many for me to list, but the most common are Scene Study, Cold Reading,
Audition Technique, Improv, and On-Camera Class. Otherwise, it just screams “Hey guys, just came
in from out of town!” Photographers in larger markets always stay on top of the current ever-
changing trends. Career Advice Improve your career with expert tips and strategies. So, let's roll
with the actor resume skills list below. Supporting or Day Player: usually limited to no more than a
few lines. You want to be really sure of the current requirements and references of casting directors.
Here’s how to list your acting credits on an audition resume: Acting Resume Template with
Experience wrong Actor Hamlet 2013-2014 Played Laertes in the Hamlet production in Gotham
Film Festival Worked with Award Winning Director John Snow Assisted the cast with various
activities right HAMLET Laertes Gotham Film Festival (John Snow, Director) New York, NY This
is where it all seems confusing. The “in” look used to be glossy 8x10 borderless close-ups, then it
was thumbnails with all the online casting frenzy, and now it’s.well, your best bet is to ask around in
your local market. Check out these two very different acting resume examples (for child actors):
Professional Actor Resume Example (Summary) right Talented child actor with over 7 years
professional experience in commercial, stage and film acting. Accents and dialects are tricky but
good ones to have. Twitter Linkedin Website Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will
supercharge your career. Just like any other resume, the document identifies the actor’s basic
information. And a way to summarize your details is by listing them down in a useful sample acting
resume. So how do you know if you should go with a resume summary or resume objective. While
there are individuals who appreciate the craft, others are also inspired to pursue the art of acting.
Who else would send them a headshot with an acting resume. Right next to it you’ll list what type
of acting classes those were, which you’ll know after you’ve taken them. Normally, this is where you
would list all your credits, from television to film to theater to new media. Share some social love
and you can download an editable PDF. Led team rehearsals for hitting marks on set while delivering
challenging lines with precision and emotion. To ace your audition, your good looks and great acting
skills aren’t enough. Make sure they get a clear picture of your past experiences but also where
you’re headed next. What are the important skills to incorporate in an acting resume. After all, don’t
we all want to become actors so that we can have fun instead of work. Using columns, you can list
the show or film title, role type, production company and director. In casting people’s eyes, you are
as old as you look. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year.
How to Prepare the Acting Resume Step 1: Tailor Your Resume to Your Role Step 2: Observe a
Detailed yet Brief Resume Step 3: Highlight Your Previous Experiences and Skills Step 4: Polish the
Resume’s Format and Design FAQs What is the purpose of an acting resume.
It’s what tells your casting directors not to flick through other actors’ resumes, it’s what sets the
stage for what’s coming, what peaks their interest enough to want to know more about you.
Recipient of Excellence Award for Best Performance at Quarterly Scholarship Exam (2012). Cover
Letter Templates Find the perfect cover letter template. Key Achievement: Won Best Actress Award
at the 2018 National Arts Festival. ? Education Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts Ohio State University,
Columbus, OH August 2009-May 2013 Relevant extracurricular activities Member of Ohio Thespian
Society (2009-2013). Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose
of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. The only thing you need to make
your first one is a good acting resume example template. And whether you are a veteran actor or just
starting your career, it helps to make an impression, particularly in an audition or workshop. For
example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account,
provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.
Below is a list of film role types for your acting resume: Speaking Roles to Include in your
Professional Acting Resume: Lead: female or male, protagonist or antagonist, most important
character in the show or movie. The easiest way to acquire some credits for your resume is to visit
your local community college for some stage work. Save preferences This site uses cookies to ensure
you get the best experience on our website. Want more tips to make an experienced or beginner actor
resume. Won Best Actress Award at 2018 National Arts Festival. You’ll be surprised how often
you’ll soon be using these terms. And this resume contains the actor’s headshot, primary info, acting
roles, training experiences, and even an agent’s contact details. Don’t aim for second tier resume
game, aim for number one. As all typical resumes, this Acting Resume contains a summary of
relevant work experience, education, training, qualifications, etc. Finally, let’s not forget the rule of
honor: you don’t need to list the name of the character you played. Right next to it you’ll list what
type of acting classes those were, which you’ll know after you’ve taken them. If you’re a beginner
actor, you may need to put all your credits into one category, theatre. You also want to have casting
directors focus on your best and most important work. For example, if you Google “acting CV” and
go to “Images”, you’ll see that none of them are exactly the same, but they follow a certain pattern.
Skip the obvious and go straight to major roles you played and prominent actors you’ve played with.
Before your audition, refresh your memory by reading your acting resume. In this section, list all the
relevant acting training that you’ve had so far. Some people list them chronologically, but I usually
suggest listing your best work at the top so that it catches peoples’ attention. Cover Letter Help
Boost your chances of having your resume read with our help. If you’ve played basketball in high
school which was 10 years ago, don’t put Basketball in there. How do you even know if acting is
what you want to do if you’ve never done it. Make sure you use clear, legible resume fonts and that
stuff aren’t crowded: no one wants to read a script that hurts the eyes.
Finally, let’s not forget the rule of honor: you don’t need to list the name of the character you played.
So, let's roll with the actor resume skills list below. After all, don’t we all want to become actors so
that we can have fun instead of work. If you claim to have booked a guest star role on “NCIS,” it
stands to reason you would have footage from the show on your reel. But generally, actors impress
admins with skills related to teamwork, time management, emotional intelligence, interpersonal
skills, and other special skill sets. Enter this coupon code at checkout to save at
AllBusinessTemplates.com. Memberships Member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) since 2018.
You may do this using staples at all 4 corners or glue, or you may print your resume on the back of
your headshot. Body Double: usually, body doubles are used for shots requiring nudity or depictions
of physical fitness. Also, don’t write down things like Running and Whistling, unless you’re a
professional. Just like a movie script, that first one tells a compelling story. How to describe your
experience on a resume for an actor to get any role you want. Happiness in Perpetuity is a painting by
Paul Bond that was uploaded seven years ago. Cover Letter Examples See perfect cover letter
samples that get jobs. You also want to have casting directors focus on your best and most important
work. Awards Featured on Broadway World Magazine as “Rising Star”, 2017. Is it to become a
voice actor, lead actor, or perhaps, a supporting actor. To ace your audition, your good looks and
great acting skills aren’t enough. Anything where you have actually done acting can go on your
resume, even if it’s a small part in a silly project. Once you start receiving some acting work, remove
your older, “silly” credits and replace them with the most recent stuff. And we have just the
templates available for that reason—download now. Cover Letter Format Pick the right format for
your situation. Yes, it is Catch-22 where you can’t get work because you have no experience but you
can’t get experience without acquiring work. With any submission, you should also write a short
cover letter. If you believe in yourself, there is no reason they won’t believe in you. Analytics related
cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send
you targeted advertising. Listing personal websites or Youtube videos of performances is absolutely
fine and sometimes even required, but don’t go overboard with the links. Normally, this is where you
would list all your credits, from television to film to theater to new media. Keep in mind that
disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. How to Write a Cover Letter Learn how to
make a cover letter that gets interviews.
Collecting vintage movie props. 1 Format Your Acting Resume What is an Actor Resume. You can
gather up a couple of friends, write a screenplay for a short film, shoot it on your phone and put it up
on YouTube. In casting people’s eyes, you are as old as you look. Awards Featured on Broadway
World Magazine as “Rising Star”, 2017. It’s what tells your casting directors not to flick through
other actors’ resumes, it’s what sets the stage for what’s coming, what peaks their interest enough to
want to know more about you. So be sure to be informative in your resume but also be specific. Get
it right, and you might soon say, “ I’d like to thank the Academy”. Job Search Learn how to find the
right job and get it. Right next to it you’ll list what type of acting classes those were, which you’ll
know after you’ve taken them. Cover Letter Examples See perfect cover letter samples that get jobs.
And a way to summarize your details is by listing them down in a useful sample acting resume.
They’ll scan through your physical stats, your credits and, sometimes, your special skills if that
applies. Strong work ethics when it comes to meeting deadlines. More on the reason behind this in a
separate article. Years in School. Degree. This is the only section in your actor resume where you
need to mention dates. By choosing a respected resume layout like the reverse-chronological format,
you’ll get to show your past performances under the best light. You don’t want to forget names or
confuse directors. Need more help for your all-star actor cover letter. Resume Help Improve your
resume with help from expert guides. Step 4: Polish the Resume’s Format and Design Of course, an
acting resume’s format and design cannot be forgotten. Resumes of actors with very little experience
might include only Film as a stand alone category, but more experienced actors can organize their
credits into: Feature Film Short Film Documentary TV Series TV Movies Soaps Etc. Examples of
Acting Resume Skills Accents Combat Training Level of Fitness Singing Fluency in another
Language Dancing Musical Instrument What if Channing Tatum couldn’t dance or Olivia Munn
wasn’t fluent in Japanese. Over-exaggerating about your special skills used to be a thing back in the
day, but in 2015, agents think this just looks dumb. Number One, indeed! If you don’t have a formal
college education, include any: Acting-related workshops Seminars Ongoing studio classes
Masterclasses Private coaching received outside of a university setting. Career Advice Improve your
career with expert tips and strategies. Before your audition, refresh your memory by reading your
acting resume. How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Get Job Offers Is your LinkedIn page
covered in cobwebs. This Acting Resume is perfect for starters, and it will get notified by the future
Clients. That way, you can grab the admin’s attention immediately by providing the best details first.
If you’ve played basketball in high school which was 10 years ago, don’t put Basketball in there.
If you’re working with an agent, ask about their preference. Body Double: usually, body doubles are
used for shots requiring nudity or depictions of physical fitness. What are the important skills to
incorporate in an acting resume. You want to be really sure of the current requirements and
references of casting directors. Start your education section with the basics: College Name and
Location. Is it to become a voice actor, lead actor, or perhaps, a supporting actor. Number One,
indeed! If you don’t have a formal college education, include any: Acting-related workshops
Seminars Ongoing studio classes Masterclasses Private coaching received outside of a university
setting. Actors do this all the time and they always get caught. You can also include the number of
years you trained in a particular area, technique, or discipline. Even more so than your headshot, your
actor resume is what shows your casting directors the seriousness that you lend to your craft. I’ve
already talked about the importance for actors to create their own projects, and the earlier you start,
the better. In fact, most casting directors prefer the simplicity because it’s easier to read and
remember. Cover Letter Help Boost your chances of having your resume read with our help. Of
course, if happiness is a choice, why are you still sad. And allow you to better interact with social
media platforms such as Facebook. Step 2: Observe a Detailed yet Brief Resume Detailed acting
resumes are impressive but be careful if your information becomes too much. Resumes of actors with
very little experience might include only Film as a stand alone category, but more experienced actors
can organize their credits into: Feature Film Short Film Documentary TV Series TV Movies Soaps
Etc. Theater, drama, movies, and other related fields lure millions of people out there. The reason
being is that extra work is not considered acting. Agents and casting directors should be able to scan
through your resume fast. Acting requires adapting your skills to a certain role or character. Acting
Resume Example (Objective for an Actor with No Experience) wrong Actor seeking breakthrough
role. Stunt Double: performer who specifically takes the part of another actor for a stunt. Recipient
of the National Arts Festival Award for Best Actress, 2018. Create a CV Cover Letter Cover Letter
Builder Create a cover letter in 5 minutes. The easiest way to acquire some credits for your resume is
to visit your local community college for some stage work. Just like in a cover letter, first impressions
always matter. Get his permission to use it for your personal usage. It serves the same purpose, and is
even structured similarly. Accuracy is key! You might also want to add further training even if you
went through a formal acting related college education.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches actors resume will give you an advantage over other
candidates. Add a few details and we’re back at Number One status, with all the glam squad
cheering you. Zety is a career site fueled by the best career experts and a community of millions of
readers yearly. Contact Our customer service team is ready to help. CV Format Pick the right format
for your situation. If you believe in yourself, there is no reason they won’t believe in you. You can
get anywhere in this industry by proving not only in your acting chops but also by what you present
in your acting resume. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads,
relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our
advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). If you
need a clearer picture of an acting resume template, you should include the following sections:
Contact Information Your Agent’s Contact Information Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Acting Credits Education Workshops and Trainings Special Skills Awards and Accolades Additional
References (links of past work, testimonials, reviews, etc.) Your Headshot To create the best acting
resume layout, your resume should be eight inches by ten. It’s just black and white, plus headings for
sections. The CD will look at your headshot first (!) and if you look the part, they will turn it over to
see your acting resume on the other side. Resumes of actors with very little experience might include
only Film as a stand alone category, but more experienced actors can organize their credits into:
Feature Film Short Film Documentary TV Series TV Movies Soaps Etc. Within each category, put
your most impressive acting credits first. In terms of casting, auditions, and acting workshops, the
acting resume serves as an entrance for every aspiring actor or actress who wishes to be part of a
role. Need more help for your all-star actor cover letter. As you gain more experience, start to
eliminate the amateur credits. This allows us to improve our Site and our services. Led team
rehearsals for hitting marks on set while delivering challenging lines with precision and emotion. Is it
to become a voice actor, lead actor, or perhaps, a supporting actor. Resume Checker Get your resume
checked and scored with one click. Stand-In: same physical properties of an actor, and takes the
actor’s place during the lengthy setup of a scene. Don’t even think about using a paper clip to attach
them, they’ll just end up separated. The reason being is that extra work is not considered acting. The
Voice-Over Artist: unseen person who does the voice-over. As all typical resumes, this Acting
Resume contains a summary of relevant work experience, education, training, qualifications, etc.
Your drama training is top-notch, and you continuously work on your acting skills. Performance and
Personalization These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Resume
Format Pick the right resume format for your situation. Acting requires adapting your skills to a
certain role or character. Principal: with recurring scenes opposite lead to progress storyline.
When writing your resume for acting jobs, honesty is your friend. Your drama training is top-notch,
and you continuously work on your acting skills. While there are individuals who appreciate the
craft, others are also inspired to pursue the art of acting. Accents and dialects are tricky but good
ones to have. Poor design or format already creates an unfortunate impression, and you would not
want that. Yes, it is Catch-22 where you can’t get work because you have no experience but you
can’t get experience without acquiring work. Over time, the industry discovers numerous actors and
actresses with unique acting skills and abilities. Indeed, you collate essential info in the resume but
not to the point where everything is jumbled in the presentation. Happiness in Perpetuity is a painting
by Paul Bond that was uploaded seven years ago. The same as your headshot since it gets attached
to the back. Participated in various student productions including A Midsummer Night's Dream
(2010), Much Ado About Nothing (2011), Brunch at Bobby's (2012). The layout is not very
traditional, so be sure they are appropriate for your industry. Then, remove college credits after the
first couple of years of professional work. We know that people build their physical environments
based on their beliefs and thoughts. And whether you are a veteran actor or just starting your career,
it helps to make an impression, particularly in an audition or workshop. Personalization cookies are
also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites
based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access
(including video viewing). Advertising These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver
targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. This Fantasy Painting by Judy
Maresch is particularly rare. Recipient of Excellence Award for Best Performance at Quarterly
Scholarship Exam (2012). Add a few details and we’re back at Number One status, with all the glam
squad cheering you. Frankly, I don’t see the point of including a headshot in the corner since you’re
sending your full-sized headshot alongside your acting CV anyway (they should be stapled
together). Step 4: Polish the Resume’s Format and Design Of course, an acting resume’s format and
design cannot be forgotten. Create my resume now When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will
score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better. You can gather
up a couple of friends, write a screenplay for a short film, shoot it on your phone and put it up on
YouTube. For the purpose of this article, let’s assume that you’re a non-union actor with no talent
agent representation, which is most likely the case anyway. Once you start receiving some acting
work, remove your older, “silly” credits and replace them with the most recent stuff. Ensure that all
texts are legible and that the details are organized. For example, if you Google “acting CV” and go
to “Images”, you’ll see that none of them are exactly the same, but they follow a certain pattern.
During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including
page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.
Step 3: Highlight Your Previous Experiences and Skills Emphasize your previous skills, training, and
experiences in the resume.