how to create acting resume for beginners

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3 Beginner Acting Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

Beginner acting resume, formal beginner acting resume, elegant beginner acting resume.

• Beginner Acting Resume Writing 101

Stepping into the world of acting, you’re refining your storytelling talents and learning to create lifelike characters through your performances. You harness the power of emotion, connection, and expression, captivating audiences with your work.

It might feel easy to invoke a response when you act, but it’s much harder to do through a one-page resume . However, to land your next role, you need to frame your experiences and talents with a resume template that makes the reader want to see more.

No worries—we’re here to help. Our sample beginner acting resume examples have helped many budding performers like yourself create excellent resumes and land roles that propelled their acting careers forward. Check out our tips to get started!

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Professional acting
• Technical theatre
• Musical theatre
• Competitive dancer

What Matters Most: Your Acting Experience & Personal Skills

In the acting world, every role, no matter how small, is different. As such, it’s crucial to read the job description and try to emphasize the skills that best align with it.

Throughout this section, focus on the skills you feel most comfortable with, as well as those that fit your acting style. Avoid including generic soft skills such as time management or adaptability, as they won’t leave a lasting impression, which is what you need!

As an example, to get you started, for entertainment roles, you could talk about your strong comedic timing and improvisational skills. For more dramatic roles, mention your mastery of emotional expression and character embodiment.

9 popular beginner acting skills

• Emotional expression
• Character embodiment
• Improvisation
• Dialect mastery
• Voice projection
• Line memorization
• Musical singing
• Basic stage combat
• Voiceover work

Sample beginner acting work experience bullet points

The content of the work experience section of your resume depends entirely on the number of roles you’ve played at this point in your career. 

With limited acting experience, focus on workshops or school plays you had a part in. If you do have acting experiences to discuss, such as plays, TV shows, musicals, or web series, highlight them here. 

Keep it relevant—for example, if you’re applying for a role, playing an English character in a period drama, mention that you’re good with accents. Always include the name of the production, the character or role you played, and the director or theater behind it.

Here are a few examples:

• Unseen Journeys , Anna, Dir. Barbara Taylor
• Shattered Reflections , Emily, Dir. Ryan West
• Macbeth , Lady Macbeth, Dir. Andrew Lipsky
• The Crucible , John Proctor, Dir. Delia Scott

Top 5 Tips for Your Beginner Acting Resume

• If you have any formal acting education or certifications, make sure to add them, as they can help assure casting directors that you’re passionate about your craft. This could be anything from a college degree to vocal training or improv school.
• If you haven’t had much professional acting work to fill out your resume, don’t be afraid to showcase your work in student productions, whether these are school plays or student films. Prioritize including those most relevant to each role you apply to.
• If you’re experienced or have been trained in any other arts, such as singing, poetry, dancing, or martial arts, mention these in your resume. While they may not always seem relevant, these are excellent job skills that can help enhance your overall profile as an actor.
• Being able to accommodate various types of roles is crucial to success in the acting world. Show casting directors that this versatility is within your repertoire by highlighting your experiences across various genres of acting.
• Consider putting together some video clips, headshots, or reviews that you can include to support your applications to each role. By doing this, recruiters can get a clearer sense of who you are as an actor, and this can help set you apart from other candidates.

Aside from voiceover roles, it’s crucial to include headshots and a role-specific full-body photo or video. Additionally, you should also include your height, weight, eye color, and your hair length and color. 

To show that you’re up to the collaborative challenge of acting, talk about instances where you successfully worked with directors, fellow actors, or production crews. Highlight how this teamwork contributed to the production’s success and how it helped you grow as an actor.

If you have a following of any size, it’s absolutely worth including links to your social media profiles. Add these underneath your contact information in your resume.

Acting Resume

How to make an acting resume.

An actor’s resume, along with an actor’s headshot, is your calling card. It’s there to not only inform casting directors or agents your credits but also your education, acting classes you’ve taken, physical stats and any special skills you might have.

Every resume has four sections: Personal and General Information, Credits, Training and Education and Special Skills. Below, you’ll see examples of what kind of information is needed in each section and the proper way to format it.

And before we start, you might be thinking, “Can I make an acting resume with no experience?” Absolutely! We all started somewhere, right? This acting resume is for actors, both professional and just starting out.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Acting credits.

In this section, you’ll list all of the acting roles and acting experience you’ve had, grouping them by Theater, Film, TV, web series and student films.

TELEVISION:

Training and education.

Here, you’ll want to list any type of school, colleges classes you’ve taken. Maybe you got an award for a short film or play you were in, add that here. Basically, anything that would have helped in your acting career, let it in this section.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Here’s another example: When I was finishing up my final audition for the film, Gods and Generals, Casting Director Joy Todd and director Ron Maxwell were looking at my resume. They didn’t think I was right for the role I had come in for but they saw that I did an Irish accent and asked if I could read a few lines. I did and got the part.

Download an Acting Resume Template Here

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Actor Resume Example for 2024 [W/ Detailed Guide & Free Templates]

Whether it’s on the stage or in front of the camera, you feel great in the spotlight.

You’re an actor looking for your next starring role, and you know you’ve got what it takes.

There are just a few lines you can’t seem to nail.

Try as you might, your resume just doesn’t convey your talent and devotion to the craft. You spend hours pacing and wondering if you’ll ever get past it.

But there’s no need to get dramatic just yet.

This article is here to teach you how to transform your actor resume into a role-winning calling card.

We’re going to cover:

• What a Blockbuster Actor Resume Example Looks Like
• 11 Steps to Writing a Flawless Actor Resume
• What Your Actor Resume Should Include

…and so much more!

And enter, stage right.

Actor Resume Example

This is a shining example of an actor resume.

So let’s look at what it does right:

• Fits on one page. This actor resume uses every bit of space available to fit all the sections into one page.
• Uses the reverse-chronological resume format. The candidate uses the resume format that shows their most recent roles first, so the casting directors have a clear view of their career progression.
• Includes all the necessary contact details. The contact information here includes the candidate’s full name, phone number, email address, and a link to their Instagram.
• Features an eye-catching resume summary. This great resume summary captures the hiring manager’s attention by mentioning the candidate’s years of experience, top achievements, and notable skills.
• Quantifies achievements. Highlighting measurable successes like boosted ticket sales or nominations shows the true impact of this actor's previous performances.
• Keeps the education section brief. A short education section makes sure that the candidate's roles and achievements are center stage, which is exactly what casting directors are interested in.
• Adds other sections. This actor resume uses acting workshops, awards, and hobbies to give depth to their application.

11 Steps for a Stellar Actor Resume

You’ve seen what an actor’s resume is supposed to look like, so now it’s your turn to play the part.

Here’s how to fill in every section of your actor resume:

#1. Decide on the Format (and Layout)

Scene lighting directs the audience's attention to what matters most.

The format you choose for your actor resume plays the same role.

There are three primary resume formats you can pick from:

• Reverse-chronological (also called chronological)
• Functional (also known as the skill-based format)
• Combination (which merges elements of both)

For 99% of cases, the reverse-chronological format is your best choice.

This resume format puts the spotlight on your latest roles and achievements, which is what casting directors want to see first.

Plus, it's the go-to format for hiring managers worldwide.

Here’s how it looks:

Now that the lights are on, it’s time to set the stage. Enter, the resume layout .

Looks matter, and before a hiring manager reads your resume, they’re going to look at it.

Follow these tips to make sure your actor resume leaves a good first impression:

• Set the font size. Your resume’s font determines its readability. Stick to 10-12 pt for the body of your text and use 14-16 pt for headings, so the hiring manager doesn’t have to squint.
• Use bullet points. Avoid long paragraphs and organize the information on your resume into bullet points. It will make your resume more visually appealing and reader-friendly.
• Adjust the line spacing. The line spacing on your actor resume should be set to 1.0 between text and 1.15 after subheadings and section titles. Anything outside these limits can make your resume look too cluttered or too empty.
• Stick to one page. The best length for your actor resume is one page unless you have decades of relevant experience to list.
• Save it as a PDF. The best format for your actor resume is always PDF, since it stays the same across any device or OS a hiring manager might use to open it. Only use a different format, such as a Word resume , if the job ad specifically requests it.

Or Use a Resume Template

Creating the perfect actor resume from scratch takes away valuable time that you could be using to learn your next lines.

You have to set the margins, fix the line spacing, try different font styles and sizes to see what works best, and keep everything from spilling over to a second page.

What if you could skip all of that?

Give any of our free, tried-and-tested resume templates a shot and save valuable time.

Our templates are designed in close collaboration with leading HR professionals from around the world to guarantee that your resume blends professionalism with style.

Take a look at how our resume templates compare to a standard text editor resume template:

#2. Provide the Right Contact Information

The contact information is probably the easiest section to fill out on your actor resume.

All this section needs is to be factual - no matter how talented you are, you’re not getting an audition if your phone number has a typo in it.

Here’s what you need to include in this section:

• Full Name. ( E.g. Constantine Dancy )
• Title. ( E.g. Actor )
• Phone Number. If you’re applying for a role abroad, be sure to include your country’s dial code in front of your phone number.
• Email Address. Keep your email address professional and preferably related to your name. ( E.g. [email protected] , not [email protected] )
• Location. Your city and state/country are usually enough, but if you’re looking to relocate for a role, be sure to specify that somewhere in your resume.
• Social media (optional). You could include a link to a relevant social media profile, such as a dedicated Instagram or Facebook page.

When To Include Your Agent’s Contact Information

If you’re represented by an agent, that’s who casting directors should be talking to first.

Your agent is the first point of contact for anyone interested in you, so your contact information should reflect this.

Instead of adding your own phone number and email address, list your agent’s.

Here’s how this can look on your actor resume:

Contact information

Constantine Dancy

Represented by Todd Hughes

+44 7700 900907

[email protected]

Should You Include A Picture?

As a general rule, yes , your actor resume should include a clear picture of you.

You might choose to add a small headshot at the top of your resume, next to your contact information. This gives any casting director an immediate idea of what you look like, but you’ll likely be asked to submit a larger photo as an attachment.

Talent agencies advise that you attach a separate, high-quality headshot along with your resume. Contact a professional photographer and get a few great pictures you can choose from before sending in your application.

If you have to leave your application in person, make sure the photo is attached firmly to your resume so it doesn’t get lost.

#3. Write a Convincing Resume Summary (or Objective)

Stepping onto the stage, every actor dreams of captivating the audience from the start as they get lost in the character's world.

And you want your resume to invoke that “wow” factor from the start, too. This is why you should add a small paragraph at the top of your actor resume to grab casting directors’ attention from the get-go.

Think of this brief 3-4 sentence segment as a trailer for the rest of your resume. It should offer a sneak peek that makes the hiring manager want to explore the entire story of your professional journey.

You have two options to choose from:

• Resume summary. If you’re an actor who already has some significant roles to their name, the resume summary is the perfect tool to highlight your years of experience, previous roles, and any significant achievements.
• Resume objective. If you’re new to life on the set, like a recent drama school graduate, or are switching from a different field, go for a resume objective instead. It shines a light on your passion, professional aspirations, and qualifications, rather than acting credits.

Let’s look at some practical examples.

First, an experienced actor's resume summary:

Versatile stage actor with 4+ years of experience, eager to bring depth and nuance to roles at Shakespeare Theater Company. Notable performances in "Hamlet" and "Othello," receiving acclaim for embodying complex characters. Collaborative and dedicated, with a talent for both drama and comedy. Trained in Stanislavski and Meisner techniques.

Any casting director would think this resume is worth reading from the get-go. 

But even a student with no experience can make an impression. So, let’s see a less experienced actor’s resume objective:

Drama school graduate, passionate about joining the ensemble at Broadway Beginnings. Keen to bring fresh perspectives to classical roles and collaborate on innovative productions. Trained in physical theater, voice modulation, and improvisation. Grounded in theatrical history and performance theory.

#4. Describe Your Work Experience

The work experience section is the heart of an actor's resume.

It’s the section every casting director is going to read first, so you should be very careful when writing it.

Here's how to format the work experience section the right way:

• Organize it in reverse chronological order. Always begin with your most recent roles and then move back to earlier ones. Skip anything that’s too dated or irrelevant - your summer gig in a community play when you were 12 won’t hold much weight.
• State your exact role. Whether you played the lead, a supporting role, or even a background character, state it clearly. Avoid jazzing it up or downplaying it (e.g. "Lead Role" is straightforward and professional, while "Star of the Show" might come off as exaggerated and arrogant).
• Give the production details. Say what the title of the production and its location are. If the show or movie isn’t well-known, you can give a brief description for context.
• Note the performance period. Using the mm/yyyy format keeps things clean and consistent throughout your resume.
• Detail your role and accomplishments. This is where you should dive into the essence of your character, the acting methods you used, and your role in the production’s success. Use bullet points to outline significant scenes, skills you portrayed, or achievements you contributed to.

Actors’ work experience is usually called “Acting Credits” and focuses on the roles they’ve held. If your acting experience includes coaching and other production work beyond acting, then writing “work experience” is more appropriate.

That’s all there is to formatting your actor resume’s work experience.

But if you want this section to shine, you have to push beyond the basics.

Follow these tips to rise above all other actors auditioning for the same role:

• Tailor your work experience to the casting call. Carefully read the casting brief and find out exactly what they’re looking for. If the role needs a Shakespearean-trained actor with experience in improv comedy, your actor resume should center on your performances and training that highlight those skills the most.
• Focus on achievements over small-time gigs. The casting director knows the standard responsibilities of a background actor or theater performer, and they won’t be impressed by them. So instead, highlight all roles or projects where you brought something unique to the table and the support your performance received.
• Quantify your achievements. Be as specific as possible whenever you can. Mention the size of the audience, the run of the show, or the percentage of ticket sales. This provides a clear picture of the scale and impact your work has.
• Use powerful verbs. Drop the boring “participated in” or “performed in" and choose more dynamic action words. For example, 'Led a cast of 20+ in a critically acclaimed rendition of “Hamlet”' packs a bigger punch than 'Acted in “Hamlet”'.

Let’s look at an example of an actor’s work experience section:

Supporting Actor

Flux Theater Troupe

Summerville, CT

03/2022 - Present

• Played a pivotal role in 3 major theater productions, receiving praise for versatility and character depth.
• Collaborated closely with directors and fellow actors, improving scene dynamics and overall flow.
• Attended 10+ workshops for skill enhancement, focusing on method acting and improvisation techniques.
• Took on the challenge of portraying a complex character in a modern adaptation of a classic play, leading to sold-out shows for two weeks straight.

What if I don’t have work experience?

If you're stepping onto the stage or set for the first time, not having a lengthy acting resume can seem daunting.

But your actor resume can still show your acting abilities and devotion to the craft!

All you have to do is list acting credits that aren’t contracted, such as school plays or club productions.

Here are some examples you can consider:

• Drama school or acting classes
• School or college theater roles
• Volunteering for community theater
• Personal or independent film projects
• Relevant workshops and seminars

For example, if you volunteered for a role in your local community theater's production, that’s a valuable experience that can boost your actor resume.

Here’s how that might look in practice:

Lead Actor & Assistant Director

Mapleton Community Theater

03/2021 - 10/2021

• Volunteered as the lead for a community production, receiving commendations for powerful performances.
• Assisted the director in scene setups and scheduling, ensuring smooth rehearsal sessions.
• Took charge of organizing a workshop for the cast, honing everyone's skills in voice modulation and body language.
• Interacted with the audience post-shows to gather feedback, leading to better performances and tighter scenes.
• Collaborated with local schools to host theater days, exposing students to the magic of stage acting.

#5. Mention Your Education

Actors do need formal training or workshops to refine their craft.

But if you've already landed significant roles, you don’t need to put too much emphasis on your education section .

Casting directors are more interested in your acting credits and specific skills. So, keep your education section brief and start with your most recent degree or course.

Here’s what you need to add:

• Degree Name. E.g., Bachelor in Dramatic Arts, Workshop in Method Acting
• Institution Name. E.g., The New York Acting Studio
• Location (optional). E.g., New York, NY
• Dates Attended. Stick to the mm/yyyy format for consistency (e.g. 08/2019 - 05/2022)

If you’re fresh out of acting school, you might want to delve deeper into your training. Describe specific courses or a standout performance to show off your acting prowess.

Here’s how this section would look on an actor’s resume:

Bachelor in Dramatic Arts, Specialization in Classical Theatre

The London Drama Academy

09/2019 - 07/2023

Courses: Shakespearean Performances, Voice and Movement Techniques, Improvisational Theatre, Character Development, Modern Drama Interpretation

#6. Mention Acting Workshops and Training Camps

In the acting world, honing your craft is the key to success. This is where acting workshops and training camps come in. 

These acting classes are usually taught by big names in the industry, so you get to learn from the best of the best and show it off on your actor resume.

Casting directors will be interested in seeing your skills, experience, and who you’ve learned from. Acting workshops and training camps show you’re always looking to improve.

Plus, you never know when a workshop you attended might catch a casting director’s eye or match a role they’re looking to fill.

Let’s take a look at an example of acting workshops on a resume:

Workshops & Training Camps

• Shakespearean Acting Intensive - June 2023 London Theatre Workshop, London, UK Instructor: Dame Judith Harrow
• Scene Study & Character Development - February 2023 New York Acting Studio, New York, NY Instructor: Michael Lorne

#7. List Your Relevant Skills

Another important section of your actor resume is dedicated to your skills.

Your talent and acting skills are your ticket to impressing directors and casting agents. Your skills as an actor can range from your ability to emote on cue to your knack for accents and dialects.

So, it's essential to highlight the right acting skills on your resume. You don’t need to jot down every single skill you have—just focus on the ones required by the role you’re after.

For example, if you're after a role in a historical drama, your singing skills might not be as crucial as your understanding of the era's language and mannerisms.

Here are some tips to create a standout skills section for your actor resume:

• Cater to the role. Read the casting call or role description carefully. If it mentions any specific skills, add the ones you have to your actor resume.
• Research the right skills and practice them. The world of acting is ever-evolving and diverse, and you never know what skills you’ll need for a role. Attend regular acting workshops to keep your acting skills sharp and stay updated on developments in the exact field you’re interested in. (E.g., if you’re looking to get into musical theater, practice your singing and dancing skills more than sword-fighting.)
• Separate your hard skills from your soft skills. Organize your soft skills (like communication) separately from your hard skills (like dancing or martial arts). This way, it's easier for casting directors to find exactly what they're looking for on your actor resume.

So you know how to list your acting skills.

Now here’s a list of the 65 most in-demand skills for actors to help inspire you!

65 Most In-Demand Acting Skills

17 acting soft skills.

• Active listening
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Emotional intelligence
• Observational skills
• Self-discipline
• Time management
• Reliability
• Problem-solving
• Cultural awareness
• Memory retention
• Public speaking
• Feedback receptivity

48 Acting Hard Skills

• Stanislavski Method
• Meisner Technique
• Lee Strasberg's Method
• Michael Chekhov Technique
• Uta Hagen's Technique
• Diction and pronunciation
• Voice modulation
• Breath control
• Script analysis
• Sight reading
• Cold reading
• Improvisation
• Physical characterization
• Vocal projection
• Accent acquisition
• Movement techniques
• Stage fighting
• Film acting techniques
• TV acting techniques
• Theatrical stage presence
• Singing and vocal training
• Comedic timing
• Dramatic interpretation
• Character development
• Audition techniques
• Monologue mastery
• Classical training
• Alexander Technique
• Camera awareness
• Voice-over technique
• Motion capture technique
• Dialect coaching
• Period-specific training (e.g., Renaissance, Victorian, etc.)
• Stage makeup application
• Casting Networks
• Commercial acting techniques
• Scene study
• Vocal warm-up routines
• Memorization techniques
• Self-taping and recording
• Use of props and set elements
• Ensemble work

You don’t need to be an Oscar enthusiast to know that awards make a difference.

As an actor, your awards show casting directors how endorsed your talents are and what you can bring to the table—applause, recognition, and sales. 

Just to give you an idea, casting directors and audiences alike want some of the most nominated actors .

Whether it’s a prestigious international honor or a local theater award, dedicating a section to these accomplishments in your actor resume helps set you apart from other candidates for the same role.

Here’s what your awards can look like on your resume:

Awards & Honors

• Best Supporting Actor - 2023 International Film Festival for "Whispers in the Wind"
• Outstanding Theater Performance - 2021 National Theater Awards for "Midnight's Lullaby"
• Emerging Talent of the Year - 2019 Global Acting Guild Awards

#9. References

Unlike many fields, where references on your resume are optional and rarely checked, the acting world thrives on trust and reputation.

A director or casting agent might recognize a reference’s name, such as an actor who mentored you or a reviewer who’s written about you.

References on your actor resume don’t have to be limited to the names and contact details of someone you know. You can include links to your past work, testimonials, reviews, and more.

Casting directors or agents will likely recognize the name of your reference or the publication you’re mentioned in, and that can give you instant credibility. 

References from respected industry professionals can also back up your work ethic and reliability, which means no one will have to worry about you being unreliable.

Here’s an example of what references can look like on your actor resume:

• James Langley Family friend and retired Broadway actor [email protected] (555) 123-4567
• Theater Performance Review Stellar Performance in 'Moonlit Dreams' by Candice Terry Link: www.theatertimes.com/moonlitdreams-review

#10. Consider Adding Optional Sections

If you have any room left on your actor resume, you can fill it up using optional sections.

These sections are like powdering your nose one last time before jumping onto the stage - they aren’t essential, but they can be a nice touch that helps your resume stand out.

Here are some optional sections you can include:

• Memberships. Being a member of an acting guild or other organization can show dedication to your field, which might sway a hiring manager.
• Certifications. Any certifications that might be useful for the job are a great addition, such as teaching qualifications if you want to be an acting coach.
• Languages. Knowing a foreign language can help you land international roles.
• Hobbies and interests. How you spend your free time can show casting directors that you’re perfect for a certain role. For example, if you play the guitar and you’re auditioning for the role of a rock star, that puts you ahead of actors who can’t.

#11. Create a Matching Cover Letter

When you’re auditioning for a job as an actor, you might wonder— do I even need a cover letter ?

In short, yes. Yes, you do.

Hiring managers don’t just like cover letters; they expect them. So skipping this final step could have consequences.

Writing a cover letter shows that you’re a dedicated candidate and that you truly want this specific role in this specific production.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter for an actor:

Now that you know what a perfect cover letter looks like, it’s time to write your own!

Just follow these cover letter tips , and you’re sure to impress the director:

• Match your contact information. Your cover letter should have a header with the same contact information as your resume. Add the contact information of the hiring manager or place you’re applying to, and keep an eye out for any typos .
• Greet the hiring manager. If you can, find out who’s casting and address them by name. Personalizing your application gives a good impression.
• Open with the highlights. You should always start with a paragraph to pique the hiring manager’s interest. Mention what role you’re writing for and an achievement or qualification that makes you perfect for the role
• Get into the details. The main part of your cover letter should get into the nitty-gritty details of your career so far and elaborate on anything you think your actor resume didn’t give you enough space for. This is the place where your way with words should convince the hiring manager that you’re perfect for the role.
• Wrap it up professionally. Always finish your cover letter with a call to action that invites the hiring manager to do something, like arrange an audition or contact you. And don’t forget to use an appropriate closing line before signing off with your name.

Key Takeaways

And, scene!

That’s everything there is to know about writing your actor resume. Hopefully, now you feel confident about your upcoming audition!

But before you go get that applause, let’s recap what we talked about so far:

• The reverse-chronological resume format is usually the best choice for any actor's resume since it’s a favorite across industries.
• Your resume should include an interesting resume summary that can impress any casting director or hiring manager for the job you have your sights set on.
• Keep your education section brief since your work experience and other achievements carry a lot more weight.
• Tailor your acting skills according to the role you’re auditioning for. The more relevant your skills and experience are, the better.
• Some sections that are usually optional, like workshops, awards, and references, carry a lot of weight to an actor’s resume, so always add them if possible.
• Don’t forget to pair your actor resume with a matching cover letter and increase your odds of impressing the hiring manager.

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How to Create Your Acting Resume

Last Updated: May 25, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Patricia Chukerman and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey . Patricia Chukerman is an Image Consultant & Marketing Specialist and the Owner of Paperworks Image Consulting and Stoned on Rocks. With more than 36 years of experience, she specializes in helping companies decide how to market themselves. In addition to her work with businesses, she also has more than four years of acting experience and more than five years of crafting experience. Patricia earned her BA from The University of Illinois Chicago. Patricia is also the President of the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Hollywood Florida Scholarship Foundation. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 16 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 430,296 times.

An acting resume is a snapshot of who you are and the acting experience you have—but what should you include, especially if you’re just starting out? Whether you’re a beginner actor with no experience or a seasoned thespian, a professional-looking resume that showcases your skills and talents can help you land your dream role. We’ve put together a guide with all the information you need to include and how to format it for success. If you’re ready to go out there and break a leg, read on!

What to Include on Your Acting Resume

• Unions you might list include SAG-AFTRA or Equity/AEA.
• List your union after your name ( John Smith, SAG-AFTRA) or on a separate line ( Union: SAG-AFTRA).

• If you’re auditioning for a singing role, include your voice type (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, or bass) and your vocal range if you know your lowest and highest notes (for example, C3–A4).
• Do not list your age or date of birth unless you’re under 18 years old. Keeping your age vague increases the number of roles you could be a good fit for.
• List your traits with the attribute bolded ( Height: 5’11” Voice Type: Tenor) in one line beneath your contact information.

• Leave out the dates of your roles to avoid exposing your age.
• Don’t include modeling or extra work—stick with relevant acting experience.

• Only list the director if they’re very well-known (you can put their name alongside the company’s name or in place of the location if you’re short on space).
• Types of roles in TV credits are series regular, recurring, guest star, or co-star.
• Types of roles in film credits are lead, supporting, principal, or featured.

• For example: “BFA, Acting — New York University — New York City, NY”
• Mention any specialized training or certifications related to acting, like stunt coordination or choreography, and any well-known teachers or coaches you’ve studied with.
• Your graduation dates are optional. To keep your age vague, leave them out.
• List any training in acting-related fields like music (especially singing), dance, improv, or stunts.

• For example: “ Special Skills: aerial acrobatics, singing (classical and pop), dance (tap and contemporary), guitar, piano, French accent, German accent, juggling.”
• Some more special skills casting agents might look for are crying on cue, voiceover acting, improvisation, stage combat or weapons handling experience, clowning, or miming.
• The more unique or specialized your skill sets are, the more you’ll stand out. For example, instead of “dance,” you could put “ballet and samba.”

• Save your resume in an easy-to-access location on your computer for fast editing and updating. If you’re submitting electronically, save it as a PDF file so it’s readable on any device.

Acting Resume Format and Presentation

• Stick with a clean, professional font like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Stick with one font color (black).
• Make your resume stand out by keeping it super clean and readable. Bold your headers and leave plenty of white space on the page so it’s easy to skim quickly.

• Wear a simple, solid-colored shirt. Dark colors photograph better than light colors, and white should be avoided.
• Wear your hair in a simple, everyday style and keep your makeup to a minimum (the photographer can make touch ups during editing if necessary).
• Pose in a natural position. Your shot shouldn’t include your hands or any props.
• Remember, casting agents want to see the natural you. Wild clothing, makeup, hair, or poses will distract them (and hurt your chances of getting the role).

• Stapling ensures your resume and headshot don’t get separated. Avoid using paper clips or tape.
• Don’t print your resume on the back of your headshot. It’s costly and inconvenient to print large photos every time you update your resume.

Expert Q&A

• Always be honest on your resume. Lies or fabrications will come out when you’re asked to demonstrate a special skill or if a hiring agent tries to speak with a director you listed but haven’t actually worked with. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Only list directors, teachers, or co-stars you’ve worked with if they’re very well-known or relevant to the role you want. Saving space is important, and too many names can make your resume look crowded and hard to skim. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Update your resume as you gain experience. When you’re first starting out, it might only contain college or community theater roles. As you grow into a professional, replace amateur productions with more high-profile or reputable ones. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patricia Chukerman. Image Consultant & Marketing Specialist. Expert Interview. 8 February 2022.
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/dont-dread-it-write-it-a-guide-to-acting-resumes/
• ↑ https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/how-to-ace-your-headshot-session/

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Actor Resume: Template for Free & Tips

Playing a role and getting into character is what you’re best at as an Actor. But is your resume not making the final cut? Take advantage of our resume templates to have a much better chance of passing the audition with a talent scout or recruiter.

Actor Resume Example MSWord® Use our free Acting Resume template in Word format to ensure you get top billing when applying for a position.

Places, everyone – the best acting resume is about to take the stage!

As a skilled (or prospective) actor, your drama, dance, and performance skills are your best assets. But that doesn’t mean that creating a strong resume isn’t still an important part of landing the gigs you aspire to.

Landing your dream part, getting an agent, getting an Equity contract, or becoming part of a distinguished troupe of actors is no easy task.

And, when you add in the pressure of impressing casting directors and recruiters, it’s very useful to have an official document to represent yourself . Nothing says “I’m a professional,” like taking the time to put your talent on the page.

This ResumeGiants guide explains:

• How to create an acting resume that includes all of the information you need
• The best way to organize and format your resume
• Tips and tricks for setting your acting resume apart from the rest
• How to describe your acting experience to get any role you want

Acting Resume Sample

In the dark when it comes to what to put on a resume, where, and why? Check out this sample acting resume to get started:

[ Rebecca Hitchens ]

[Stage Actor] [601 Cherry Ln, Carlisle, NY 12212 | 207-574-8457 | [email protected]]

>> Summary <<

Talented stage actor with over 8 years of professional experience in commercial and stage acting. Team player who is passionate and driven to take on the challenges of new, demanding projects. Bringing forth a strong work ethic and a desire to bring quality entertainment to all.

>> Experience <<

Stage Actor

Jefferson Playhouse | Jefferson, NY

2017 – 2022

• Auditioned for and performed in 7 stage productions for both in-person and digital audiences.
• Increased playhouse attendance by 18% over two years via the creation of a community-selected show schedule and social media presence.
• Attended regular rehearsals to improve upon acting techniques, develop choreography, and problem-solve with other cast members.

Voice Over Actor

BoxTube Studios | Philadelphia, PA

2015 – 2017

• Acted in over 10 unique commercial gigs for distinguished clients from Kelloggs to Ford.
• Developed vocal pacing and inflection skills to accurately portray the part in each gig.

Extra Actor

Feature Film: They Saw Her Dancing | Philadelphia, PA

2014 – 2015

• Performed as an extra in a number of scenes for the short film They Saw Her Dancing.
• Worked with award-winning director Abigail Arden.
• Assisted the cast and crew to complete various tasks.

>> Education <<

Bachelor’s in Drama Studies

Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA

2015 – 2019

• Honors: Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.58 GPA

>> Certifi cates <<

• Two-Year Conservatory Degree | American Academy of Dramatic Arts
• Voice and Singing Certificate | New York Film Academy

>> Skills <<

• Soft Skills: Teamwork, attention to detail, flexibility, problem-solving, time management
• Hard Skills: Knowledge of acting techniques, voice, dance, stunt performance, improvisation

>> Languages <<

• English (native)
• Spanish (fluent)

This sample combines our tips about formatting, writing, and organizing your acting resume to be sure that you’ve truly gotten all the information you want out on the page.

Feel free to use it as a reference as you begin to develop your own ideas!

What’s the Best Resume Format for an Acting Resume?

As is the case for a theater resume , the acting resume format you’ll want to use depends on the role you’re looking to apply for.

For most, making an acting resume means creating a single page of information, including a headshot, about previous roles, experiences, and skills. 

The format choices you make to organize these details can be the difference between a show-stopping resume and one that merely gets by. 

Make sure to plan enough space to provide a potential employer with all the vital information they’ll need, including:

• Personal and contact information
• A resume summary or objective
• Your work experience and education
• Your skills
• Any additional information that shows why you’re a good fit for the job

It’s a good idea to use a respected and well-known layout, like reverse-chronological formatting , to put your most recent qualifications in the spotlight.

“Reverse chronological formatting” refers to when you list your most recent job, degree, or experience at the top of each section, followed by your second most recent, and so on.

Ahead are a few more things to keep in mind as you create an acting resume template to begin building on:

• Always choose a font style and size that’s legible, professional, and clean.
• Fonts that are messy or take up too much space can easily steal the show away from your actual qualifications. 
• For an acting resume, standard 1” margins are appropriate and the way to go.
• Single spacing is usually the best option when creating a resume.
• However, if the text on your resume is hard to read or blends together, it is possible to increase your line spacing.
• Likewise, some might find that double-spacing helps fill in gaps on a resume that isn’t very text-heavy.
• Remember that professionalism and readability are key.
• Acting resumes actually benefit, in most cases, from including a headshot and other photos.
• A headshot or resume photo shows a casting director who you are, and photos from past performances (perhaps in a portfolio) can serve to demonstrate your talent.
• When creating your acting resume template, Google Docs, Word, etc. are fine tools to use – but, when it’s time to save and send it, PDF files are the best choice .
• Unless the job description has requested otherwise, submitting a PDF means that your resume will be compatible with and look good on any device.

Sometimes, the hardest part of making an acting resume is just getting it to look nice and organized. 

That’s why we’ve created tons of resume templates , including options that work if you need a free acting resume template with photos, that can do the hard work for you. 

Save your time and energy for what really matters: scoring an interview and, eventually, the role you’re after! 

Writing an Actor/Actress Resume: Resume Summary or Resume Objective?

Your resume summary or objective functions as your “elevator pitch” and gives a casting director a well-rounded view of who you are.

It’s also the thing that will grab the attention of a potential employer and, as a result, can break or make your resume.

• A resume summary showcases your talent by explaining your past professional achievements and experiences, so it is usually best for those who are already in the field.
• A resume objective, on the flip side, focuses on what a casting director is looking for and makes it clear how your skills can help. These are best for entry-level applicants or those looking to move into acting from another field.

Regardless of which type of headline you write , you’ll want to find ways to break down your main qualifications into just a few, powerful lines. 

This can take lots of practice and patience. 

Try reading your headline to yourself to help you get an idea of how it flows, or consider creating a few different examples to choose from. 

Having a hard time coming up with a truly impactful resume summary or objective? Save writing it for the end of the resume drafting process . Writing the other sections of your resume first can make it much easier to know which points you want to emphasize.

Acting Resume Summary Example

A strong acting resume summary does just what the name says: summarizes all of the key information that a casting director or employer needs to know about you. 

The more examples and specific details you can provide, the better your summary will likely be. 

Of course, it’s still important to avoid being too wordy . The last thing you want is to create a summary that’s so dense that an employer skips over it!

So, be sure to focus on what matters most. Reading your summary aloud is a great way to get a feel for how long and nuanced it is so you can make adjustments.

To showcase how a clear, detailed resume summary can change the way a potential employer sees you, we’ve created some examples: one poor, one strong.

Take note of the things that you think work and those that don’t. Which summary makes you want to learn more about the candidate?

Experienced actor with practice in film and on stage. Talented and capable of taking on any role.

Talented stage actor with over 6 years of professional experience in film and stage acting. Collaborative and highly-driven team member prepared for challenging, demanding sets. Award-winning stage performance in Les Misérables.

How to Write a Beginner Acting Resume Objective

Even an acting resume for beginners should include a strong resume objective.

It can certainly be tricky to find ways to summarize who you are as an employee and an actor without much experience in the field, but it’s not impossible. 

In fact, resume objectives are actually really great for entry-level applicants because they focus on accomplishments and skills rather than specific experiences.

You can make things easier by focusing on creating a resume objective that’s tailored to what an employer is looking for (and what you offer in response). 

Take some time to identify keywords from the job description and find ways to emphasize, based on the experiences you do have, that you have what it takes to tick all the boxes a casting director is looking out for.

💡featured content

When writing an acting resume with no experience, consider bulking up your qualifications by including some references that can attest to your skills.

Even if these details don’t make it onto your resume itself, showing that you have connections with people who can speak to your talent can go a long way.

Experienced Actor Resume Objectives

On the flip side, if you’ve got lots of experiences to describe but have a gap in your employment, are switching to a new field, etc., a resume objective is still a great choice.

Resume objectives make it easy to show who you are , even if your work history isn’t as recent or relevant as you might like. 

As is the case when creating a beginner actor resume template, be sure to list specific accomplishments, skills, and keywords that connect your qualifications to the job in question.

New actor seeking a breakthrough role. Experienced with drama and connected with leaders in the industry.

Driven, passionate actor bringing distinguished educational and professional skills in television acting to the table. Strong reputation from a number of screen contacts for impeccable attention to detail and commitment to the craft.

How to Describe Your Acting Experience

The work history section of your resume is one of the most important; here is where you’ll list all the previous roles and the relevant experiences you’ve had. 

If you have specific roles you’d like to note, be sure to include details like the production name, the name of the role, the location, year, etc.

It’s typically best to list your most recent experiences near the top of this section, but it’s also okay to prioritize the most relevant roles if it makes sense for the job you’re applying to. 

Be sure to use power verbs and other strong language to describe your experiences in a way that’s engaging. You only have a minute or so to catch the attention of and impress a potential employer, so make it count!

Power verbs are those that detail not just that a task was performed, but how . If you want to describe your experience working with others, for example, works like “collaborated” are stronger than “worked with” since they provide a more purposeful and positive description.

Acting Resume Experience Examples

Here are some examples that demonstrate h ow to make your experience stand out from the crowd: specific and powerful language, detailed achievements, and attention to details from the job description.

Stage Actor The Carter Playhouse | Philadelphia, PA 2020 – 2021

• Continuously auditioned for and participated in regular productions. 
• Created a social media account to boost attendance. 
• Participated in regular rehearsals to practice techniques and skills.
• Auditioned for and performed in over 10 individual productions for both in-person and streamed performances.
• Increased playhouse attendance by 15% over one year by engaging with the local community via social media.
• Attended regular rehearsals to refine acting techniques, practice choreography, and communicate with other cast members.

Acting Resume Experience Section with No Experience

How do you go about writing an experience section when you have no actual experience to turn to? 

By thinking outside the box. Even if you haven’t spent a lot of (or any) time acting, you can focus on the knowledge that you do have and find ways to connect it to the field. 

If you’re looking to draft up an acting resume template with no experience , ask yourself what details – whether they come from a past job, schooling, or even your personal life – have led you to have an interest in the field in the first place.

Maybe you spent a lot of time involved in local and community theater during your childhood and developed a passion for the art. Or perhaps you really enjoy performing and have learned so through your position as a summer camp counselor. 

Whatever the case may be, use your creativity to find ways to make your strengths work to your advantage. 

And, remember that some work experience is better than none, even if it’s not the most directly-related job. 

Take a look at the following acting resume example for beginners to get a feel for how you can make your own experiences pop:

Teacher’s Assistant Shakespeare Acting Camp | Pittsburgh, PA 2019 – 2020

• Worked as an assistant to a teacher responsible for acting and vocal training.
• Created a social media presence, leading to a spike in camp visitors.
• Assisted in the instruction of 30+ students, including acting and vocal training at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. 
• Collaborated with camp instructors to create unique educational programming. 
• Drove a 15% increase in camp enrollment and attendance through the development of a social media presence.

Is Your Education Section Stealing the Show?

Many actors begin their work in the field without any sort of formal degree, but regardless of how much education you have, it’s important to recognize that your education section is a great tool for showing your dedication to theater. 

If you do have a degree or have spent time in post-secondary educational training, be sure to include details about this experience on your resume, especially if you attended a reputable program.

Those who hold degrees higher than a bachelor’s should omit details from older experience (i.e. high school) if necessary.

Likewise, degrees or training that are still in progress can be included; prioritizing your most recent, and therefore most relevant, credentials is key.

Here are some tips for things to mention as you break down your education on your resume:

• Describe relevant coursework . This is a great chance to show casting directors who you’ve worked with or what specific areas you’ve studied.
• Talk about major achievements. If you won any awards, earned any distinctions or honors, graduated with a high GPA, etc., be sure to mention these points.

Note any significant involvements. Being a part of a local community theater, student organization, etc. related to your field shows dedication but also showcases your skill set.

In your education section, be sure to focus on finding ways to connect the achievements and skills you’ve gained to the job description. To do that and avoid adding unnecessary details, ask yourself how the points you’re listing make you the best fit for the job, and make sure this idea is clear on your resume.

Acting Resume Education Section Examples

When listing your educational experience, make sure to mention only what adds to your resume.

Help your acting resume’s education section reach the spotlight by noting significant achievements and honors, and scrap unnecessary details that create clutter.

Theater Degree  Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA 2015 – 2019

• Took several acting courses and received a GPA of 3.64.

Bachelor’s in Drama Studies Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA 2015 – 2019

• Honors: Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.64 GPA

Skills for an Acting Resume

The skills section of your resume is an ideal place to communicate more of your strengths and abilities in a clear, easy-to-understand format. 

It’s also a great time to fill in any gaps that you may feel exist elsewhere on your resume or take advantage of keywords and big ideas mentioned in the job description. 

If you’re interested in applying for a role that involves lots of action sequences, for instance, mentioning that you’re skilled in combat and stunt work helps you paint yourself as the best fit for the job.

The best skill sections make use of both hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are those learned on the job and specific to a particular niche, while soft skills are more general and apply to different types of work. 

Things like communication skills , acting training, and more are all relevant details to include. 

Below are some more examples of special skills for acting resumes that you might want to incorporate into your own. We suggest choosing about 5 to 10 skills for a resume.

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Active listening
• Collaboration
• Flexibility
• Persistence
• Receptive to constructive criticism
• Time management
• Adaptability

Hard Skills

• Knowledge of acting techniques and practices
• Script reading 
• Vocal training
• Physical stamina and strength
• Stunt performance
• Improvisation
• Memorization

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Acting Resume

While a good acting resume covers the bases we’ve just explored, the best acting resume is one that steals the show from the rest.

“Other” sections on a professional acting resume are a great opportunity to take yours to the next level.

These sections can include details about training, certifications and awards, and more. 

They give you a chance to beef up your resume and talk about things that might not have made their way into other sections.

Make sure only to choose “other” sections that make sense for the role or job you want. Steer clear from talking about experiences that aren’t very relevant or don’t add to your resume.

Actor/Actress Resume Sample “Other” Sections

What your “other” sections look like can vary a bit, but for most looking to create a resume for acting, special skills and experiences that demonstrate not just why you’re a good actor, but also a good employee overall are key. 

The same rules about keeping things clear, concise, and on-topic apply here, but don’t be afraid to be creative when you choose what to include and how to connect it to the job.

Take a look at these “other” sections from an acting resume example to get a feel for how you can create some of your own:

Certificates

• Conservatory Degree
• Musical Theatre Certificate – New York

Certifications

• Musical Theatre Certificate | New York Film Academy

Strong “other” sections can include things like volunteer experiences, community service, personal hobbies or skills, and more. 

But, for an acting resume, we recommend the following:

Certifications and Training

It’s a good idea to mention any certificates or completed training you have under your belt, as well as the source they came from.

Include only coursework and programs that are from reputable, accredited schools.

Awards are great, but what’s even greater is being able to use them to show what you know.

For an acting resume, though, it’s sometimes best to list awards under the specific roles or job positions they were granted for. 

However, if you have a lot of awards to list or find that your experience section gets too cluttered, creating an award-focused “other” section may be the way to go.

Make sure to list the name of the award, the party responsible for giving it out, and what you won it for. 

Key Takeaway

Even if you’re the best actor in the world, having a killer resume to show for it can be a real headache. 

Luckily, creating the actor or actress resume that you need to showcase your skills is a role that you’re now equipped to take on. 

In this guide, we’ve discussed:

• How to break down your acting education and professional experiences to show you’re a good fit
• The best way to organize and format your actor resume template, words in each section, photos, and more
• How to include other details to bulk up your resume
• Writing techniques to help your resume stand out from the rest 

We hope that these tips and tricks have been useful and will carry you through an audition and to the stage.

If you’re still struggling to make your resume reflect your experiences or need some guidance, our easy-to-use acting resume builder does the hard work of planning and organizing for you. 

Be sure to take advantage of this tool, so you can create a finished product worthy of any award!

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How to Make an Acting Resume With No Experience

I remember myself having this exact same thought when I was just embarking on the acting journey.

In reality, almost every single actor has been in a position of having an empty actor resume. We’ve all started out acting with no credits.

As a newcomer, you’ll have to get comfortable with the idea that you’re a fresh face on the block, you won’t be signed by any top talent agencies in Los Angeles (yet) and you’ll have to work with what you have.

Below, I will quickly walk you through what an actor resume is, what purpose does it serve, what resume you need for voice over jobs , the standards for an acting resume in Los Angeles, and the best way to go about writing your actor resume when you have no experience to list.

Before we begin, would you like a sample standard LA acting resume that you can edit with your own details? Share some social love and you can download an editable PDF.

• Download PDF: Acting Resume Sample (PDF)

Let’s start at the beginning. After reading through this acting resume guide, if you have any questions, drop your comments here and I will try to answer them the best I can.

What’s an acting resume, and why do you need one?

I’m sure everybody knows what a CV (curriculum vitae) is. It’s that piece of paper that people use to show to their potential employers.

Surprise surprise, an actor’s resume is the exact same thing that you use when they’re looking to book acting auditions in LA . It serves the same purpose, and is even structured similarly.

Alongside your headshot, an acting resume is one of the most important actor’s marketing tools that every aspiring thespian needs to have. It’s your calling card. You will list all of your acting experience, education, acting training and special skills that you have alongside your contact information, and a few physical stats.

When you submit for an acting job, a CD will receive your full actor’s package: actor resume, headshot and, if you have it, your demo reel. 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. They’ll scan through your physical stats, your credits and, sometimes, your special skills if that applies.

Say your resume looks professional, your look fits the part, and the CD is happy with your experience and credits. In this case, you’re going to get a call about an audition. Congratulations! You just got your first audition. Now back to the real world…

Even if you have not done any acting work whatsoever, you can still put together an actor resume with no experience, and send it over to CDs with confidence .

Despite your worst delusional fears (we’ve all be there, trust me), nobody’s going to think of you poorly if you have little or no acting experience. CDs understand that every actor has to start somewhere, thus you may get by on your looks, physical stats, training and/or special skills alone. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged if you don’t. Simply move onto the next project.

Bottom Line : An acting resume is what every actor needs to put together as soon as they’ve decide to enter show business. It’s their calling card.

Basics of a professional actor resume

Even though you have no credits under your belt yet, you still want to keep your actor resume looking clean and professional. Here are some basics to go by when structuring an acting CV:

• An acting resume is ALWAYS only one sheet of paper. No exceptions.
• It must have enough white space to be read easily (hey, you’re perfect for it!)
• It should be sized to fit a 8×10 headshot so that you can staple it to the back.
• Use standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Do not cram the resume with too many things. Keep it simple and relevant.
• Do not use any colors. It’s just black and white, plus headings for sections.
• Never lie on your resume. You’ll be surprised how quickly that gets out .

“ DON’T lie on your résumé. Actors do this all the time and they always get caught. 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. If you don’t, I’m going to ask why. And that’s where the lie will start to fall apart. ” – Secret Agent Man , Backstage.com

These are the primary “rules” for a professional looking acting resume. Follow them and you’ll be alright.

If you download the sample acting resume above , you’ll notice that it’s slightly different from the resume in the picture, but the difference is irrelevant. In fact, most casting directors prefer the simplicity because it’s easier to read and remember.

What matters the most in an acting resume is the basic information that’s easy to see: personal details at the top, followed by credits and then training. You can choose either format, just keep it clean and easy to read.

And now for the acting resume format technicalities. I suggest you opening that resume sample from above so that you understand better what’s what.

Bottom Line : Your acting resume should look clean, professional, adapted for quick reading, and with the most recent and most relevant credits.

Acting resume format

Your personal information . As you can see in the acting resume template I’ve linked to above, and the provided Los Angeles actor resume example, we’re supposed to start with some personal details. 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.

• Actor’s name . This is where your stage name (not your legal name) goes. Simple.
• Union title.  If you’re not affiliated with any actor’s union, then skip this part.
• Phone number . Always use the number by which you can be reached any time.
• Physical stats . Self-explanatory. NEVER put your age or date of birth on the resume.

After the basic personal information, we’re moving onto the credits and what acting experience you have.

Your acting experience.  Normally, this is where you would list all your credits, from television to film to theater to new media. If you’re pursuing acting in Los Angeles, most of your work will be focused on Film/TV, thus one resume is usually enough. However, people in New York City, for example, will often have at least two actor resumes: one focused on screen work, one on stage work. If you don’t have much acting experience, then one acting CV will be enough.

• Film credits . In this section, start with the name of the show , followed by the type of role (NOT your character’s name; see below) you did, then production company and finally director’s name .

• Television credits . Similarly to film credits, start with the name of the show , then the type of role (different to film type roles; see below), followed by television network and the director’s name . The same applies to Web Series/Webisodes productions.

• Theater credits . Again, begin with the name of the production/play , followed by your role/character’s name (this time it’s the other way around), then the theater company’s name and the location of where the production took place.

A few quick tips:

• Always, always list film and television credits under separate sections. You’ll see some bad actor resume examples where they’re filled under “Film/TV.” DO NOT do this, because it will make your acting resume look very unprofessional. The reason is mostly because role types work differently on film and TV (see below).
• Once you get more experience under your belt, try to remove some of the older and/or less important stuff from the resume. Keeping it clean will make you look more professional. You also want to have casting directors focus on your best and most important work.
• You can list your credits any way you want. Some people list them chronologically, but I usually suggest listing your best work at the top so that it catches peoples’ attention.
• Never put extra/background work on your resume. The reason being is that extra work is not considered acting. Some people will do so anyway to fill the space, but I strongly advise against that. If you’re ever asked about that part, and you have to say that you were actually a background on the set, that will make you look very unprofessional.
• When listing theater credits, you don’t usually name the director. However, if the director’s name is really well-known, I would list that either alongside the theater company’s name, or instead of the location if you’re short for space (similar to Film/TV credit format).

Your training and education . In this section, list all the relevant acting training that you’ve had so far. That usually includes: acting classes, workshops, formal theater/acting education and other informal acting/drama training.

Begin by listing the name of your acting teacher (for private/group classes) or the institution where you’ve studied acting. Right next to it you’ll list what type of acting classes those were, which you’ll know after you’ve taken 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. In the third column of this section, it’s the location.

Now in terms of what goes where vertically. Normally, you’ll have your formal and probably oldest acting education at the bottom, which is the college or drama school that you went to. Even if you think it’s the best type of training you have received, that’s usually not how casting directors and agents think.

Keep the classes that you’re currently taking at the very top of this section, and add “(ongoing)” right next to them. After that, list any other acting class or workshop that you’ve taken chronologically with the oldest class at the bottom of the list.

Your special skills . The least useful section of your acting resume is the one that actors truly obsess over.

You don’t have to, because agents rarely even look here, unless there’s something very specific that they want from an actor.

With that in mind, don’t over-complicate this part and list the things that you’re most proficient in.

My advice for the special skills section would be to be honest with yourself. If you’ve only strummed a guitar a few times in your life, don’t put Guitar on there. If you’ve played basketball in high school which was 10 years ago, don’t put Basketball in there. Also, don’t write down things like Running and Whistling, unless you’re a professional. The same goes for listing languages. Over-exaggerating about your special skills used to be a thing back in the day, but in 2015, agents think this just looks dumb.

Also, they will often test you , so you better be prepared:

“ I want all of you to look up the meaning of the word “fluent.” Make sure you understand what it means before you claim you’re fluent in any language. I’m fluent in three, and I always test actors when I see one of those languages listed on their résumé. Care to guess how many couldn’t respond to a simple question in the language they’re supposed to be fluent in? ” – Secret Agent Man , Backstage.com

As you can see, agents do care and they do their due diligence.

Bottom Line : Always stick to the standard actor resume format, and don’t reinvent the wheel. Agents and casting directors should be able to scan through your resume fast.

Film and TV role types

Let me give you quick breakdown of film and television role types. This is something every aspiring actor in Los Angeles has to know. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll soon be using these terms.

TV role types

• Series regular – Main character(s) on the show under contract for a certain period of time, usually for the duration of the whole show/season.
• Recurring – Second most important TV acting role type. These are usually signed to appear on the show on multiple episodes.
• Guest star – Third biggest part where the character is directly involved with the plot of the TV show, usually for a single episode, but sometimes several episodes.
• Co-star – A small speaking part that will only be involved in one episode for a small period of screen time.
• Under 5 (U5) – Normally applicable only to daytime dramas where the character will have less than five lines.

Film role types

• Lead – Protagonist. Main character of the story on whom the whole film is centered.
• Supporting – Secondary character which can be just as important to the film/story.
• Principal – A small part with spoken lines where the character will usually interact with one of the above characters for a short period, but doesn’t add much to the story.
• Featured – A non-speaking part where the character gets enough facetime. This is not the same as an Extra, but sometimes Extras are promoted to Featured roles.

And that wraps up the whole technical part of an actor’s resume. Please feel free to come back to this article when you’ll need help with structuring your actor resume format.

If you have no acting experience…

So here’s where you can start.

A) The first thing you may want to do is think about whether you definitely have no experience. Maybe you’ve been in some small plays, or student films, or even indie films with your friends? List them all! Anything where you have actually done acting can go on your resume, even if it’s a small part in a silly project.

B) The next step is obvious: you need to search for opportunities to act. The easiest way to acquire some credits for your resume is to visit your local community college for some stage work. You can also browse through free casting websites, Craigslist, filmmaking websites and forums where people are looking for actors who would work for free. If you’re willing to do some work for no reward, that means you’ll find opportunities faster.

C) The third thing you can do is produce something yourself. I’ve already talked about the importance for actors to create their own projects , and the earlier you start, the better. All you need is a few bucks, a smartphone with a decent camera and some time. 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. That’s your first credit.

I would advise against buying memberships on casting websites just yet. If this is your first time venturing into the world of performing arts, give it some time, and see if you even like the craft of acting before spending money.

You will be surprised how quickly your resume will start growing if you dedicate some time to this, and if you’re willing to work for free. There are a lot of opportunities out there, especially if you move to a big city such as Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Vancouver in Canada or London in England. Once you start receiving some acting work, remove your older, “silly” credits and replace them with the most recent stuff.

Finally, try to have fun. People often forget about this – myself included – but it’s an integral part of succeeding as an actor. After all, don’t we all want to become actors so that we can have fun instead of work?

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Acting CV 101: Beginner Acting Resume Example for Inexperienced

In this article, we’ll take a look at sample acting resume templates and I’ll walk you through the process of how to make an acting resume with no experience if you’re a total beginner.

Learning how to make an acting resume is not difficult, but it’s important to do it right. Your acting CV will work for you the same way like any other type of CVs you have done in the past when applying for “regular jobs.”

Unprofessional looking acting CV will show you in bad light to casting directors and agents who may potentially want to work with you.

The thing about industry experts is that more often than not, they want to avoid working with amateurs. But even if you’re a beginner, as long as you’re able to demonstrate a good understanding of proper acting resume standards, you score a point.

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Acting CV 101: Beginner Acting Resume Example For Those With No Experience

Let’s begin with first talking about what an acting CV or acting resume is. These two terms are interchangeable. In the UK, you’ll hear the word “acting CV” used more often, while in the US, everybody refers to it as “acting resume.”

1. What is a n acting resume?

If you have ever tried to apply for a job, any kind of job,  then you probably know what curriculum vitae is (CV). Acting CV/résumé is the exact same thing, only tailored to applying specifically for jobs in film, television, stage and commercials as an actor.

Your acting CV is the first thing you’re going to contribute to your acting startup kit. It’s easy to put together and it costs nothing. Whether you have something to put on it or you don’t is a whole different story, but remember: everybody starts somewhere.

An actor resume is the second most important thing acting agents, casting directors and other industry professionals will look at. The first thing they will care about is your actor headshots .

If you pass the first stage of “does the actor look the part” based on your headshot, which is something you can do nothing about (aside from getting truly good headshots), you then must do your best to strengthen your chances with a professional acting resume.

While each actor’s CV looks a little different and none of them are identically structured, there is a specific acting resume template that everybody follows. You can see a beginner acting resume example below.

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2. What to put on you acting CV?

Here’s what industry people are looking to find on your acting resume:

• How experienced you are;
• What kind of acting training you’ve had;
• Your measurements and description;
• Your contact information;
• Any specific/unique skills you have.

When you’re just starting out in the business, your acting CV will look a little on the “white” side. Try and do your best to fill it with anything that’s relevant. Think of all the skills you have, any small productions you’ve been involved with.

At this point you can even put school plays and small acting workshops.

You might see your acting resume as not having enough “meat,” and honestly, it probably it doesn’t. 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.

That one thing could be anything, from your height to your ability to balance a pencil on your nose. Other times, all they want to see is that you’ve had any experience at all, be it a school play or a student film.

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3. Sample acting resume example/template

The way your acting CV is actually structured depends on your own preferences. 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.

US market acting resume example

Here’s the order of things you can use on your resume:

• Your professional (stage) name
• Union affiliations and agency (if any)
• Contact details, personal information and measurements
• Credits, work experience
• Any specific skills

Always keep numbers 1-3 at the top in this order, and you can switch 4-6 around (but the way it’s listed above is usually the best).

UK market acting CV template

On the right side, you can use the US industry standard acting resume example. This type of acting resume template is the one that I recommend because it’s less complicated and easy for agents and CDs to scan.

Below is the UK’s market acting CV example structure, where they use a small headshot in the corner. 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).

Ultimately, they both get the job done in the UK industry. In the US, only the US type of acting resume is acceptable; the UK version will appear odd to agents and CDs.

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4. How to make an acting resume with no experience

In terms of creating your very first acting CV when you have no experience, there really is no shortcut. You’ll just have to get experience – any kind.

Before you even start working on your actor resume, see if you can join any community theatres, drama clubs , apply to local student film productions, get into any type of acting workshops and acting classes – anything will do.

More importantly, see if you can produce a short film or a play yourself. Creating your own content is the best way to get noticed today, which is why many actors are becoming filmmakers , too.

To start with your acting resume with no experience, simply put anything you can remember: school plays, films you and your friends put together, etc. The same applies to your training.

What if you have nothing at all? If that’s the case, then you may want to hold off from putting together an acting resume. How do you even know if acting is what you want to do if you’ve never done it?

If that’s you, then start looking for acting opportunities that are accessible to amateur actors who may not even consider this as their career choice. The ones listed above are your best bet.

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5. Things to keep in mind

As an actor, you never leave your home without a batch of acting resumes in your backpack or purse. You never know who you might run into. Once you get the opportunity to hand them over, you will also need your headshot, which is why you keep those two stapled together.

Once you’re a more experienced actor, drop those credits with less value to keep everything packed on just one page.

Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid putting your date of birth and/or age on your acting CV.

There is absolutely no need for anybody to know how old you actually are before they cast you. In casting people’s eyes, you are as old as you look. More on the reason behind this in a separate article.

As long as you’re legal 18, if casting directors ever ask you about your age, your first response should be: “how old do I look?” Whatever they say is how old you are. They have no business knowing your actual age if you’re an adult.

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Acting Resume Example

One might believe that creating an actor resume is more difficult compared to the resume of a lawyer or a sales assistant. Indeed, these professions usually have specific timeframes for each employment, making their resumes more chronological. Actors, however, can be employed by different studios at the same time. It makes it difficult to craft a winning resume.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, pegs the average actor’s salary at $23.48 per hour.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. Professional resume writers enjoy challenges, and writing an acting resume is one of them. Not only it includes interesting career details but also requires specific key skills to get more interviews. Also, such resumes usually have professional jargon and terminology, uncommon for any other resume.

Therefore, we offer a perfect acting resume example for you to check what sections and details should be included in your actor resume. You must approach the process of resume writing creatively to make your document stand out from the crowd. At the same time, never forget about the acting resume’s main mission – to land a job.

It should answer all the questions recruiters can ask while emphasizing your strengths. If you doubt you can write it, don’t ever hesitate to call for professional help or check the provided sample acting resumes.

How to Write An Acting Resume

If your goal is to impress everyone with your actors resume, you have to know how to write a resume. Not just a resume, but a breathtaking and bot-beating resume. It may seem to be an easy task at first; however, it soon becomes obvious that actor resume writing requires certain skills.

Here are a few steps on how to make an actor resume without much effort:

• Work on your actor bio. You should always remember that a resume contains condensed information. A recruiter understands whether they want to proceed with the person behind the resume within the first 8 seconds of reading. Thus, cut all the unnecessary details and focus on highlighting your strengths.
• Remember about the ATS system. You can’t just take any template and insert your information in it. Actors’ resumes should comply with an applicant tracking system like any other resume.
• Show a person behind projects and numbers. Humans hire humans, especially when it comes to acting. So, it is important to demonstrate your people skills and amiable nature in your acting resume. Try not to sound boring and tedious. Add some creativity and storytelling for your resume to appeal to a hiring manager.
• Check grammar, style, and vocabulary. You must write your actor resume in a way that makes it easy to understand for people who know little about acting. Also, you should check your formatting before submitting the final version. Recruiters want to read files that are neat and inviting to the eye.

Write an Acting Resume Summary or Summary Objective

Whether you are looking at a sample acting resume for beginners or professionals, you’ll definitely find one thing in common – they share a resume summary or summary objective. It is usually placed in the heading of the resume to be the first thing a recruiter sees.

This summary plays a very important role in making your acting resume stand out. Do not waste your chance to impress and appeal to readers from the very first line. Mention your key skills, previous accomplishments, or – for acting resume sample no experience – employment goals and future endeavors.

A great resume summary and a summary objective would sound as follows :

• A professional actor with a series of successful projects looking for a new role to discover the potential, transfer all knowledge and skills, and positively contribute to the movie’s success.
• Looking for a project with a well-established production studio to discover the talent depth and learn new acting techniques.

Put Your Education on Resume for an Acting

We always focus your attention on the relevance of the information that is being put in an actor resume. Unlike any other resume, an acting resume should indeed reflect actor bio but never make it too wordy.

Therefore, it is important to mention your education, and every acting bio example proves that. You need to give it much credit if this education is related to acting. For example, if you graduated from an acting school or attended special courses.

However, if your education is barely related to acting, you can still add it to a resume as the acting biography example shows. However, be critical whether this information is helpful in a job search. If it’s not, mention it only in passing.

Education is only attractive to recruiters if it’s relevant or if you try to get a specific part to play. For example, your degree in Physics will be a great asset if you want to play a Physics teacher in a new TV series.

Put Skills on an Acting Resume

Actors resumes should contain a list of skills for them to be compatible with ATS . The system filters candidates who don’t qualify for the role automatically. Thus, for your resume to get through, you need to include as many acting skills as possible.

However, don’t be dishonest. The idea is to describe your unique skill set, not to create a false image. Great actor bios are usually those where skills are used as keywords and are logically incorporated into a text.

For example, you can mention such skills as communication; good screen, stage, and vocal presence; excellent memory; creative insight; the ability to switch characters quickly; and many others in your resume. You can find lots of options online, so you only need to select the ones you need.

Yet, try to insert them throughout the entire resume instead of putting them as a list. Use the skills to prove your competence in a certain project while describing your duties and achievements.

Add Contact Info to Your Resume

An acting resume sample should contain contact details for recruiters to reach out to you easily. You can decide not to add your home address but do mention the city you live in now. If you are open to relocation, add this to your resume as well.

As for your cell number or email address, such details should be added to any resume. You can’t find any sample acting resumes without contact information. You can place your agent’s contact info instead of yours, but a recruiter should have the means to contact you.

Be particularly attentive not to make a mistake in symbols and figures.

Add Other Sections to Your Effective Resume

Every successful sample of acting resume should contain sections other than work experience and education. Hobbies and interests, for example, can really help you get employed as an actor because recruiters are also interested in your passions. Some of them can be really beneficial for the role you intend to get.

As an actor, you need to be able to bring a character in life. You can learn that only by interacting with different people. That is why different volunteering jobs and community engagements should also be mentioned in your actor resume.

Also, you can add references to your sample acting resume. These should be the people who know you and your potential, witnessed your talents, and can vouch for you as a professional. Make sure their contact information, positions, and role in your career are accurate because they will definitely be contacted.

Use Key Action Verbs

Resume keywords and action verbs are not something optional that you can choose to use. These are the requirements that make your acting resume successful in the applicant tracking process. You must insert keywords wherever you see fit as well as replace all passive verbs with their active synonyms.

For example, the verb ‘assisted’ sounds weaker compared to ‘streamlined,’ ‘launched,’ or ‘initiated.’ You can use stronger active verbs but add the names or positions of those who you collaborated with.

Also, ‘was responsible’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘achieved’ or ‘succeeded.’ Modify your sentences to show yourself as an achiever rather than a doer.

Beginner Acting Resume Sample

If you are a beginner, you might be interested in learning the peculiarities of acting resume samples no experience . First of all, you need to acknowledge the fact that a lack of experience does not make you a bad actor. Yes, you can’t be paid equally to well-known acting experts. Nevertheless, the fact that you are a beginner does not make you less worthy of great roles.

To get a job, you need to create an acting resume for beginners. Do not try to showcase skills and competencies that you don’t have. Instead, focus on your strengths and make your resume updated according to all recent requirements.

An ordinary acting resume sample for beginners contains all their acting projects and endeavors even if they are small. At the same time, such resumes list acting goals and skills as if explaining what this newbie can do and how they plan to develop their talent.

Quite often, recruiting firms seek new actors with no experience. Many short films and ads need fresh faces. Therefore, your sample acting resume beginner will definitely find its audience. Having no experience is not a problem in the acting career. Having no talent is an issue, though.

Professional Acting Resume Sample

When it comes to a professional acting resume, the names of successful projects become critical. You need to mention the roles that make you stand out from the crowd. Be sure recruiters and managers will check them to come to the conclusion concerning your professionalism.

Also, a professional acting resume sample usually contains detailed information on each notable project as well as all film and TV awards. Apart from that, there must be an actor bio where you tell a story of your becoming an actor, which is intertwined with your special skills. Yet, you need to be concise in these thoughts.

Should you have lots of projects, do not list them all in detail. Select the most notable ones if you want to talk more about your role. The rest should come in a list with the corresponding dates. Recruiters are interested in the freshest and most relevant information. Do not overload them.

Whether to add references or not is up to you; however, at a certain point in your career, references in your resume can undersell you as an actor. Be cautious.

It is always a good idea to include a cover letter where you can add more information about yourself. It’s less formal than an acting resume itself, so you have better chances to show what kind of person you are.

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