As actors, our resumes and our head-shots are essential in our business. If you’ve never had to put together an acting resume before, it can be a bit confusing. Your resume should be helpful and informative, so what kind of information should you include on your resume? What should it look like? What’s a good format?
Here are the basics:
- Your acting resume is always on one sheet of paper and it needs to fit on the back of your 8×10 head-shot. You might have to trim the edges. Staple your acting resume to the back of your head-shot (in the corners). Do not use a paperclip.
- It needs to be easy to read so don’t choose a weird, tiny, font.
- You don’t have to put every role you’ve ever played on your acting resume. Unless you’re in high school or just graduated high school, no one needs to know that you were in Godspell in 10th grade.
- You really should stick to black lettering on your resume.
- Don’t lie on your resume. It’s a small community and eventually, you’ll be found out. Just don’t do it.
- Do not put “extra” work on your resume.
The Four Things You NEED For An Acting Resume
HEADER
1. Name
2. Contact information (this will be your agent’s info, if you have one)
a. Phone number
b. Email
3. Eye Color (optional)
4. Height (optional)
5. Weight (optional)
CREDITS
(List them first in order of importance, then from newest to oldest)
(lead with the “section” that you’re submitting for; if you’re auditioning for a play then lead with theatre)
1. Theatre
2. Film/TV
3. Commercials
TRAINING
1. School
2. Classes
3. Teachers
SPECIAL SKILLS
1. Sports – Indicate level of expertise by noting # of years/ or level of competition
2. Physical training (yoga, stage combat, etc.)
3. Dialects – Only list dialects that you can do well, on the spot
4. Musical Instruments-Indicate level of expertise by noting # of years played
5. Foreign Languages-Indicate level of expertise by adding “fluent” or “conversational
The last line of your special skills section is an opportunity for you to be funny/entertaining/show your personality. If you can juggle soup cans, that’s a good place to put that info. Maybe you were once a ventriloquist or you play the mouth harp. This is the place where you can add a bit of personal flair.
Below are two examples of what the formatting of your resume should like.
If you have any questions about your resume, need some advice or just an extra set of eyes, you can always reach out to us. ASC is always happy to help!