Why use this acting resume example?
If you’re looking for a job as an actor, we can help! With this actor resume example and writing guide, we’ll demonstrate how to highlight your skills and background to land the perfect job. While many actors have jobs outside the entertainment industry, they often find performance opportunities in a variety of different fields, depending on their skills and interests. Writing a great resume that highlights your background, education, and experience will go a long way to getting you where you want to be. Using this actor’s resume guide will give you the information you need to stand out from the crowd and get the role you want!
How to write a great actor resume
As an actor, you’ll want to highlight key performances to grab the attention of casting agents, producers, and directors. An acting resume differs from a typical resume, which gives detailed examples of your experience and accomplishments. Casting agents are looking to see what roles you’ve played in the past and the productions you’ve performed in. However, much like a traditional resume, you need to create an impressive professional summary that highlights your best performances and most prominent skills.
Align your resume with the role you’re looking to audition for, taking into consideration your past theatrical or film experience to tailor your resume for the job that’s being cast. If you don’t have experience in the type of role that’s being cast — for example, you want to audition for a commercial but you only have theatrical experience–then you should list your roles in the order of their relevance to the role. If you're planning to audition in different performance arenas, you might want to create separate resumes. For example, one resume might highlight your theater experience, but another might be better suited to film and television.
Your resume should also prominently feature your training, education, special skills, and awards. Your contact information should be included at the top of the resume; provide your name, phone number, email address, and location. Under your name, you should list your union status, such as Actors’ Equity Association or SAG-AFTRA. Although you’ll be including a headshot, your resume should list your physical features such as hair/eye color, height, and any unique features.
Your resume should be about one-page long — casting professionals are busy and don’t have time for extensive lists. It’s important not to embellish on your resume. Don’t list experience you don’t have as it might cost you a role you’re appropriate for. And don't forget to proofread; there should be no spelling or grammatical errors. Remember, your resume is your “calling card,” and it should present you professionally, concisely, and accurately.
Which key skills are relevant for an acting resume?
When listing skills for an actor resume, make sure they are relevant to the job you want to audition for. And be specific. If you sing, what’s your voice range? If you have stage combat training, in what style? The more specific you are, the more helpful you’ll be to casting directors. You should adjust the order of your skills if a job calls for a certain ability. And if no specific skills are listed, consider what the casting agents might find unique about you. This is your opportunity to shine!
Hard and soft skills you will want to highlight on your acting resume are:
Creativity
Musical instruments played
Dancing/singing
Accents
Stage combat
Improvisation skills
Memorization ability
Physical stamina
Teamwork
Actor resume example
Summary example
Accomplished actor and performance artist with a broad portfolio of creative work spanning film, television, and stage.
Employment history example
Lead / Supporting actor at New York Film Academy, New York, NY.
2022-Present
Film/Television Experience
Lead, “Love Triangle”, Short Film, Director: Blanche Baker
Supporting, “Dear John”, Television, Director: Trevor Hansen
Lead, “The End of Time”, Short Film Director: Melissa Meriwether
Theater Experience
Lead, “Guys and Dolls”, Cherry Lane Theater Company, Director: Kevin Wilson
Lead, “Death of a Salesman”, The Public Theater, Director: Jose Rodriguez
Production assistant at ABC Productions, Los Angeles, CA.
2018-2022
Provided high-level support to ensure seamless, cost-effective operations on set. Worked closely with directors and producers, performing multiple tasks throughout the taping and production of several television series. Printed and distributed scripts, coordinated with vendors, and relayed messages. Assisted costume designers, camera operators, and crew members. Participated in set preparation and decoration, including lights, props, and equipment.
Contributed to the award-winning daytime show, “Morning News”.
Recommended by superiors for special, on-location assignments to cover major new stories across the country.
Education example
Master of Fine Arts, acting for Film, New York Film Academy. Los Angeles, CA & New York, NY 2021.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, New York Film Academy. Los Angeles, CA & New York, NY.
Skills example
Multilingual: English, Spanish, French
Screenwriting
Editing
Musical theater
Piano and Guitar player
