"O Romeo, Romeo...where do I put what on my resume, Romeo" 

You're stepping into the world of acting, ready to showcase your talent and make your mark. As a new actor, you understand the importance of standing out in a sea of hopefuls vying for that coveted role. Below you'll find poor actor resume examples, and good ones to help you stand out in the right way!

 

Creating your resume in the CORRECT FORMAT is your first key to unlocking doors in the competitive industry and looking like you belong.

In the entertainment industry a traditional “work resume” format is not the standard for the purpose of an acting resume. At least in the US...in other countries different formats may be used...but not here in the good ol’ U. S. of A.  Say what?  That’s right…you don’t want to show up looking like you’re applying for a job at Panera. But ooh boy is their broccoli cheddar soup divine! 🤤

In American we use the term resume, in Britain and other countries the term used is CV (curriculum vitae).  Whatever you call it, basically it consists of a short written summary of a person's career experience and education.  Let's dive into the art of crafting a standout actor resume that shines a spotlight on your talent and potential.

The Essence of Your Actor Resume

Crafting your actor's resume is crucial as it serves as your first point of contact with potential opportunities in the industry. Your resume plays a vital role in showcasing your experience, training, and unique skills, making a lasting impression on casting directors and other industry professionals. 

Crafting a Standout Header

When creating your actor's resume, the header is the first thing that catches the eye of the reader. It should include your name, contact information, and union affiliations.

DO INCLUDE:

• Name: Use a clear, large, bold, font to display your full name at the top of the resume.
• Direct Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address
• Agent/Manager Contact Information (if applicable): their name, phone (email optional)
• Union Affiliations: If you are a member of any acting unions, such as SAG-AFTRA, AEA, be sure to include this information. If you are eligible it should be listed as: SAG-AFTRA (e).
• Physical Statistics: hair color, eye color, height, and weight is the standard.
• Minors: include DOB (date of birth).

ACTOR RESUME NO NO’S:

• Do not format your acting resume like a traditional work resume (see below for examples)
• Do not include your physical address - too many wackos out there!
• Do not list any dates on your resume - they don’t need to know “when” you did it
• Do not use fancy artistic fonts - this isn’t the place to show your creative flair
• Do not use any cute emojis or symbols - this isn’t a 5th grade art project
• Do not add colorful borders or designs…this is a professional document, treat it as such
• Do not go over 1 page (hardcopy resumes get attached to back of headshot, 1 page only)
• Definitely DO NOT lie on your resume (seriously…don’t do it)  

POOR ACTOR RESUME EXAMPLE

It's definitely eye-catching, colorful and artsy, but NOT formatted in industry standard so looks unprofessional:

Structuring Your Experience and Training

When it comes to creating your actor resume, effectively structuring the format can make all the difference.  The cleaner and easier it is to read the better.

3 COLUMN STRUCTURE IS THE STANDARD

Acting Experience

Start by categorizing your acting credits into distinct sections such as film, television, theater, industrial, commercial etc... This not only provides a well-organized view of your experience but also allows casting directors to quickly identify the breadth of your work and experience as well as quickly identify your experience in their specific medium.

Many casting directors that mainly work in one medium will instinctively look immediately at the section of what they work in first before looking at everything else.  

This is the general order to follow:

• Film
• Television
• Commercials
• Voiceover
• Industrials
• Theater
• Training
• Special skills  

Only use the sections that you have experience in.  You might add others also where applicable: stand-up, music video, webisodes, etc…

In a three column model you would list the name of the project in the first (far left) column, the middle section is for the credit (*see note below regarding TV/Film and Theater credits), and the final far right column is for the TV network, production company or director name.

*Note:  

For theater credits it is preferred that you list your character name.  They are looking to see if you performed as ANNIE vs. ORPHAN #4.  

ALL other credits (film, TV, webisodes etc…) you DO NOT list character names.  Instead you list your billing credit.

TV CREDITS:

• Series-regular
• Guest-Star  (or could be Recurring Guest-Star)
• Co-Star    (or could be Recurring Co-Star) 

Example:

Stranger Things                               Co-Star                         Netflix

FILM CREDITS:

• Lead
• Supporting

Example:

Harry Potter & Goblet of Fire           Supporting                   Warner Brothers

Training

In the training and skills section of your actor resume, emphasize any formal training you have received, workshops you have participated in.

Staying with the three column model you would list the type of class or name of class in the first (far left) column, the middle section is for the instructor name, and final far right column is for the name of the school.

Example:

Commercial: Scripted & Improv         Kimberly Crandall                  Actorsite

Special Skills

This is the last section of an acting resume where you list any “special skills”.   

ALWAYS LIST MOST INTRIGUING/UNIQUE SKILLS AT TOP

Can you skydive?  Do you speak any foreign languages?  Do you play the piano, if so at what level? If you’ve taken ONE fencing class for an afternoon, sorry not sorry, that doesn’t quite cut it.  

 

You should only list skills that you can do at a moment's notice - and do well.  

I heard a horror story of an actor lying at an audition saying they could surf, they booked the commercial where they then needed to surf in the ocean, they got to set and not only could they not surf, they were terrified of the water!  Don’t waste your or their time by listing things that you aren’t very confident, excel at and comfortable doing.  

DON’T just list every single sport you’ve ever played in your life.  Also, you don’t want to be vague, or as the kids say, “basic”.

Sports list skill level or specifics:  skateboarding (expert) OR skateboard ollies, flip & rail tricks

Singing list your octave range or style: soprano, alto, baritone, opera, yodeling etc…

Musical instrument abilities:  violin (8 years), piano/keyboards (intermediate)

Specificity in “Special Skills” Sells!

Keep in mind it’s your unique special skills that really stand out AS WELL AS how you list your talents.    I’ve seen actors list things like; 

“…gymnastics, hiking, running, baking…” 

It’s not incorrect to list your skills like the above example, but it’s more beneficial to be more specific about your exact skill (but remember, no fibs please).  Check out this example instead;

“…competitive gymnastics-5 years, extreme high altitude hiking, long distance endurance running, culinary pastry chef…” 

Some actors use a paragraph format for special skills, others use a list method - both are acceptable.  Whichever looks the cleanest, and/or fills up the space in the most useful way on your resume is your best bet. 

Here are examples of each method:

EXAMPLE RESUME #1 (format/outline):

MAKE SURE ALL COLUMNS LINE UP.

CLEAN & ORDERLY = EASY TO READ

EXAMPLE RESUME #2 (with credits/info):

Conclusion

Don’t be fooled by general google search results for “acting resume”, there IS an industry format that should be used for an actor's resume.

Follow the tips and examples provided above; this actor's resume guide can help you to be one step closer to making a lasting impression in the competitive world of acting. 

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