As an actor, your resume is your calling card. It’s the first thing casting directors see, and it can make or break your chances of getting an audition. So, it’s crucial to make sure your resume is not only accurate and up-to-date but also formatted in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to read. When casting for my shows, I find it jarring when I get a resume better formated for a secretarial, waiter or other survival job. Even actors coming out of too many college programs for theater seem ill prepared to the BIZ of SHOW.
The Header: Your Contact Information
The top of your resume should include your name, contact information, and representation. Make sure your name is in a larger font size than the rest of the text, so it stands out. Below your name, include your phone number, email address, and website (if you have one). If you have an agent or manager, include their contact information as well.
Example:
JANE DOE
(555) 555-5555 jane.doe@email.com [Your Website]
Talent Agency: [Agent Name] (555) 555-5555 agent.name@email.com
Listing Your Experience: Showcasing Your Talent
The body of your resume should list your acting experience. Start with your most recent credits and work your way backward. For each credit, include the production title, your role, the theater or network, the production company, and the director.
If you’re just starting out, it’s okay to include college or even high school productions. But as you gain more professional experience, replace those credits with your more recent work. Only list background work if you were featured in some way.
Example:
| Production Title | Role | Theater/Network/Production Company | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | Ensemble | Broadway | Thomas Kail |
| The Handmaid’s Tale | Supporting | Hulu | Reed Morano |
| Macbeth | Lady Macbeth | The Public Theater | Daniel Sullivan |
As your resume grows separate theater and film credit sections
Education and Training: Highlighting Your Skills
If you’re a younger actor, your education and training section may be more substantial. But as you gain more experience, this section can become smaller. List any notable acting teachers or schools you’ve attended. You never know when a casting director might recognize someone you’ve studied with.
Example:
- BFA in Acting, New York University
- Studied with Uta Hagen, Stella Adler Studio of Acting
- Improv training, Upright Citizens Brigade
Special Skills: Setting Yourself Apart
Finally, list any special skills that you can do on stage or on set. This could include dialects, accents, stage combat, dance, singing, or musical instruments. But be honest about your abilities. Don’t list a skill if you’re not proficient in it. I once was told to sneak something funny into skills section. For a short time I had Rosie O’Donnell impersonation and pole dancer. I don’t think it helped but others swear by it
Example:
- Dialects: British (RP, Cockney), Irish, Southern
- Stage combat: Unarmed, rapier and dagger
- Dance: Ballet, jazz, modern
Formatting Tips:
- Keep your resume to one page.
- Use a clear, easy-to-read font.
- Use consistent formatting throughout.
- Proofread carefully for any errors.
By following these tips, you can create an actor’s resume that will get you noticed by casting directors and help you land your next big role. Break a leg!
