Spencer Lanoue
Writing an acting resume can sometimes feel like you're standing in front of a camera with no script. But don't worry. Putting together a resume that showcases your skills and experience doesn't have to be daunting. In this post, we'll break down the essential parts of an acting resume and give you some actionable tips to help you create one that stands out to casting directors.
Breakdown of an Acting Resume
Before we dive into the specifics, let's quickly outline what an acting resume generally includes. Think of it as your personal billboard, capturing your unique talents and experience in a concise manner. Here are the typical components you'll find in a standard acting resume:
- Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email, and address.
- Headshot: A professional photo, usually stapled to the back of your resume.
- Union Affiliations: SAG-AFTRA, Equity, etc., if applicable.
- Film/TV/Theater Credits: Your role, the production name, the director, and production company.
- Training: Acting classes, workshops, and any relevant education.
- Special Skills: Anything unique about you, like languages spoken, instruments played, or sports.
Now, let's dive into each section with a little more detail and some handy tips on how to make them shine.
Contact Information: Keep It Simple and Professional
Your contact information is the first thing casting directors will see, so make sure it's clear and easy to read. Here’s what you need to include:
- Name: Use the name you go by professionally. It should be bold and at the top of the page.
- Phone Number: Make sure it's a number you can be reached at most of the time. Consider using a separate phone line or app for professional calls.
- Email Address: Use a professional email address. If your current email sounds like your high school self, it might be time for an update.
- Physical Address: Listing your city and state is enough. No need for full addresses due to privacy concerns.
Example:
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567
jane.doe@email.com
Los Angeles, CA
Notice how straightforward it is? No need for extra fluff here.
Headshot: Your Visual Introduction
Your headshot is your visual calling card. It's often stapled to the back of your resume, but it should match the style and professionalism of your resume. Here are some tips for choosing the right headshot:
- Professional Photographer: Always use a professional photographer who specializes in headshots. They understand lighting and framing to make you look your best.
- Look Like Yourself: Your headshot should be a true representation of how you look when you walk into an audition room.
- Emotional Range: Choose a photo that captures your emotional range. Whether it's a warm smile or a serious gaze, it should convey your personality.
Remember. This is the first impression casting directors will have, so make it count!
Union Affiliations: Show Your Professional Standing
If you're part of any unions like SAG-AFTRA or Equity, you'll want to mention this on your resume. Listing your union affiliations shows that you're a professional who has met certain standards in the industry.
- Why It Matters: Being part of a union often means you're experienced and have access to more significant roles.
- How to List Them: Simply place your union affiliation right under your name and contact details.
Example:
Jane Doe
SAG-AFTRA
(555) 123-4567
jane.doe@email.com
Los Angeles, CA
Credits: Highlight Your Experience
Your credits are the heart of your resume. They tell casting directors what you've done and where you've been. Here's how to organize them:
- Categories: Divide your credits into Film, Television, and Theater if you have experience in all three. This makes it easy for casting directors to find what they're looking for.
- Format: List your role, the production name, the director, and the production company. Here's a format you can follow: Role - Production Name (Director) - Production Company.
- Be Selective: Include the most impressive and relevant credits. Quality over quantity is the way to go here.
Example:
**Film:**
Lead - *Starlight* (John Doe) - DreamWorks
**Television:**
Guest Star - *Sunny Days* (Jane Smith) - NBC
**Theater:**
Juliet - *Romeo & Juliet* (Peter Pan) - Broadway Theater
As you can see, this format is clear and provides all the necessary information without clutter.
Training: Show Where You've Honed Your Craft
Training shows casting directors that you're committed to your craft. Include acting schools, workshops, and any relevant education. Here’s how to list them:
- Acting Schools: List the most prestigious schools or workshops you've attended.
- Teachers: If you've studied with a well-known teacher, mention their name. It can add credibility to your training.
- Relevant Courses: Include any specific courses that are unique or specialized, like dialect coaching or stage combat.
Example:
**Training:**
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting - New York University
Meisner Technique - William Esper Studio
Stage Combat Workshop - The Actor's Gym
This section shows your dedication to continually improving your skills and staying sharp in your craft.
Special Skills: Your Unique Talents
This section is your chance to shine with any unique talents or skills you have that might be relevant to an acting role. Here’s how to showcase them:
- Languages: Mention any languages you're fluent in. It could be the deciding factor for a particular role.
- Instruments: If you play an instrument, list it. You never know when that skill might be needed.
- Sports and Activities: Include sports you excel in or any other activities like dance or martial arts.
Example:
**Special Skills:**
Fluent in Spanish
Piano and Guitar
Stage Combat, Archery, and Ballet
This section can really set you apart from other actors and show casting directors what unique attributes you bring to the table.
Formatting Tips: Keep It Professional and Readable
Formatting is important in making your resume easy to read. Here are some tips to ensure your resume looks polished:
- Font Choice: Use a simple, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman.
- Font Size: Keep your font size between 10-12 points to ensure readability.
- Margins: Use standard margins to keep everything aligned and clean.
- Consistency: Ensure that all headings, bullet points, and spacing are consistent throughout.
Example: Your resume should look neat and organized, like a well-staged room. Everything in its place and easy to navigate.
Digital vs. Printed Resumes: Know What to Use
In today's world, you'll likely need both digital and printed versions of your resume. Here’s how to prepare each:
- Digital Resume: Save your resume in PDF format to maintain formatting. This is what you'll send in emails or upload to casting websites.
- Printed Resume: Print on high-quality paper and attach your headshot to the back. This is what you bring to auditions.
And remember, Spell can help you create a polished version of your resume quickly. With built-in AI, you can draft, refine, and perfect your document all in one place. Check it out at Spell.
Updating Your Resume: Keep It Current
It's essential to update your resume regularly to reflect your most recent work and training. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Review Monthly: Set a reminder to review your resume every month and make any necessary updates.
- New Credits: Add any new roles or training immediately after you've completed them.
- Remove Old Credits: As your career progresses, remove older or less significant roles to keep the resume concise.
By keeping your resume current, you'll always be ready to send it out at a moment's notice, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Creating an acting resume doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on key areas like contact information, headshots, credits, and special skills, you can craft a resume that truly represents you. And with Spell, you can streamline the process, turning hours of work into minutes. Whether you're just starting or updating your resume, these tips should help you stand out in auditions and casting calls.
