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Acting Resumes Tips
Your Resume and Headshot
An acting resume should never be longer than one page. Since you'll be handing your resume over with your headshot, the idea is to have the resume attached to the back of the photo. Many photo printing companies offer the service of printing your resume directly to the back of your photo. If this option is in your budget, take it; it is the preferred method of casting directors. If not, try to glue your resume to your photo (neatly!). If you opt for stapling the resume, be sure to staple each corner to the photo. Never use paper clips, as they snag on other photos and resumes in a casting director's pile. Besides, the last thing you want is for your photo and resume to be separated; one without the other is useless!
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Your Resume
School for Film and Television Tip: Writing your first resume for acting? Here's a brief how-to:
Size matters. Your one-page resume will be stapled to the back of your 8x10 headshot, so it also needs to be 8x10. Trim your resume after you print it. Or buy your paper from a shop willing to cut an entire ream to size.
All About You. At the top of the page, list your name, height, weight, and hair and eye color. Don't include your age. If your headshot is an accurate representation of you, that's all a casting director needs to know. Do not include your measurements or social security number.
You Can Reach me at…: If you have an agent, list his name and full contact information. If not, list your own phone number and email only. Don't include your address. Indicate any unions you belong to.
Your Credits. Under separate headings, list your stage, film, TV, and commercial experience. Stick to your most important or impressive roles. If you're just starting out, you can include community theater plays or student films. Don't worry about chronological order. List your most important roles first.
Faking it. It's tempting to pad a resume, but don't. If an agent or casting director catches you in a lie, word will get around and blow your reputation. Be truthful about your experience. However, if you had a great role in a production at XYZ Community Theater, it's okay to drop the word "community" from the theater's name.
Your training. If you've graduated from a prestigious acting program, list it. But until you have more credits, list any classes or workshops you've done. You'll eventually cut down or eliminate this section.
I sing and dance, too. Finally, list any special skills you are reasonably good at—playing a sport or a musical instrument, juggling, or anything unique or quirky. If you sing and dance, include it here, not earlier. Keep your resume focused on your acting.
See a sample. Click on the link below to see a sample of an acting resume: http://www.bestsampleresume.com/sample-acting-resume/sample-acting-resume-1.html
Together with your headshot, your resume is your most important marketing tool. Make yours shine!
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Acting Resume Format
Want to land an acting job? Follow these basic resume rules: Your resume should never be more than one page long. The resume should be stapled to and trimmed to fit the headshot, or even better, printed directly to the back of your photo. Don't staple clippings or reviews to your resume, they will just get in the way. You should have an email address created just for your acting resume. Never make the font on your resume smaller than 10pt. It is difficult to read in any situation, whether it's in a well-lit office or a darkened theater.
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The Acting Resume and Your Physical Image
Your acting resume should begin with your physical statistics and contact information. The auditor may already have your headshot, but listing your physical attributes is necessary in case the picture and resume are separated. Be sure to include height, weight, hair color, and eye color. When listing contact information, give the address and number where you can be reached most quickly. If you have an agent, it is the agent's contact information you should list, not your own.
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Training on Your Acting Resume
It is necessary to include your training in your resume. This way, auditors can be sure of the degree of skills that you possess. Be sure to list any training you have with Acting Technique, Scene Study, Voice (not singing), Movement, Improvisation, On-camera Scene Study, and On-camera Commercials. Also, make sure to include the names of the institutions you have attended and the names of the teachers involved in your training.
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Acting Resumes and Your Experience
The experience section of your resume should highlight the primary roles that you have played. When considering what to include and what to leave out, here are a few tips: List your lead or featured theater, film and television roles in separate sections. Don't list your roles as an extra. Refrain from listing any non-speaking roles, even if they are primary roles. Only include work that you feel best represents you as an actor.
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A Small, Powerful Acting Resume
Don't be afraid if your acting resumes seems sparse. A small but powerful resume can be very convincing. Each item in your resume should stand alone and leave no questions as to what your role was, what the production was, and where. Your work should be credible, which will help to develop an image of you as an actor. You won't have a lot of experience to list at first, but your resume will evolve with your career, changing as you develop more experience.
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Ross Reports and Your Acting Resume
Mailings are a great way to get your resume seen by agencies and casting directors. All you need to start mailing is a copy of Ross Reports. Get relevant addresses from there and put your package together. Your package should include a headshot, resume, and (brief!) cover letter. You should have separate resumes for film work and commercial work. Use the cover letter to show your creativity and personality in three short paragraphs: who you are, what want to accomplish, and why you are mailing the agent and/or casting director.
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Being Truthful on Your Acting Resume
Only include truthful information in your resume for acting. The industry is big, but it isn't that big. Chances are that the person interviewing you knows someone who knows someone who knows all of your previous work. A little lie told early on can become a huge problem later. No one expects a young actor to have a stellar resume. In the end, it is your audition/interview that will land you that job. Remember, a small, credible resume is much more effective than a large one padded with lies.
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Acting Resume Content
A well-formed acting resume is important to your acting career. Be discerning when writing your resume. Include only items that highlight and enhance your experience and strengths as an actor. Your resume should allow your auditor to see what kind of roles you have played in the past, and help them to envision the kinds of roles you will play in the future. Your details should be accurate and well-placed. Provide just enough information; a crowded page will only hurt your chances.
