The Performer’s Resume Playbook Series:The Acting Resume
Want to create an acting resume that helps you stand out without irking casting directors?
You’ve come to the right place!
While you may want to add some pizzazz to your resume, format is something that should NOT be messed with if you want to be seen as a professional. The acting resume has a very specific format that you need to follow. This format is the same for both on-camera and stage actors [if you’re writing a resume for a child or teen performer, read through this post, then check out our next post in this series!].
Now, let’s get started!
The Content:
First, let’s start with what doesn’t belong on your acting resume…
Background work - it’s not acting. We’re not supposed to see or focus on you. And even if you were featured, if you did not have any lines - it shouldn’t be on your acting resume.
Scene work - Getting assigned to play Romeo in a scene for class is not the same as getting cast to perform the full play in front of an audience. (However, school plays definitely count! More on that later.)
Casting director workshops - these are short feedback driven workshops and let’s be honest here, we’re doing this to network.
Audition class/workshop - While these classes and workshops can make a huge difference in helping you get comfortable auditioning, the focus is not on building actual acting skills. No need to stick those on your resume!
So then, what does belong in your resume? If you auditioned, booked, and had lines, it belongs in the resume (even if your scene is cut). If you took a class that continued your training and helped develop your craft, that also belongs on your resume.
The Layout:
Your resume should be printed out on a 8”x10” paper, just like your headshot. If not, just be sure to cut it so it can be stapled neatly to it.
At the top of the page be sure to include the following:
Your name (large)
Your union status (if non-union don’t include it),
Your contact information (just an email is fine)
Website (optional),
Height (optional)
If you have representation, be sure to have their information in the header
If you’re sending it out as a PDF, you can include links (check out my IG reel about that).
Here’s an example of how you can format your resume heading!
You can also include a thumbnail size headshot and it can be different than the one you send in with your submission. It’s totally optional, but it’s an easy way to keep your face in the casting team’s mind while looking over your information.
Optional information:
Before the world went digital and photos became color, resumes also needed information such as eye color, hair color, and weight. Now, none of this is needed. There are some articles that will say this is still the norm, but if you ask currently working casting directors, many will say that they don't need it. If height and weight are needed, they will specifically ask you for that information. Personally, I leave all this out, but no one is going to penalize you either way.
The Order of Credits:
The standard recommended order of credits is as follows:
Film
TV
New Media
Commercial*
Theatre
Training
Special Skills
It is totally safe to stick with this order. However, in my personal opinion, I suggest listing your strongest section first. And if you’re sending the resume off to theatres, it makes sense to have theatre credits at the top.
What if you don’t have credits in all those areas [or have no credits at all]? Don’t include them. If you’re just starting out, just including your training and any special skills is enough. For theatre credits [especially for kids!], school plays totally count.
*Commercial credits don’t technically go on your resume… but this is where you would mention they exist. Keep reading to learn more!
The Format:
This part is not optional! If you have too many credits in any one section that takes up too much space, next to the heading, add the word “Select” (like “Select Film Credits”) and just choose the top credits you want to include.
Be sure to list your credits in three columns:
Film Credits
Column 1: Name of Project
Column 2: Lead or Supporting (if you had one line, you’re still a supporting role)
Column 3: Name of Studio,Production,or Director (whichever one is most recognizable)
Here’s an example of how to list Film Credits!
TV/New Media Credits
Column 1: Name of Project
Column 2: Name of Role or List as co-star, guest star, recurring, or series regular
Column 3: Name of Studio or Production
Here’s how to list your TV credits!
And here is an example of how to list New Media credits!
Commercials:
If you have commercial credits, just have a line that says something like “List available by request”. Check out this post on commercial credits for more details.
Theatre:
Column 1: Name of Play
Column 2: Character
Column 3: Venue (if you worked with a well known director, you could optionally add their name)
Training:
This is where format gets tricky because there’s no hard set rule. Three columns can help organize your information here as well. List the class name or type (Scene Study, Improv, Intro to Animation VO), the name of the teacher or school, and the location.
If you have a degree of some sort, you can include that as Degree, School, Location (doesn’t have to be in theatre). If you went to a conservatory you can list it as Program name, School, Location. [for example: 3 year conservatory, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, LA]
Special Skills:
This can be a list of everything you do really, really well. List languages you speak, dialects you have mastered, hobbies, sports, and other activities you excel at. It does not have to be long [and you also don’t need to go out and train for something specific].
The Pizzazz:
Now that you’re sure you’ve formatted your resume to the correct specifications, you can consider sprucing things up a bit. Some simple ways include selecting brand colors and fonts that represent who you are. Remember, though, that legibility is key. Don’t get carried away trying to stand out, because your audition should take care of that for you 😉
Remember, you can still add color and stay on-brand, but maintaining the correct format is paramount. Whether you're just starting a career or a seasoned performer, following these guidelines ensures that your resume effectively showcases your talents and professionalism.
And if you find yourself wishing for a fairy stagehand godmother to appear and take care of all this for you, you’re in luck! Here at Actor One-Sheets, we can create a custom resume for you. Check out my resume services here!
If you’d like just a little more guidance but want to take it on yourself, we also have some Canva templates that you can use. Check out our template offerings here!
Now, break a leg, and let your talent shine!
Sara’s Resume as an example
Check out my resume for inspiration!