The Actor's Resume: What to Include
In contrast to a business resume, an actor's resume should include your physical characteristics, which are an integral component of the casting process. Take pride in who you are today. You do not look like you did ten years ago. Or how you hope to look in the future. If you list your weight at 120 pounds but arrive on set at 150 pounds, wardrobe and everyone else will not be pleased with you. It is possible that the casting director will have to recast you. Do not misrepresent your height as well. There is a possibility that you will receive the same reaction with the same outcome.
Divide Your Resume into Sections
In the top section begin with your name, contact and agent information and union affiliations, if applicable.
Below, you can list special skills such as accents, singing voice type, and athletic abilities.
Below special skills, you can list your physical traits including height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
PLEASE NOTE: This order may vary depending on which casting network you use to upload your resume material
How to List Your Experience
You may choose to list your experience in any preferred order: film, television, or theatre productions. However, it is important that all entries adhere to a clear three-column format:
One column should represent the title of the project.
The center column should detail whether you played a leading role (Principal), a Supporting role (Supporting), or a Featured Extra (Featured). As an alternative option, you may also list the specific name of the character you portrayed. Please refrain from listing only extra roles unless that is the entirety of your experience; in that case, you should highlight those major films or television programs in which you have appeared.
The third column should indicate the location of the project (i.e., name of theatre), production company, or the director of the project.
If you are just starting out in the business, focus your resume on listing your education and special skills. Include your contact information as well as your physical traits.
When considering what to include in the final section of your resume, make sure you incorporate relevant training and any personal commentary that could provide valuable context.
Your training should include both university and high school training as well as special conservatory or workshop training. Be specific with what you have studied. If it is Shakespeare/Actor's Voice training, list it.
Your commentary may include that you recently moved to a new city and are eager to get to work as an actor. Or, it may promote your newest project. It might speak to your work ethic and how much you enjoy being on set to work with the creative team to meet their vision.
Final thoughts on building the perfect resume
Your resume is your essential calling card. It provides valuable insight to the casting director, producer, and director, offering them a glimpse into your background and experience beyond just your headshot. This is an opportunity for you to promote your work effectively and highlight your unique talents, enabling you to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.
