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Table of contents

Acting resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your acting resume
How to write an acting resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your acting resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

As an actor, your ability to portray a range of emotions and characters is crucial to captivating an audience and bringing stories to life on stage or screen.

To land the roles that will elevate your career, you need an acting resume that brings your talents to life. We’re here to help you portray your acting career in the best light!

Keep reading to discover:

Acting resume examples for actors at different levels in their careers.
Key features that make an acting resume compelling.
Tips and strategies for writing an acting resume that captures your career highlights.
Important details to include in each section of your acting resume.
Choosing the best resume template and format that suits an actor’s profile.

Looking to get your acting resume ready for casting calls right away? Try our AI Resume Builder, which offers step-by-step help for every part of your resume, enabling you to apply for your next role today.

Acting resume examples

Entry-level acting resume example

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What makes this a great acting resume sample?

Emphasizes skills
This resume sample highlights the candidate’s skills, letting his qualifications stand out without drawing attention to his lack of on-the-job experience.
Clean template
The neat and stylish template of this resume presents a professional profile while remaining easy to read.
Soft skills
- The candidate showcases soft interpersonal skills such as adaptability and responsibility, presenting himself as a well-rounded and reliable candidate.

Experienced acting resume example

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What makes this a great acting resume sample?

Creative template
As an actor, this cover letter succeeds at showcasing the candidate’s creativity and taste through a unique and expressive template.
Quantified achievements
Numerical data makes this candidate’s achievements feel concrete and impactful. Including positive review scores shows how well she connects with audiences and critics.
Active language
Using action-oriented verbs like “headlined,” “collaborated” and “conducted” portrays this candidate as active and motivated.

Choose the right resume format for your acting resume

To land the acting roles you dream of, presenting your skills and experiences in a way that catches the eye of casting directors is crucial. What’s the best way to make sure your acting resume stands out? The secret is picking the perfect resume format for your level of experience in the acting world.

If you’re a seasoned actor with a wealth of roles and performances under your belt, consider using a chronological resume format. This layout focuses on your extensive acting history and highlights your growth and achievements in the field.
Newcomers to acting, or those with little to no professional experience, might opt for a functional resume format. This style emphasizes your skills and potential instead of a long list of acting gigs.
Actors who have some substantial roles or experiences, typically around three to five years’ worth, or those considering a pivot in their acting career, might find a combination resume format the most useful. It balances the focus on your acting skills with your experience, giving a comprehensive view of what you bring to the table.

Also, keep in mind that formatting your resume to look professional includes using readable fonts, setting 1-inch margins and left-aligning your text.

Choose an acting resume template

Create your resume

While all resumes share common sections like a professional summary or objective, skills list, acting history and education, the resume template you choose can significantly influence how your information is presented.

In creative fields like acting, opting for a creative resume template can showcase your personality. However, it’s important to balance creativity with clarity to ensure your resume reflects your professionalism and is easy to read. A modern template can help you strike the right balance.

If you’re unsure where to start, a simple template is a reliable choice that lets you focus on the essentials. This approach is always safe and allows your acting talents and experiences to shine without unnecessary distractions.

How to write an acting resume in 5 simple steps

Creating a standout resume is a crucial step in landing your next acting role. To differentiate yourself from other actors, it’s important to tailor your resume to both the entertainment industry and the specific parts you’re auditioning for.

Step 1

Understand the acting job description

Aligning your resume with the role you’re applying for makes your application more engaging and helps it get past any initial screenings, including applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by some casting agencies.

Using industry-specific keywords in your resume is crucial for getting through ATS filters. These systems sift through many applications to find candidates whose skills and experiences match the role’s requirements.

Keywords might include acting techniques, genres you’re proficient in, specific roles or characters you’ve portrayed, and any relevant skills or experiences unique to the acting profession. Integrating these keywords throughout your resume can boost your visibility to the ATS, increasing your chances of moving forward in the casting process.

Remember, ATS software compares your resume’s content — skills, experiences and qualifications — with the job listing. Missing the right keywords might mean your resume goes unnoticed, even if you’re a great fit for the role. Tailoring your resume with relevant keywords not only helps you pass the ATS test but also demonstrates that you’re a suitable candidate for the part.

Step 2

Draft a professional summary or resume objective

Kick off your resume with a strong resume profile, either in the form of a professional summary or a resume objective, depending on your level of experience.

For newer actors, a resume objective can highlight transferable skills and career goals. More seasoned actors should opt for a professional summary, which encapsulates achievements, significant roles and key milestones.

Acting professional summary example:

Versatile actor with over 10 years of experience in a wide range of roles in theater, film and television. Known for emotional depth, strong character interpretations and the ability to captivate audiences. Proven track record of success in both leading and supporting roles, demonstrating a broad range of acting styles and techniques.

Acting resume objective example:

Aspiring actor with a passion for the performing arts and a background in community theater. Brings a commitment to character authenticity and a dynamic presence on stage and screen. Eager to leverage skills in a professional setting and contribute to memorable performances.

Step 3

Highlight your relevant acting skills

It’s crucial for casting directors to quickly see the skills you have to offer While including hard acting skills is a must, overlooking the soft skills you bring to the table can cost you.

That’s why, a standout resume showcases an equal combination of both hard and soft skills that demonstrate your value as a well-rounded candidate.

Acting skills examples:

Hard Skills

Method acting
Stage combat
Dance
Accents and dialects
Singing

Soft Skills

Adaptability
Emotional intelligence
Teamwork
Dedication
Time management

Example of a strong acting skills section:

Proficient in classical and contemporary acting techniques.
Experienced in stage combat and physical theater.
Skilled in adopting various accents and dialects for character authenticity.
Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.

Pro tip

While your technical skill as an actor is vital, don’t overlook the importance of more subtle transferable skills, such as the ability to adapt to different roles and work well under pressure. Casting directors value actors who can seamlessly integrate into diverse casts and contribute positively to the production.

Step 4

Write a strong acting work experience section

Your experience section is where you get to shine as an actor and show off the unique value you bring to each role. List your acting roles in reverse-chronological order, providing a brief summary of your key achievements and responsibilities in each one.

Here’s an example of a work experience section for an actor:

Lead Actor, “Hamlet,” Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington, D.C.

January 2022 – March 2022

Portrayed Hamlet, leading a cast of 15 in one of Shakespeare’s most challenging plays, receiving critical acclaim for emotional depth and authenticity.
Worked closely with the director to develop a unique interpretation of the character, which contributed to a 10% increase in ticket sales over previous productions.
Engaged in rigorous physical and vocal training to accurately embody the role, enhancing the play’s impact and audience engagement.
Collaborated with the production team to ensure a cohesive vision, resulting in a nomination for a regional theater award.
Led community outreach initiatives, including post-show discussions and school workshops, to promote arts education and appreciation.

Pro tip

Use action verbs and include specific outcomes or achievements to demonstrate your impact. Quantifying your success, such as mentioning increased ticket sales or positive reviews, provides tangible evidence of your contributions and showcases your ability to engage and attract audiences.

Step 5

Highlight your education and training

For actors like you, demonstrating continuous improvement and dedication to your craft through education and training is essential. Make sure to list your acting training, workshops and any degrees in the education section of your resume.

Example acting resume education section:

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
New York University
New York, NY

Workshops and Training

Advanced Scene Study, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute
Combat for Stage and Screen, Broadway Fight Club

Pro tip

Training and workshops are crucial in the acting world as they showcase your commitment to honing your skills. Include them prominently on your resume to stand out.

Optional sections for your acting resume

Awards and honors

Awards spotlight your skills and achievements. They show that your performances have been recognized and appreciated, bolstering your credibility as an actor. Mention any awards you’ve received and briefly describe the roles and the unique talents that contributed to your success, offering concrete examples of your impact.

How to list awards on your acting resume:

Best Lead Actor in a Drama, Local Theater Awards 2021, for “Hamlet.”
Audience Choice Award, Short Film Festival 2020, for “The Quiet Street.”

Projects

Listing specific projects, such as films, TV shows or theater productions, showcases your hands-on experience and versatility as an actor. This section provides concrete evidence of your ability to bring characters to life and contribute to the success of a production.

How to list projects on your acting resume:

“The Great Escape:” Portrayed the lead role in this critically acclaimed escape room drama, demonstrating versatility in action and emotional scenes.
Indie Film Project, “Under the Stars:” Starred in this coming-of-age indie film that premiered at several international film festivals.

Languages

Being fluent in multiple languages can be a significant asset, especially for roles requiring specific language skills or accents. Highlighting your linguistic abilities can set you apart in a global industry.

How to list languages on your acting resume:

Fluent in English and French
Conversational in Italian

Interests and hobbies

Unique hobbies can make your resume memorable. Align your hobbies with your acting career to show a passion for storytelling or character study.

How to list interests and hobbies on your acting resume:

Volunteer storyteller at children’s hospitals.
Participant in improv comedy workshops.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Including a cover letter with your acting resume is a great way to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect fit for a role. Learn to write a cover letter to share your passion for acting, highlight your most memorable roles and detail how you can contribute to the project.

A well-written cover letter can complement your resume by providing a more detailed narrative of your acting journey and achievements. Consider using specific examples from your career to illustrate your skills and impact.

To get inspired, check out some successful cover letter examples and pay attention to the way that experienced candidates format their cover letters. If you need a cover letter right away, you can also try our Cover Letter Generator for stylish templates, expert tips and customizable text for a letter that’s ready in just minutes.

Key takeaways for your acting resume

Write with purpose
Ensure every part of your resume is tailored to the acting job you’re eyeing. Each section should echo the requirements and preferences highlighted in the casting call.
Choose your resume format wisely
What do you want to spotlight? Is it your range of roles, your specialized acting skills or a blend of your experience and talents? Organize your resume sections in a format that best displays your strengths.
Blend hard and soft skills
In acting, your technical skills (like stage combat or dialect mastery) and your soft skills (like adaptability or teamwork) are both vital. Showcase a mix of both to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate.
Make your experience stand out
Use action words and, where possible, quantify your successes (think audience numbers or the scale of productions you’ve been a part of) to highlight your impact and achievements.
Pick the right template
If you’re unsure about the design, lean toward simplicity. A clean, professional template ensures your resume is easy to read and focuses on your qualifications.
Go the extra mile
A well-written cover letter tailored to the acting role can make a significant difference. It’s your chance to narrate your passion for acting and how you can shine in the specific role you’re applying for. Don’t skip it; it could be the key to landing an audition.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.