While making a living as an actor depends on a combination of talent, charisma, and networking, your resume can intrigue agents and casting directors, opening doors to auditions that let you show off what you can do.
Your acting resume needs to detail your on-stage and filmed experience in a clear format that highlights the shows you were in, the roles you played, and the directors you worked with. The unusual format of an acting resume is like a secret code that lets anyone who sees it know you’re a professional, even if you’re at the entry level.
Review the actors entry-level resume template below to see just how to present not only your performances, but also the training and workshops you’ve participated in.
Zoey Nelson
123 Fake Street | City, State, Zip Code
000-000-0000
email@email.com
Professional Summary
Dedicated entertainment professional accomplished in all aspects of theater and performance. Trained as a Meisner actor with a wide experience field. Diligent and timely with memorization skills and willingness to accept coaching and direction.
Skills
|
|
Work History
Company Name, 03/2013 to 07/2013
Company Name — City, State
Actor, 08/2012 to 01/2013
Company Name — City, State
Worked beside Ed Bourgeois, Karmo Sanders, and Jerry Sanders on the national premiere ofGold Rush Girlsin the role of Moonshine.
Actor, Company Name — City, State
City, State in Living With The Savage,by Dawson Moore. The production was later showcased in Valdez for the Last Frontier Theater Conference.
Actor, Company Name — City, State
Spamalot: Voice of God, Dancing Monk, Knight.
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Acting, Current
Company Name— City, State
- Method acting training
- Voice training
- Movement training
- Member of the UAA Glee Club
Other Talents
Can whistle, can read music, vast experience dealing with sound technology, experienced with firearms, basic American Sign Language, and cheerleader Impression.
Entry Level Actor’s Resume Questions
-
What’s the best resume template to use for an entry level actor’s resume?
As you can see from our entry level actor’s resume sample, you need a unique template for your actor resume. After a header that contains your personal information, use a three-column format to list your acting experience. This is the industry standard and casting directors will expect to see this when you go to auditions.
In the first column write the name of the show in which you performed. In the second column put your role. The name of the theater or the production company belongs in the last column. If you worked with a particularly well-known director or producer, add their name to the last column as well. -
What should go in the experience section of your entry level actor’s resume?
Divide your experiences by type, such as theater, film, television, commercial work, voiceovers, and solo vocal gigs. Typically theater goes first, as seen on the entry level actor’s resume sample. However, if you are auditioning for a film role, it’s a good idea to put that category in first position. If you have credits that are obscure, such as student films or plays, label them as such.
Include your best work, which means starring roles, even if they were in small or regional theaters, and bit parts or ensemble if they were in prominent and important productions. You should also list school performances and unpaid work. As you are just starting your acting journey, it is permissible to list credits that you will later drop from your resume. -
What sections should you include in your entry level actor’s resume?
There are four sections to an actor’s resume. These are your personal information, experience, training, and special skills. For your personal information include your telephone number and email address, but never your mailing address for security reasons. If you are a singer, you must put your vocal range in this section as well. See our entry level actor’s resume sample for a good example of each section.
-
How do you list education on an entry level actor’s resume?
As in the entry level actor’s resume sample, in this section write down your most important classes, workshops, summer training, and intensives. If you attended national programs with famous teachers, list those first. Put the name of the workshop in the first column followed by the class title or subject matter in the second column. In the third column write the name of the instructor.
Next you put your college degrees in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the school, the name of the degree, and any honors you received. Only put the date of graduation if it was within the last five years. -
What skills are best to list on an entry level actor’s resume?
Casting directors need special skills, so don’t be shy. Showcase anything you are confident you could do onstage or in front of a camera. Any sport you can play, instrument you can toot or strum, and languages you speak belong here. Even quirky talents such as ear wiggling and celebrity imitations are great to list. Take a look at our entry level actor’s resume sample for more ideas, or try our resume builder for experienced help.