How to make a Theatre or Film Acting Resume

All experience is relative. Don't be afraid to list youth, school and local community theater experience.

All actors must maintain a resume and a current photograph, whether they are looking for roles in film, television or theater. An actor's resume and photograph is a calling card. Casting agents and directors quickly scan resumes and photos to determine if an actor should be contacted for audition or interview. Developing your own acting resume is easy if you follow a professional format.

Instructions

1. Get a professional black and white head-shot. Obtain multiple 8-inch by 10-inch copies to attach to resumes. A photo can also be embedded into the resume. However, you should still include a separate 8-inch by 10-inch photograph. Photos should be attached and placed on top of the resume, not behind. Use a soft paper clip to attach. Do not staple.

2. Write your resume. Begin by listing your contact information and your agency's information at the top of the document, along with union memberships.

3. Type name in large letters using a bold, large font. Your vitals should be listed after your name--either flush right or left.

   For example:

   Height: 5' 10"

   Weight: 145 lbs

   Eyes: Dark Brown

   Voice: Bari tenor

   Hair: Brown/Black

4. List your film, television and theater experience. Begin with professional credits and end with college and community theater experience. Each credit should include the name of the production, the role or name of the character you played, the studio or theater, and the director's name. Commercials are commonly listed last with a simple "available upon request" citation. Include any related theater experience such as directing, design production and stage management, and play writing.

5. Describe training and education last. Make a list of all acting and theater-related classes. Describe professional studies first and follow with college and junior classes. Note the names of any well-known teacher, actor or director with whom you have studied.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use online resumes and promotional actor websites, you must still have printed copies of your resume and photographs.

• Use a professional photographer for your head shot.

• Beware of scams that promise access to casting directors and agents or special services.

References

• Screen Actors Guild Online; Casting Scams; 2011
• UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television; Theater BA Supplemental Information; 2011
• Actorpoint.com; Creating Your Acting Resumé When You Don't Have Much to Put; Mark Stolzenberg; 2010
• Screen Actors Guild Online; The Casting Revolution Has Begun; 2011
• Routledge Taylor and Francis Group; Resume Templates; 2011