How to Write an Actor's CV
An actor's CV, or resume, is very different than those prepared by most professional business people. While on a "normal" resume you would avoid listing personal information such as weight and hair color, on an actor's CV, it is not only appropriate, but expected. Since acting is one of the only professions where it is acceptable, and legal, to hire on a person's appearance, it is also important that your resume always has your professional 8 x 10 headshot attached.
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Things You'll Need
- Word Processing Program Professional Headshot Resume Paper Paper Cutter Pencil
Instructions
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How to Write an Actor's CV
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Begin your resume by prominently typing your name in a large, bold font at the top center of your page. If you are a member of an actor's union, such as SAG or AFTRA, list these affiliations immediately under your name. Underneath your name, in a column on the left side of the page, list your contact information such as phone number and e-mail. If you are exclusively represented by an agency or manager, use their contact information instead of your own. In an adjacent column on the right side of the page, list your personal information including height, weight, hair and eye color. If you are an actor who also sings, also list what part you sing.
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Instead of listing a "work history" like on a normal resume, actors list the parts they have played. Experienced actors with credits in both theatre and film or television will want to break their roles into separate categories. Under the heading "Theatre," list each credit on one line each. You should include the name of the play, the role you played, and the theatre. For smaller, lesser known theatres, it is acceptable to also include their city and state location.
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After listing your theatre credits, create a section for "TV & Film." Like on the theatrical section, list each credit on a separate line, including the name of the TV show or film, the role you played, and the production company who produced each piece.
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The next sections should be titled "Training." List any formal acting education, degrees, classes and workshops you have participated in. In this section, it also important to list any other relevant training you might have, including dance and voice training.
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The final category of your acting CV is "Special Skills." This category includes any dialects or special training that might help secure a role for you. Common special skills for actors include stage combat, horseback riding, improvisation, and modeling. It is important to only list skills that you can do today, and at a moment's notice.
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Tips & Warnings
Attach your resume to the back of your 8 x 10 headshot. Trim the edges of your CV so that it perfectly fits the picture, then attach with rubber cement. If you are auditioning for a theatre role, list your theatrical experience before your television and film credits. If you looking for work in television and film, list those credits first. Do not type your most recent credit on your resume. Hand-write that credit onto your list. It shows that you are "busy" working and draws attention.
Since actor's resumes may pass through thousands of hands, and your picture is attached, for safety reasons, many actors do not include their physical address on their CV. While actors do list personal information on their resume, it is best for casting directors and agents to see your picture and determine what age ranges you may play. Having an actual age on your resume can actually deter you from being cast in a role you for which you might actually "look the part."
References
Resources
Comments
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Thank you for your helping! I am from Spain and I didn't know how to do it> I'll try.xxx
