How to Write an Acting CV
The curriculum vitae (CV), like the work resume, helps to supply information in a typical list format to potential employers or supervisors. Unlike the resume, the CV qualifies work experience with learning experience, such as coursework and scholarly pursuits like academic papers and research projects. A curriculum vitae for an actor, however, not only focuses on the academic life, but also allows for the potential employer to see what roles you performed, as well as your appearance. For many actors, writing a CV may be quite confusing as a specialty in theater or film requires a set of different criteria when composing a CV.
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Instructions
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Begin your CV with a cover letter that states your pursuits in acting, and addresses the employer by name; not title. You will want to change this cover letter with each new application you send along with the CV. In the letter, discuss your desire to gain the particular position, as well your expertise and experience in the area. Write with confidence and clarity.
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Start your CV by listing your contact information at the very top of the page. You will want to use clean font that can work universally if you will be sending the CV through email.
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List your physical characteristics. Though most other professions would not need to do this, actors must, as this gives your next employer an idea of what roles you would fit in future productions. Include your height, type of physique, hair and eye color in a short list.
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Provide the skills you have acquired during your training. This includes any accents you perform well (American, French, English), singing and dancing, as well as other skills like miming or ventriloquism. This will help you stand out to a potential director.
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Present your training. This includes any conservatories or universities from which you have received degrees or certificates. You should include the year you graduated, what you studied, as well as your GPA. Include any relevant coursework or research projects that allow you to stand out from other candidates.
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Include your acting credits, starting with the strongest roles first. Format these in columns that show what role you played, when you played it, what type of medium it was (theater, film, television), the company that produced the play, and the director.
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Send out a headshot with your CV to give the potential employer a firm grasp on the type of roles you can play. Make sure that you send only a professional headshot, as suggested by GreatCVs.co.uk.
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References
- Photo Credit Poet quoting Shakespeare. Isolated on white. image by diter from Fotolia.com
