How to Create a Theatrical Resume for an Audition

Having a great-looking, professional resume can help you land a part.

Any successful actor knows that having a crisp, professional-looking resume can make a big difference when auditioning for a part in a play, movie, television show or other performance. Sloppy, cluttered resumes that lack essential information or include unnecessary information can make a talented actor appear very inexperienced. The goal of your resume should be to demonstrate your wealth of experience and training to the casting director in a way that's honest and to the point.

Things You'll Need

• 8-by-10 headshot

Instructions

1. Consider the type of role you're auditioning for and think about how you can tailor your resume to that part. For example, if you're auditioning for a role in a film, concentrate on your big screen work as opposed to your stage experience. If you're auditioning for a role in a musical, focus on your musical theater experience, vocal and dance training, musical abilities and other relevant information.

2. List your name, contact information, height and weight, and union affiliations at the top of the page. Use a big, clear, bold font that distinguishes this data from other information listed on the page. Include your home phone number, cell phone number and email address so the director can contact you. Include your vocal range if the part requires singing.

3. Feature the name of your manager or agent clearly, below your personal contact info. List the essential contact data for this individual as well.

4. List your acting credits in the center of the page. With each listing include the name of the production or film, your role, the director, and the theater in which it was performed, if it was a play. For films include the production company, such as Miramax or Paramount.

5. List your training and education credentials below your acting credits. Include higher education degrees, certificates, workshops you attended, summer coursework and other similar information. List any awards or accomplishments you earned while associated with these institutions and organizations.

6. Revise your resume for grammatical and syntactical errors. Read the resume over multiple times and pass it on to a trusted colleague, professor or other responsible, experienced individual to make sure you didn't miss anything.

7. Print your resume in black ink on a sturdy piece of 8-by-10 white paper. Avoid using ornate paper that's better suited for a personal letter.

8. Attach your actor's headshot to the resume. Use staples instead of glue because the heat can sometimes melt the glue, leading to a sticky mess. You can also print the resume on the back of the headshot if you have the right kind of printing equipment.

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on quality rather than quantity. Directors like to see that you've taken on challenging, big roles and usually prefer that you not include minor amateur roles you did while still in high school.

• Don't include an age range for the parts you think you can play because this can pigeonhole you into certain roles. Let the director decide whether you can pull off an 80-year-old woman.

• Don't include sensitive information on your resume, such as Social Security number or home address.

• Don't lie or even stretch the truth on your resume. Being caught lying can tarnish your reputation in the acting world.

References

• League of Washington Theatres: What's a Theatrical Resume Supposed to Look Like?
• Actingbiz: How to Write an Actor's Resume