Whether you’re auditioning for a local theater production, a TV commercial, or a lead film role, your resume is your calling card. A well-written actor’s resume isn’t just a list of your credits — it’s a spotlight on your talent, training, and range. In an industry where casting directors glance at dozens of resumes daily, yours needs to capture attention fast.
This guide walks you through exactly how to write a compelling, industry-standard acting resume — even if you’re just starting out. From organizing your performance credits to listing special skills, we’ll show you what works in the real world of auditions and callbacks.
ACTOR’S RESUME EXAMPLE (STAGE AND SCREEN)
Name: Jordan Avery
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jordan.avery@email.com
Website: www.jordanaveryacting.com
Union Status: SAG-AFTRA Eligible
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Green
FILM
Echoes of Silence – Supporting – Willow Street Films – Dir. Dana Harper
Lost in Transit – Lead – Skyline Studios – Dir. Ramon Ellis
The Turning Tide – Featured – Redline Films – Dir. Marcus Hale
TELEVISION
Law & Order: SVU – Guest Star – NBC – Dir. Jeanette Ellis
Beacon Hills – Recurring – CW – Dir. T.J. Moore
The Heights – Co-Star – ABC – Dir. Julian Knox
THEATRE
Romeo & Juliet – Romeo – Westwood Playhouse – Dir. Elizabeth Greene
Death of a Salesman – Biff – Hudson Stage – Dir. Carter Miles
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Puck – Windmill Theatre – Dir. Janice Lam
TRAINING
Meisner Technique – Michelle Greenberg Studio – Los Angeles, CA
Scene Study – Troupe NYC – New York, NY
BFA in Theatre Arts – Emerson College
SPECIAL SKILLS
Accents: British (RP), Southern, Irish
Fluent in Spanish and French
Stage Combat Certified
Guitar (intermediate), Dance: Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet
Teleprompter & Ear-Prompter Proficient
TIPS FOR WRITING A WINNING ACTOR’S RESUME
Lead with the essentials. At the top of your resume, clearly state your name, contact details, and physical stats (especially for screen work). Add your union affiliation if applicable.
Group your credits by medium. Organize by film, television, theater, or voiceover. Lead with your strongest or most recent work.
Omit unnecessary experience. Casting directors don’t want a long list of unrelated jobs. Focus on credits relevant to acting and performance.
Always include training. Whether it’s formal education or workshops, training tells casting directors you’re serious and committed to your craft.
Special skills can be your edge. List accents, languages, instruments, stunts, or sports — anything that may help land you a niche role.
ACTOR’S RESUME FAQ
1. Should I include headshots with my acting resume?
Yes. Attach your resume to the back of an 8×10 headshot with staples on all four corners. This is standard for in-person auditions.
2. What if I have no professional acting experience yet?
List training, student films, local theater, or workshops. Show your commitment and potential — everyone starts somewhere.
3. Can I use a creative resume design?
Keep it clean and professional. Simplicity is best. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and black text on white paper.
4. How long should an actor’s resume be?
One page. Only include relevant, recent, or high-impact credits. You want a clean, scannable format that respects a casting director’s time.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned actor updating your resume, the key is clarity, relevance, and professionalism. Let your resume speak for your talent before you even step into the audition room.