Crafting a resume for acting is different from putting together a standard job application. In this business, you’re not just listing past roles , you’re telling a story about who you are as a performer, how much experience you bring to the table, and what type of work you’re best suited for. If you’re wondering how to write a standout acting resume, the answer lies in building a document that is clean, focused, and brimming with relevant credits and information , nothing extra, nothing vague.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your materials after years in the game, this guide walks you through the key elements you need to make your resume pop and stay professional.
The Purpose of an Acting Resume
Unlike a typical resume that focuses on education or technical skills, an acting resume is a curated collection of your performance experience, training, and special talents. It’s the document that agents, casting directors, and producers glance at when they’re flipping through headshots. That means every second of their attention counts.
When I started working on mine, I learned very quickly that less is more. No fancy fonts, no clip art, no fluff , just well-organized content that reflects your versatility and professionalism.
Essential Format and Layout
Your acting resume should fit on a single 8×10 page , preferably attached to the back of your headshot. It needs to be clean and easy to read. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman in 10–12 point size. Margins should be tight enough to maximize space but wide enough to keep things neat.
Center your name at the top in slightly larger font. Beneath it, list your contact information , agent or manager if you have one, or your own phone number and professional email if you don’t. You can also include your website or portfolio link if it’s relevant and up to date.
Every time I send out a resume, I double-check that my contact info is current. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to update it after switching agencies or numbers.
Key Sections to Include
Let’s break down the sections that need to appear on your acting resume and how to fill them in properly.
Credits
This is the heart of your resume. Acting credits are typically broken into categories: Film, Television, Theatre, Commercials, and Voiceover. List each credit by project name, role type, and the production company or director.
For example:
Film
The Open Sky – Lead – Dir. M. Jameson
Side Streets – Supporting – Riverbend Studios
Television
City Beat – Guest Star – CBS
Crime Files – Co-Star – NBC
Role types may vary between mediums. In film, you’ll usually list Lead, Supporting, or Featured. For television, it’s common to use Series Regular, Guest Star, Co-Star, or Recurring.
Don’t exaggerate. Casting professionals know how to read between the lines. If you list “Lead” for a background role, you’ll be found out sooner than you think. When I didn’t have many credits yet, I simply listed student films and community theater productions , truthfully and clearly.
Training
This section includes any acting schools, workshops, or coaches you’ve worked with. The goal here is to show that you’re serious about your craft. Format it like this:
Training
Scene Study – Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop
Voice and Movement – NYU Tisch
On-Camera Acting – The Studio by Stella
If you’ve worked with big-name teachers or studied at respected schools, this will catch attention. Even if your training isn’t from a household name, list it confidently. What matters is that it shows you’re putting in the work.
Special Skills
Here’s where you list anything you can do that might be relevant on set: accents, languages, dance styles, sports, instruments, stage combat, etc. I’ve seen this section get overlooked or underused, but it’s often the one that gets you the job.
Be specific: “Conversational Spanish,” “British RP Accent,” “Firearms Certified,” “Ballet – 10 years.” Avoid vague terms like “singing” or “sports.” Mention what kind of singing (pop, classical, Broadway) and which sports (tennis, archery, skateboarding).
One of my gigs came from listing that I could ride a horse. It was a quick role, but it opened up other auditions and helped build my resume.
Union Status
Include whether you’re a member of SAG-AFTRA, ACTRA, Equity, or another relevant union. If you’re non-union, you can write “Eligible” or “Non-Union” , just don’t lie. This is something casting directors verify.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a great actor can be overlooked if their resume is confusing or messy. Here are a few things that can sink your chances:
- Lying about experience – Honesty really is the best policy. If you’ve padded your resume, chances are someone in the casting room knows the truth.
- Poor formatting – Keep everything aligned and neat. Inconsistent formatting can make you look unprofessional.
- Typos – Proofread. Then proofread again. Then get someone else to proofread.
- Outdated credits – If a credit is over 10 years old and not significant, consider removing it unless it’s a major highlight.
- Crowding the page – If your resume is too dense, it’ll get skipped. Use white space to your advantage.
When I first learned how to write a standout acting resume, trimming was the hardest part. But clarity always wins. Casting directors are skimming dozens , sometimes hundreds , of resumes a day. You want yours to be skim-worthy and memorable.
How to Adapt Your Resume for Different Auditions
Sometimes you’ll want to tailor your resume slightly depending on the audition. If it’s for a musical, highlight theater and vocal training. For a commercial, you might prioritize on-camera experience and improv classes.
Don’t lie, but do reorganize. It’s a strategic move that puts your most relevant credits front and center. I’ve gone to auditions where switching my top section helped get me into the room, even if I didn’t have the most experience on paper.
Adding a Headshot
Your resume should be stapled (neatly!) to the back of your 8×10 headshot. Make sure both your headshot and resume are trimmed to the same size. The photo goes face-up, resume on the back, staples at all four corners.
This pairing is the first impression you make , it needs to feel cohesive and polished. Avoid paperclips or just sliding the resume inside , it can get separated or lost.
Should You Include Non-Acting Experience?
Generally, no. If you’re submitting your resume for acting work, leave off unrelated jobs. Casting directors don’t need to know that you worked at a restaurant or had a summer internship in finance. If you want to highlight relevant production work (like assistant directing or script supervision), that’s better done on a separate industry resume.
When people ask me how to write a standout acting resume, I remind them that it’s not a life story. It’s a focused piece of marketing.
Digital Resumes and Online Presence
More and more casting happens through online platforms. That means you’ll need a digital version of your resume , usually a PDF , and an online profile that reflects the same information. Keep your formatting simple so it translates well on different devices.
Platforms like Casting Networks, Backstage, and Actors Access often require you to fill out profiles with resume details. Take the time to do this cleanly and completely.
Final Touches That Make a Difference
Before you print or send your resume:
- Check for alignment, spacing, and typos
- Use a consistent font and formatting style
- Print on high-quality paper (nothing glossy)
- Review and update it regularly
I also keep a master version of my resume on my computer that includes all my credits. When I need to adjust for a specific audition or role, I can quickly copy over what fits and remove what doesn’t.
Conclusion
Learning how to write a standout acting resume is one of the first real steps in building your career. It’s not just a piece of paper , it’s a reflection of your professionalism, discipline, and dedication to the craft. When done right, it doesn’t just get you in the room , it gives casting directors a clear, confident reason to call you back.
You don’t need to have the longest resume or the most impressive credits to be taken seriously. You just need to present what you do have with clarity and integrity. And most importantly, let your resume be the launchpad for the thing that matters most , your performance.
