Landing a role in the competitive world of acting takes more than just talent—it takes the right presentation. And that's where your acting resume format plays a huge part. Whether you're a fresh-faced theater student or an experienced performer with stage and screen credits, your resume is often the first impression casting directors will have of you.
Unlike a traditional job resume, an acting resume has its own structure, tone, and set of expectations. It needs to showcase your experience, training, and physical characteristics in a clean, concise format. Let's explore exactly how to create one that gets you noticed.
REALISTIC SAMPLE: ACTING RESUME FORMAT EXAMPLE
Below is a fully written acting resume sample that reflects what a casting director expects. All information is fictional but demonstrates the correct formatting and structure.
JANE DOE
(555) 123-4567 | janedoe@email.com
Height: 5’7” | Weight: 130 lbs | Hair: Brown | Eyes: Blue
Location: New York, NY | Union Status: SAG-AFTRA Eligible
THEATER
Romeo and Juliet – Juliet – Classic Stage Company – Dir. Anna Smith
Death of a Salesman – Linda Loman – Broadway Revival – Dir. James Walker
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Helena – NY Shakespeare in the Park – Dir. Lisa Moore
FILM
The Last Echo – Supporting – Rising Sun Films – Dir. Anthony Reyes
Stillwater – Lead – Independent Short – Dir. Natalie Greene
TELEVISION
Law & Order: SVU – Co-Star – NBC – Dir. Randall Keith
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Featured – Amazon Studios – Dir. Amy Sher
COMMERCIALS
Conflicts available upon request
TRAINING
BFA in Acting – Tisch School of the Arts, NYU
On-Camera Technique – The Barrow Group – NYC
Voice and Speech – Susan Ramirez Studios
SPECIAL SKILLS
Dialects (British RP, Southern, New York), Basic Stage Combat, Singing (Mezzo-Soprano), Valid Passport, Driver’s License
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING AN ACTING RESUME
Always Include Your Stats: Height, weight, hair color, and eye color are essential in acting resumes, especially for film and modeling roles.
Stick to Industry Terms: Use categories like Theater, Film, Television, Commercials, etc. Avoid mixing formats or using vague section names.
Don’t List Every Role: Prioritize recent, professional, or notable roles. Quality over quantity.
Training Matters: Casting directors want to see where you studied and with whom. List workshops and coaches if they’re recognized in the industry.
Avoid Personal Info: Never add your full address or irrelevant details. Keep it focused on your craft.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
1. What’s the ideal length of an acting resume?
Keep it to one page. Casting directors want quick reads. Only add your most relevant and recent credits.
2. Should I include headshots with my acting resume?
Yes, especially in theater or on-camera work. Your resume should be stapled behind your 8x10 headshot when printed.
3. What if I don’t have professional acting credits yet?
List training, student films, workshops, and community theater. Everyone starts somewhere—focus on your strengths.
4. Is it okay to include roles from high school or college productions?
Only if you’re just starting out. As you gain professional experience, phase out early roles to keep your resume focused and current.
With a polished acting resume format and clear presentation of your talent, you'll be ready to walk into auditions with confidence. Keep updating your resume as you grow, and remember—each role brings you closer to the spotlight.
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