There’s nothing complicated about writing an acting résumé, but just the word “résumé” can stir up negative emotions and make the process seem like a terrible burden. Take a breath and keep reading. All you need to write a great résumé is acting experience, a word processor, and the list below. (You can thank us later.)

Do: Make the most important details stand out.

Your name should appear in large, bold letters at the top of your résumé. Place other essential details like your height, weight, eye color, hair color, and any unions you’re a part of underneath your name.

Don’t go beyond one page.

Your résumé is not a brochure of your career thus far. It’s a glimpse at your career highlights, and that’s all a casting director will give your résumé if it’s longer than everyone else’s.

Do: Include training. If you don’t have any, get started today.

This is especially true if your acting experience doesn’t set you apart from the crowd. There are actors who have impressive acting credits but very basic training, actors with very little work experience but a well-known acting coach or trainer, and actors with no experience and no training. Don’t be the latter if you want a chance at any worthwhile auditions.

Don’t leave out any special skills.

If you are multilingual, can play an instrument, or have any other special skills, make sure to include them.

Do: Have experience before sending anyone your résumé.

If you have been casted in anything, even a high school play, this does not apply to you. If you’re a total noob trying to start with nothing, stop what you’re doing. Search Craigslist for independent films that need actors. Visit your local community theatre and ask to be in the chorus. Volunteer to be in a student film. Just. Do it. 

Don’t lie on your résumé.

This should go without saying, but we’re saying it. If you lie on your résumé, casting directors will know, and you can be blacklisted in the industry. It has happened before, it will happen again, and it’s probably happening right now. That’s why it’s important to have any acting experience before sending your résumé and headshot to casting directors. If you lie about your experiences, you’ll be nixed.

Do: Leave out personal info.

The pros already know this, but if you’re a beginner this is important. Casting directors do not need and will not use your address, home phone number, or social security number.

Don’t think that a busy résumé is superior to a short one.

On the flip side, some actors struggle with their acting résumé because they have too many experiences to organize on one page. When casting directors flip through thick piles of acting résumés, they act fast, giving each actor 10 seconds at best. Having a longer résumé will actually hurt you, not help you. Instead of including every single role, class, and special skill, only include your most recent work and roles with merit. To determine if a role holds merit for casting directors, keep reading.

Do: Consider who you’ve worked with that casting directors may know.

According to CD Lana Veenker, your résumé should include names of directors, acting coaches, and production companies that industry leaders will recognize. If you’ve worked with a person or group that casting directors know and trust, that information needs to be clear and arranged near the top so that casting directors don’t miss it. Check out a sample here.

Don’t overthink it.

Your résumé is literally one page with a list of your appearances and training. It’s as simple as making any list. It’s as easy as letting your kid crawl into a gorilla exhibit at your local zoo. As long as you have the experience to show you can act, your acting résumé will be just fine.

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