Ben is a seasoned actor with a resume full of random skills and credentials, dating back to his early days as an extra. Ben thinks the more he includes on his resume, the better his chances of landing the part. 

Emma is just entering the world of acting and doesn’t know what to include on her resume. Emma hopes that listing her two acting classes, a handful of auditions, and some background work will make up for her lack of credentials. 

Who’s going to get the part? Probably neither of them. 

The good news: this is totally fixable. Ben’s experience just needs some refinement and proper formatting. Emma likely has more to add than she realizes — but, sometimes less is more when you’re starting.

Can you relate? This complete guide will show you: 

• Actor resume examples and templates for different fields and experience levels. 
• How to make an acting resume and choose the right formatting. 
• The best ways to help your actor resume stand out. 

Actor Resume Examples

Your resume is your ticket to getting noticed and securing an audition. Even if you’re the next Leonardo DiCaprio, a resume that screams “amateur hour” could cost you your big break. 

You don’t need a laundry list of questionable credentials to prove you’re a professional and dedicated actor. It’s about making a lasting impression with what you’ve got. Casting directors understand everyone starts somewhere, but there’s no excuse for a sloppy resume.

This goes for experienced actors too. Overloading your resume with every single credential and skill can be overwhelming and detract from your expertise. Refinement is key.

We’ve gathered over ten resume examples across different niches and experience levels to help you choose the right format and include the perfect details for a show-stealing resume.

Let’s begin with resumes for each actor’s niche. Below you’ll find sample actor resumes with top tips on what to include. 

Child Actor Resume 

For a Child Actor resume, focus on special skills and training if there’s a lack of professional acting experience. Highlight performance skills like singing, dancing, sports, musical instruments, and modeling. Mention interests like cooking or animals, so casting directors can see your child’s personality. Be specific about any performing arts training or private coaching, listing the types of classes taken and what was learned. 

Voice Acting Resume 

Your Voice Actor resume should show your ability to portray various characters, emotions, and scenarios through different tones and techniques. Specify your niche, whether it’s E-learning, commercials, narration, corporate gigs, or animation. Highlight any accents, dialects, and languages you can perform. Include links to your voice reels or audio samples to let casting directors hear your talent firsthand.

Theatre Acting Resume 

With a Theater Actor resume, list your personal details with your stage name and vocal range. If you have lots of experience, categorize by type, such as improv, musical theater, or opera. For each credit, list the show’s title, your role, and the theater name. Include your training in order of discipline, like singing, acting, and dance. List any awards or nominations you’ve received, and if you’re a member of associations like SAG. 

Film Acting Resume 

Your Film Actor resume should list your film credits by role type (lead, supporting, principal, and featured) rather than character name. Prioritize film and TV credits over theater ones as you build your resume, even if the film credits are small or unpaid. Tailor your resume to the film and it’s project goals. You could highlight your stunt work for an action role or commitment to social justice if the movie wants to send a strong message. 

Commercial Acting Resume 

For a Commercial Actor resume, focus on the products or brands you’ve represented. Create a professional commercial reel, then note “Commercial Reel Available Upon Request” or provide a link. Mention “Commercial Conflicts Available Upon Request” to address potential conflicts with competing brands. Make a separate commercial resume and only send it when asked to avoid conflicts of interest if you’re applying for theater, film, or TV roles. 

Acting and Modeling Resume 

With an Actor and Model resume, include a link to your online portfolio with your measurements and physical attributes at the top of your resume. Highlight your experiences in modeling and acting, including runway shows, fashion shoots, catalogs, music videos, and magazines. Mention any popular brands, photographers, and designers you’ve worked with. Include training from modeling or acting schools, as well as classes in dance, or photography. 

Broadway Actor Resume

Your Broadway Actor resume should showcase your theater experience at the top of your resume. Follow this with any film or TV roles to highlight your versatility. Emphasize specific skills, such as acting methods, dance, gymnastics, accent training, or musical instruments. Mention your demo reel featuring musical and acting clips, noting “Demo Reel Available Upon Request” in your contact information.

Background Acting Resume

When creating a resume for a Background Actor, note that background work isn’t considered professional acting, so avoid listing it if you’re aiming for more serious roles. However, if you lack training and want to gain on-set experience, highlight your ability to follow cues, take direction, and stay professional. As you gain more training and experience, replace the background work with more substantial credits. 

Let’s dive into how to tailor your resume depending on your experience level. 

Beginner Actor Resume 

For a Beginner Actor resume, don’t worry about filling the page if you have little or no professional experience — everyone starts somewhere. Highlight any acting you’ve done, like community theater, workshops, student films, or local gigs. Expand on your training or education by listing your teachers or institutions and specifying the types of classes. Be selective with your special skills by focusing on the ones most relevant to the job. 

Professional Actor Resume

Your Professional Actor resume should include the link to your online portfolio in your contact information, so casting directors can easily view your demo reels. Describe your credentials in a clear format: title, role, and director or studio. As you gain more experience, remove amateur credits to keep your resume professional. If you’ve worked with well-known industry figures, their references can add significant value to your resume. 

Experienced Actor Resume 

Tailor your Experienced Actor resume to fit the role you’re applying for by emphasizing relevant experience. List up to ten years of acting experience across TV, film, and theater. Break down your credits into specific categories, like short films, feature films, or indie projects for movies, and musicals, Shakespeare, or Broadway for theater. Highlight any awards or recognitions to show your talent and hard work. 

How to Write an Actor Resume

Short answer: 

Start with your contact information, personal stats, and a small headshot. List your credits in sections like Film, TV, and Theater, highlighting the role type and production details in a three-column format. Include relevant training, workshops, and education, mentioning institutions and instructors. Add a special skills section to showcase unique talents related to acting, and list any awards and notable reviews to boost your credibility. Keep it honest and relevant, emphasizing your most impressive credentials and skills to catch the attention of casting directors.

An actor’s resume structure steers away from the traditional resume format. Here’s an overview of what sections to include: 

• Name and contact information
• Summary or objective 
• Personal stats 
• Acting credentials 
• Education and training 
• Special skills 
• Awards and recognition 

Now, let’s get into the details and see what to include for each resume section. 

Start with your name and contact information

Your contact info on your resume is pretty straightforward, with a few twists. Put your name at the top in big, bold letters (16 to 18 pt font is perfect). Underneath, list your phone number, email address, and website or portfolio link.

Now for the twists. If you’ve got an agent or manager, include their contact details and logo if they have one. Don’t forget to mention your union status too, like “SAG-AFTRA,” “Equity/AEA,” or “SAG-AFTRA Eligible.” If you’re not in a union, just put “Non-Union.”

Here’s an example of an actor’s contact information: 

Jane Doe
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jane.doe@example.com
Website: www.janedoeactor.com
Agent: John Smith, XYZ Talent Agency
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: john.smith@xyzagency.com
Union Affiliation: SAG-AFTRA

Create an eye-catching actor profile

Your resume summary is the opening act — setting the stage in 2–3 sentences for the rest of your resume and giving casting directors an insight into who you are and what you can do. 

Highlight your standout performances and any big roles you’ve landed. If you’ve won awards or received notable mentions, flaunt them. This not only shows your range but also catches the eye of casting directors and production studios.

But your summary isn’t just about you, it’s about the role you want to land. Do you want to get a part in a musical production? Mention your vocal range and dance training from the get-go. The trick is showing casting directors that you understand the role requirements and have made the effort to show why you’re the perfect fit. 

Here’s an example resume summary for an actor: 

Passionate and versatile actor with 5+ years of experience in both theater and film. Skilled in dramatic and comedic roles, with training in method acting and stage combat. Dedicated to bringing characters to life and contributing to compelling storytelling. Currently seeking challenging roles in dramatic indie films that tackle social issues, aiming to use my craft to inspire and provoke thought.

Don’t panic if you’re new to Showbiz and don’t have a ton of acting credentials. Go with a resume objective to focus more on your career goals. Mention the type of roles you want and how your skills will shine in those parts. 

Here’s an example resume objective for an actor: 

Aspiring actor passionate about storytelling and eager to bring fresh energy to diverse roles in film and theater. Recently trained in improvisation and voice acting, with experience in community theater and short films. Looking to contribute to projects that explore human connections and challenge societal norms.

Check out our Rezi AI Resume Summary Generator for some much-needed inspiration. Enter your job title and skills, and our AI will quickly create a tailored resume summary for you.

Include a professional headshot

In the acting world, casting directors need to see what you look like and what roles you can play. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s look probably wouldn’t land him any roles as the tooth fairy. 

Ensure your headshot is up-to-date and reflects your current look. 

Traditionally, you staple your headshot to the back of your resume. It’s a classic approach and ensures that casting folks can easily access your photo when they review your resume. But if you’re just starting out or need to fill some white space, you can also put a smaller version of your headshot on the front. A good size is about 2 x 3 inches.

When you add a headshot to the front, place it in a way that complements your name and contact info. Make sure it’s clear and high-quality but doesn’t overshadow the rest of your resume.

List your personal stats 

Nowadays, the magic of movies can transform the girl next door into an alien overlord. But for theater or movies without million-dollar budgets, your appearance and personal stats play an important part in what roles you can play. 

Here’s a breakdown of what to include and what to skip: 

• Height. Include your height in feet/inches for the US and meters for other countries. Keep it accurate so casting teams can visualize how you’ll fit into the scene or match with other actors. 
• Clothing size. Mentioning your clothing size can help casting directors get a sense of how you fit into costumes.
• Pronouns. Adding your pronouns (he/him, she/her, they/them) isn’t a requirement, but you can include them to clarify how you would like to be addressed. 
• Hair and eye color. You don’t need to detail your hair and eye color unless you’ve got extra space. Casting directors will see these features in your headshot, so you don’t need to list them separately.
• Weight. You can usually skip listing your weight, as your physical presence will be evident in your headshot and at auditions.
• Age. Don’t put yourself in a box by listing your age (unless you’re under 18). Instead, let your age range shine through your experience and headshots. Fun fact: Barbra Streisand famously played a teenager in the musical Yentl, despite being 41 at the time. 

If you have a beard, bold hair colors, or striking piercings in your headshot, it’s worth mentioning that you’re willing to make the necessary changes or adjustments for the role. 

Stick with the three-column actor resume format 

How you format your resume will distinguish you as an amateur or a professional — no pressure. While you can be bold and daring on stage, the same rules don’t apply to your resume. Skip the rainbow of fonts and the essay of credentials; simplicity is key.

Acting resumes usually have three main sections: Film, TV, and Theater. Keep these sections separate, or combine TV and film if you’re new to the industry and don’t have many credits yet. This way, casting directors can quickly see where your experience lies. If you specialize in other fields, you can also add extra columns, such as voice acting. 

There’s no need to add dates or credentials in reverse chronological order. Instead, you should list the most impressive and relevant roles up top to catch the casting director’s attention. 

Let’s break down what to include for each section and what the three-column format looks like:

Film credentials 

In the Film column, start with the project name followed by role types: Lead, Supporting, Principal, Featured, and Stunt Double. The third column is reserved for the production company and the director’s name. For student films, list the college as the production company.

Here’s an example of how to list your film credentials: 

Avoid mentioning background work or roles as an extra if you’re aiming for serious roles, as most in the industry don’t see this as professional acting.

TV credentials 

For TV credits, you can use the same format as your film credentials. List the project name, role type, production company, and director. Role types include Lead, Series Regular, Co-star, Recurring, Supporting, and Guest Star. 

And remember, if you don’t have many TV or film credits, you can combine them under a TV/Film section.

Here’s an example of an actor’s TV credentials: 

Theater credentials 

The Theater column has a slightly different format. Start with the name of the play in the first column, followed by your role. Common role types include Lead, Principal Cast, Ensemble, Understudy, Swing, and Ensemble. In the final column, list the theater company. 

Here’s how to list your theater credentials: 

If your resume feels light, don’t worry — fill it up with amateur theater, school productions, student films, or YouTube videos that show off your acting skills. Every little bit helps and shows your commitment. Just keep it professional and polished.

Skip non-acting credits like directing or stage managing. Focus on your resume on acting experience to keep it relevant and avoid confusing casting directors. 

Outline your education and training 

Your education and training can carry a lot of weight on your resume, especially if you don’t have a ton of acting credits yet. They show casting directors how dedicated you are to honing your craft.

Start by listing any training in acting or theater, including the type of class, your instructors or program directors, and the name of the studio or school. This could include a drama degree, a performance school, or specialized courses. Don’t forget to mention any extra training like workshops, master classes, or seminars.

Here’s what an actor’s education and training could look like: 

Your training section is also a great place to mention your unique talents. Have you taken any specialty workshops? Maybe you’ve mastered body language, tackled stage combat, or picked up some new dance techniques. These extra details can beef up your education section and help you stand out, especially if you tailor them to the role you’re after.

Add special acting skills and proficiencies 

Your special skills section is your chance to show off what makes you unique and stand out from the competition. But don’t just dump everything you can do. I can hula-hoop while dancing to the Cha Cha Slide. Would I put that on a voice-over resume? Probably not. 

You want to show casting directors you’re the perfect fit for the role. As well as the basics, include skills that align with the part you want to play. Swordsmanship skills? Perfect for an action role. Have a wide vocal range? Great for Broadway. This section is your chance to highlight what you can do beyond just acting.

Here’s an example of how to list special skills on an acting resume: 

• Vocal Range: Soprano 
• Musical Instruments: Guitar (intermediate), Piano (beginner)
• Dance: Ballet (10 years), Hip Hop (5 years)
• Languages: Fluent in Spanish 
• Accents: British, Australian, Southern American
• Stunt Work: Basic Stage Combat, Certified in Martial Arts

You can also end your skills list with something unique or funny to leave a lasting impression. Maybe you can imitate 15 different animal sounds or won the Best Smile award in high school — a quirky one-liner can give casting directors a peek into your personality.

And a word of warning. While it might be tempting to say you’re a gymnastics expert for a martial arts film, casting directors will find out when you fall flat on your face in the audition room. Stick to what you can actually do to avoid any awkward situations.

Discover more skills related to your strengths with our AI Skill Explorer.

Mention acting awards or impressive reviews 

The final act of your resume should showcase any awards, nominations, or glowing reviews that highlight your acting prowess. Don’t stress about listing every single accolade you’ve ever received. Focus on those that really boost your acting career and add credibility.

To keep things neat, put an asterisk next to the project on your resume where you earned the award or nomination, and then use a footnote to specify the award name and year. This method keeps your resume clean and highlights your achievements effectively.

This section is also perfect for including noteworthy reviews or quotes from industry pros. If a critic or director has great things to say about your performance, their words can offer casting directors a quick insight into the kind of performer you are and help you stand out from the crowd.

Here’s a sample awards and reviews section on an actor’s resume: 

Awards

• Best Actor: TheatreFest 2022 (Hamlet)
• Outstanding Performance: Indie Film Awards 2021 (Silent Whispers)

Reviews

• “A powerhouse performance that captivates from start to finish.” – Juan Perez, Theatre Critic, The Daily Times
• “John’s portrayal of Hamlet was nothing short of mesmerizing. He brings a unique intensity to the stage.” -– Richard Roe, Director of Hamlet

What Makes Actor Resumes Different

In short: use the three-column resume format to emphasize your most impressive credentials. 

In the corporate world, recruiters focus on your job duties and achievements. But in acting, your credentials do the talking. 

Casting directors don’t care about your daily tasks — they want to see the types of roles you’ve played, the directors you’ve worked with, and the skills you’ve honed through training. They’re less interested in your communication skills and more in whether you can nail a solid British accent.

Choosing the correct formatting and including the right details is your first step to presenting yourself as a professional actor, and someone casting directors should watch out for. 

Steer away from traditional resume formatting 

Actor resumes break the mold of traditional job applications, so you don’t need to stick to the usual reverse-chronological format. Casting directors care more about your acting credits and the roles you’ve played than a strict career timeline.

What this means for you: 

• Emphasize the roles you’ve played and the productions you’ve been part of using the three-column format. Directors want to know about your acting experience and the types of projects you’ve worked on.
• Don’t bother arranging your credits (Film, TV, Theater) in chronological order. Instead, move your most relevant and impressive credentials to the top of the page to impress casting directors. 

Tailor your resume to the actor role 

You wouldn’t recite Abraham Lincoln’s speech at an audition for a comedy about garden gnomes, right? The same applies to your resume (sort of). 

If you have plenty of credentials and skills, avoid dumping them all on the page essay-style. Focus on the experiences and skills most relevant to the role you’re targeting. 

What this means for you: 

• If you’re set on the silver screen, bump your film credits to the top of your resume. Even if you’ve only done student films, list those to expand your film experience. This shows casting directors you’ve flexed your acting chops, even if it’s limited to small gigs. 
• Got special skills or training that match the role you’re after? Make sure they stand out on your resume. If the role needs stage combat, vocal training, or any other specific talent, mention it in your summary and skills to show casting directors that you've got what they need.

Align your resume with your experience level 

Creating the perfect actor resume means knowing your experience level and making it work. Don’t have many professional credentials? Build up your training and skills sections. Are you a seasoned thespian? Remove those student projects and add some awards. It’s about catching the attention of casting directors by shining the spotlight on what you can do. 

What this means for you:

• If you’re just starting, include everything that shows you’re proactive, even small unpaid gigs, student films, or YouTube projects. This shows your willingness to learn and gain experience in the industry.
• Once you have more experience, replace amateur roles with more professional credits. Focus on lead, supporting, and principal roles that show your depth and range.

Include professional references 

There’s nothing like some good old validation to give you a confidence boost. Including references on your resume can also cement confidence in the casting directors that you’re a good match. Plus, it can do wonders for your credibility. 

What this means for you:

• If you’ve worked with notable industry figures, their endorsement can significantly boost your resume. Highlight quotes or testimonials from them to demonstrate your talent and professionalism.
• Don’t have any big names? No worries. Reach out to past teachers or colleagues for a few sentences on your performance. Even lesser-known names provide proof to back up your skills.

Be bold but don’t exaggerate 

We’ve all stretched the truth a bit when trying to land a job, but when it comes to auditions, honesty is your best bet. There’s a big difference between confidently showcasing your talents and exaggerating them. 

What this means for you:

• Highlight your standout roles and skills, but stick to the facts. If you’ve got impressive credits, flaunt them — just make sure they’re accurately represented to avoid disappointment. 
• Avoid inflating or misrepresenting your experience. For example, don’t spin a school play into a major regional production. Honesty builds trust and keeps your professional relationships strong.

Bonus Resources for Actors 

You’ve done the training, been to countless auditions, and perfected your resume, but you’re still waiting for your big break. Making it as an actor takes time, effort, and sheer determination. If you want to stand out, you’ve got to go the extra mile.

Get involved in community theater, make connections, attend workshops, and even move to a big entertainment hub like New York or LA. There are also plenty of online courses to sharpen your skills and show casting directors you’re committed to learning and growing as an actor.

Check out these online acting classes to give you that extra edge. 

Houde School of Acting

Houde School of Acting provides a variety of classes, both online and in-person, catering to all skill levels. While they focus on the Meisner Technique, they also offer Improv, Script Analysis, and Scene Study courses. These classes can help you refine your acting skills and better prepare for auditions and other opportunities in the acting industry.

MasterClass 

MasterClass is a streaming service offering access to hundreds of video lessons from over 200 top experts in various fields, including writing, acting, music, film, and TV. Each course features approximately twenty video lessons, averaging ten minutes each, accompanied by a comprehensive workbook. Annual memberships start at $120. 

Penny Templeton Studio

The Penny Templeton Studio, established in NYC in the early 1990s, offers online acting classes and coaching for theater, film, and television on a global scale. Penny, alongside her actors, uses online instruction to explore and refine techniques, bringing material, auditions, and performances to life on screen. Courses include acting workshops, private coaching, on-camera techniques, and beginner acting classes.

Skillshare 

Skillshare is an online learning platform offering thousands of classes on various topics, including content creation, film, acting, video production, and personal development. It’s designed for users to learn new skills through video lessons and projects, often taught by industry professionals and experts. You can access courses through a subscription model. 

YouTube 

You can also find plenty of free masterclasses, tutorials, and lessons on YouTube. While you can’t put these on your resume, you could certainly learn some new skills and insights to add to your repertoire. 

Here are some popular YouTube videos and channels: 

• Playing Shakespeare
• The Actors Academy
• Acting Career Center
• Voiceover Masterclass
• Uta Hagen’s Acting Class
• Michael Caine Teaches Acting In Film
• Sanford Meisner Master Class Part 1 and Part 2 

Summary

Creating an actor’s resume is a bit different from other fields, but here are the key steps to make sure yours stands out:

• Start with your contact information by listing your name, phone number, email, union affiliation, and any relevant website or portfolio link. If you have an agent, list their contact info too.
• Staple a professional headshot to the back of your resume, and include a smaller version on the main page if you have space. This gives casting directors a quick visual reference to see if you have the right look for the part.
• Use the traditional three-column layout for your credits. Divide them into Film, TV, and Theater, so casting directors can see where your experience lies.
• Sell yourself by focusing on the most notable and relevant credentials. If you’re aiming for film roles, list those at the top. For theater, showcase any significant productions.
• Label your roles accurately with terms like Lead, Supporting, or Featured. Avoid using character names unless it’s crucial for the role.
• List your acting education or training to show your commitment to your craft and credibility. This can include university degrees, workshops, specialized courses, or private coaching.
• Include special skills and talents relevant to the roles you’re pursuing. You can also add a fun fact about yourself at the end of your skills section to show some personality. 
• Be honest and represent your experience truthfully. Avoid exaggerating roles or accomplishments, as this can lead to awkward situations during auditions.
• As you gain more experience, keep your resume current. Remove outdated information and add any new roles or skills to stay relevant.

FAQ

What does an acting resume look like?

An acting resume includes your name, contact information, a headshot, and a resume summary or objective. An actor’s resume should focus on your credentials in theater, film, and TV roles with relevant training or education. Don’t forget to include special skills and possibly awards or recognitions. It’s usually one page, so it’s crucial to be concise and focused.

How to write a theater resume?

When writing a theater resume, list your credentials in a three-column format, with the play’s name, your role, and the theater company. Include your training, such as acting classes or workshops, and your contact details with personal stats. You should also add a section for special skills, like accents, vocal range, or dancing. 

How do you list commercials on an acting resume?

To list commercials on your acting resume, create a separate section titled “Commercials.” Include the name of the commercial, the brand or product, and your role or description. For example, “Ford – Lead Role – National TV Ad.” If you’ve done many commercials, consider listing them by category, such as “National” or “Regional.” 

If you’re applying for film, TV, or theater roles, create a separate resume for commercials and write “Commercial Credentials Upon Request” due to potential conflict issues. 

What is an actor’s resume called?

An actor’s resume is simply called an “acting resume” or “actor’s resume.” It’s a specialized resume tailored to showcase an actor’s skills, experience, and accomplishments in the entertainment industry. It’s designed to highlight roles, training, special skills, and any other relevant information that can help land acting jobs.

How to format an acting resume?

Formatting an acting resume involves a clean, professional layout. Start with your name and contact information at the top, followed by your headshot. Then, include sections like “Film,” “Television,” “Theater,” and “Commercials,” with your credentials in a three-column format. Keep it to one page, and focus on showing your most relevant and impressive work.

How to list film credits on your resume?

When listing film credits on your resume, create a dedicated section titled “Film.” Use a three-column format to list the project name, your role type, and the production company and director. For example: XYZ Film, Lead, Green Studios. 

If you have many credits, consider grouping them by feature films, and short films. This helps keep the resume organized and makes it easier for casting directors to find your most relevant work.

‍