Question 1

How do I write a resume for acting?

Ari Eisner · Accepted Answer

Like any standout CV, an acting resume should competently describe your acting experience and skill set (as it’s relevant to acting).
You only get one opportunity to make a first impression and a resume is your big shot at an introduction to a potential employer. Whether it’s an agent, casting director, studio executive, producer or director reading over your work and experience history, it’s important to make this one count.

Question 2

Do you need a resume for an acting audition?

Ari Eisner · Accepted Answer

Believe it or not, the fast answer here is no. You don’t necessarily need a resume for an acting audition because oftentimes your representatives will be speaking with casting directors to secure you auditions and work, but having a resume couldn’t hurt either.
It’s a great way to give someone looking to make a hire a quick snapshot into you and your work history and Industry experience.

Question 3

How far back should an acting resume go?

Ari Eisner · Accepted Answer

Acting experience on a resume should date back a maximum of ten years. That includes work in theater, television and film. Any further than that, and things will start to feel dated.
A lot of people wonder if they should include their work as an extra on their acting resume. While extra work can give you some terrific stories to tell and put you in the same space as some renowned actors, directors and producers, it’s generally best to leave this off your resume. Extra work isn’t viewed the same way as a featured performance and listing it on your resume could potentially devalue the way you’re perceived.

Question 4

What should be on an acting resume?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

An acting resume should reflect your capabilities to someone before you walk in for an audition. It should include your educational background if relevant to your acting work, as well as the most substantial roles you have performed.
Basics, such as your height, weight, eye color, and hair color should also be included on an acting resume. Also add any skills such as knowing other languages or specific physical abilities like sword-fighting on an acting resume.

Question 5

What do you put on a beginner acting resume?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

It may seem challenging to create an impressive resume when you’re just starting out in the industry, but it can be done. In lieu of prior acting experience, focus on your education and skills that are relevant to your acting work.
And if you have minor roles outside of background work, include it!

Question 6

What does a good acting resume look like?

Wendy Braun · Accepted Answer

A good acting resume is easy to read, and updated as often as you are working or training.
Credits should be listed by genre. You’ll want to separate each genre: Television, Film, Theater, Education, Training. Special Skills, etc. If you’re just starting out, and don’t have any television or film credits yet, then adding any recent theater roles you played is a good place to start.
List experience with most recent credits at the top of each section. Every time you get a new credit, add the name of the project, the type of role you played (For Theater – Lead or Supporting, For TV – Guest Star, Co-Star, etc), and the network/Director’s name (3 separate columns) to your resume.
For example:
Grey’s Anatomy             Guest Star            ABC / Dir. Chandra Wilson
Include your education and training.. It doesn’t matter what age you are starting out as an Actor, training is essential and something to always highlight on your resume. List the name of any schools you’ve attended, what special acting classes you’ve taken (scene study, improv, etc), and if you did any specialized training (stage combat, etc).
Don’t forget your unique skills. After you list your education and training, highlight the unique skill sets that set you apart from other Actors. Make sure you can perform any of these skills at a pro-level, as you will be competing against other Actors in whatever special skills you mention here.
Highlight any awards or accolades. If you did an independent film and won “Best Actress at Palm Spring International Film Festival,” put an asterisk “*” at the end of the credit, and denote the award at the bottom of the Film section.
Ask your reps for an example. If you already have representation, be sure to ask them for a sample of a great resume for you to model.
Prepare like a pro. If you don’t have representation, be sure to do your homework and research templates for layout and best formatting practices, before submitting to Agents or Managers.

Question 7

Should you put background work on your resume?

Wendy Braun · Accepted Answer

No, background work shouldn’t go on a professional acting resume. It’s better to list great training and theater than a long list of Extra work. Doing background work can give a new Actor great behind-the-scenes experience on how things work on a set, so do it to gain a bit of knowledge, but not as a long-term game plan.

Question 8

How do you get acting credits?

Wendy Braun · Accepted Answer

When I was first starting out, I made sure I was studying with great Acting Teachers, as well as taking improvisation classes and even stand-up comedy, too. Then I submitted myself for all kinds of work and started booking theatre, independent films, student films, and commercials.
Put in the work to train and know the craft. Trying to get acting credits without first studying the craft is not going to fuel your career in the long run. To start auditioning, research the casting sites in your market that put out listings for independent films, student projects, commercials, theater, or whatever genre you want to work in.
Don’t get discouraged by rejection. You may have to send a lot of self-tapes before you get cast. Pursuing an acting career is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay at it, don’t let the setbacks derail you or defeat you, and be sure to learn from working pros who serve to empower you.
Want more insights from a working pro? Learn The 5 Secrets To Becoming A Successful Working Actor: Enjoy A Free Masterclass With Wendy Braun: ActorInspiration.com/secrets

Question 9

What skills do you need for acting?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

What makes an Actor successful depends on the person. Tom Cruise is a wildly different kind of Actor than Robert DeNiro, and both of them are vastly unlike Tom Hanks. Yet they all have enjoyed hugely successful acting careers.
But between them all, there is a desire to realize the character they are playing to the fullest degree. As they say, each Actor “commits” to the role. There must also be a vulnerability to show emotion or embody a character who may not be entirely likeable. Most of all, there must be a passion to be part of this industry that often entails far many more lows than highs.
Each Actor has their own strengths. Lean into what yours are to make your talent and proficiency distinct from others. Most of all, commit not only to each role you take on, but also to your career as a whole so that you can successfully navigate this sometimes enigmatic profession.

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