Crafting a Compelling Actor's Resume - Dos and Don'ts - NYCastings

In the cutthroat world of show business, actors must prioritize crafting an outstanding resume. A meticulously prepared resume not only showcases your skills and experience but also sets you apart in the eyes of casting professionals and talent agents. The following comprehensive guide offers valuable insights into creating a winning actor’s resume, including top tips and common mistakes to steer clear of.

Head right over to DirectSubmit / NYCastings to create your winning resume. The website will guide you through the steps. Here you’ll find the standard format acting resume, but with more features! Then you’ll be on your way to booking auditions.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what makes an actor’s resume different from a traditional professional resume. An actor’s resume focuses more on roles and performances rather than typical job responsibilities and achievements.

The Dos of Crafting an Actor’s Resume

Format Appropriately: Your resume should be easy to read and professional. Use a standard font and keep the layout clean and organized. The typical format starts with your name and contact information, followed by your physical characteristics, acting credits, training, and special skills.

Showcase Your Experience: Present your acting experience in reverse chronological order, detailing the production name, your role, and the venue. If you’re new to acting, also mention any relevant involvement like student films, community theater, or workshops.

Be Specific About Roles: Provide detailed information about your roles, specifying whether they were leading, supporting, or part of an ensemble. This will help to paint a more precise picture of your experience.

Include Education and Training: If you have a background in acting, provide details about your training institution, instructors, and any additional acting workshops or classes you have participated in.

Mention Special Skills: If you possess related skills such as dancing, singing, proficiency in various accents, or the ability to play musical instruments, be sure to include them as they can enhance your suitability for certain acting roles.

The Don’ts of Crafting an Actor’s Resume

Avoid Misrepresentation: Never lie about your experience or skills. The acting community is small, and dishonesty can ruin your reputation.

Don’t Include Irrelevant Information: Your resume should be strictly professional. Avoid mentioning unrelated work experience, personal information, or hobbies that don’t relate to acting.

No Amateur Headshots: Don’t attach a self-taken headshot or one that isn’t professionally done. First impressions are vital in this industry.

Steer Clear of Fancy Fonts and Colors: Keep your resume professional. Avoid using multiple colors, fancy fonts, or decorative borders that can distract from the content.

Don’t List Every Single Role: Especially if you have extensive experience, it’s not necessary to list every single role you’ve played. Focus on the most significant ones.

Avoid Lengthy Descriptions: Your resume is not the place for long narratives about your roles or experiences. Be succinct and to the point.

Don’t Forget to Update: Keep your resume current. Regularly update it with new roles, skills, and training.

Additional Tips

Networking: Sometimes, it’s about who you know. Attend industry events and try to meet casting directors, agents, and other actors.

Online Presence: In today’s digital age, having an online presence can be beneficial. Consider creating a professional website and having a profile on DirectSubmit / NYCastings.

Continuous Learning: The acting industry is always evolving. Keep learning and improving your craft through classes and workshops.