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How to Type a Resume for Acting

by M.A. Rodabaugh

Overview

A concise and detailed acting resume can land you the perfect audition opportunity. An acting resume is the first presentation of self for a potential employer. Think of it as a preliminary interview. It is important to know that you do not need have to have a theater degree to create an acting resume. All you need is some type of acting or theater experience. The acting resume contains four sections. The first section includes general contact information. The following three sections feature your educational history, experience and special skills.
How to Create an Acting Resume

Step 1

Include your full name, address, phone number and e-mail address in bold type. Below or next to your contact information, include your physical characteristics such as height, weight, hair color and eye color. Certain employers may only interview individuals who meet specific physical requirements for a role.
Step 2

Include your educational experience. If you do not have an undergraduate degree, include your high school, city, state, and year of graduation. If you have a college degree, include your undergraduate institution, city, state, degree and year graduated. Use this format for graduate education as well. If you received a theater degree, include the names of theater professors you have studied under.
Step 3

Be detailed regarding your acting experience. You can keep this information in one section or create subdivisions such as "Educational Theater Experience," or "Teaching Experience." List the title of the performance, the character you played, and the year and location of the performance. Educational theater experience is comprised of performances you have done in college and graduate school. If you have experience in the advertising industry, add an "Industrial Experience" subsection, including any commercials or photo advertisements you have appeared in. For this kind of work, include the name of the company, type of media, and the year and location of the advertisement.
Step 4

Highlight your special skills. In this section include any talents or quirks you have that pertain to acting. Special skills can range from juggling to having an extended background in accents. If you have musical training, include your vocal range in this section. Remember that this is your final selling point that you're presenting to the future employer.

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If your resume is lacking in sections, you can add a "Theatrical Honors and Awards" segment that notes acceptance into theater festivals or acting awards. Or you can add a "Technical Theater" segment emphasizing your backstage or theatrical design experience. Including technical theater experience shows employers that you are a well-rounded actor.
If your resume is lacking in sections, you can add a "Theatrical Honors and Awards" segment that notes acceptance into theater festivals or acting awards. Or you can add a "Technical Theater" segment emphasizing your backstage or theatrical design experience. Including technical theater experience shows employers that you are a well-rounded actor.