If you're looking to land more auditions and get noticed by casting directors, using a polished acting resume template is your first step.
Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, your application must highlight your experience, skills, and training in a format that’s easy to scan, includes keywords and tailored for the entertainment industry.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to include in an actor resume, how to structure it professionally, and provide examples to help you get started today.
What is an actor resume?
An acting resume is not your typical application. It’s a specialized one-page snapshot of your performance background, physical details, and skills—designed specifically to impress casting directors, talent agents, and producers.
While your headshot catches attention, this document clinches the opportunity. It tells the decision-maker whether you’ve got the right experience, look, and training for the role. An actor resume focuses on:
| Aspect | Note |
|---|---|
| Performance Credits | Film, television, theater, commercials, and voiceover artist work — usually organized by category. No day jobs or unrelated gigs here. |
| Physical Stats | Details like height, weight, hair color, eye color, and vocal range (if applicable) help casting teams assess your fit quickly. |
| Union | Are you SAG-AFTRA? Equity? Non-union? It’s important to state it clearly at the top. |
| Education | Acting classes, workshops, coaches, conservatories—this section in resume shows your dedication to the craft. |
| Special Skills | From horseback riding to fluent French to fire twirling—anything that could make you stand out. |
An acting resume must be clear, clean, and industry-standard.
Here’s what you need to get right:
- Keep it to one page — casting directors don’t have time to read more
- Use legible fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, 10–12 pt
- List most recent experience first in each part
- Align content in neat columns where possible
- Attach your application to the back of your headshot (8x10 size) for in-person auditions
Here's a sample acting resume template:
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Key elements every acting resume template should include
All great actor resume examples make your experience shine without overcomplicating things. Whether you're going for your first audition or already booking gigs, your application should highlight the essentials casting directors care about most.
1. Contact Information
Right at the top and easy to find.
Include:
- Full name
- Phone number & email
- Location (city and state only)
- Agent or manager contact (if applicable)
2. Physical Stats
Unlike regular resumes, your appearance matters here for casting. Typical stats are:
| Height | Weight | Hair Color | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'8" | 140 lbs | Black | Hazel |
Optional but useful: vocal range, body type, or ethnic background (if relevant to the jobs you’re auditioning for).
3. Union Status
This can be a dealbreaker for some productions.
SAG-AFTRA Eligible - Non-Union
4. Performance Experience
This section is the heart of your acting resume. Group it by category (Film, TV, Theater, etc.), and for each entry, mention:
- Project Title
- Role Type (e.g., Lead, Supporting, Understudy)
- Director or Production Company
- Year or Location (optional)
Acting block resume sample:
| The Cherry Orchard | Anya | City Theater, NY | Dir. Jane Smith |
| The Marvelous Ms. Mabel | Recurring | Amazon Prime | Dir. Mark Lee |
5. Education
Show off your background—recruiters love to see who's coached you. Include:
- Acting schools or studios
- Workshops or masterclasses
- Degrees (if relevant to performance)
- Private coaches
6. Special Skills
This is your chance to stand out! Write talents like:
- Languages spoken
- Accents and dialects
- Singing, dancing, or musical instruments
- Sports, martial arts, or stunts
- Driving licenses or certifications
Only list abilities you’re genuinely confident in performing on demand.
7. Headshot
For printed acting resumes, staple or print it on the back of your picture (8x10 size).
For digital, attach your photo and add a link to your portfolio or demo reel.
Acting resume template examples
Beginner Acting Resume Template
Resume for Theatre Actor
Lily Moreno
lily.moreno@gmail.com | (212) 555-6093 | New York, NY
Height: 5'3" | Weight: 120 lbs | Hair: Dark Brown | Eyes: Hazel
AEA | Repped by Brightlight Talent NYC (646) 555-1198Theater
Into the Woods – Cinderella – The Old Globe, San Diego – Dir. Daniel Park
Featured in an updated modern fairy tale production. Strong vocals, physical movement.The Wolves – #11 – Playwrights Horizons, NYC – Dir. Alicia Chen
Critically acclaimed run. Portrayed a shy, introspective high school midfielder.Twelfth Night – Viola – Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival – Dir. Leon Cruz
Lead role in summer repertory. Noted for expressive comedic timing and verse work.Cabaret – Sally Bowles – Syracuse Stage – Dir. Trevor Ellis
Demanding triple-threat role with live vocals, choreography, and intense dramatic scenes.The Crucible – Abigail Williams – Denver Center Theatre Company
Much Ado About Nothing – Beatrice – Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Godspell – Ensemble + "Day by Day" Solo – Regional TourFilm
April’s Letter – Supporting – NYU Grad Film – Dir. Lena Cho
Played a quiet but emotionally complex sister. Minimal dialogue, strong facial expression.After Snow – Lead – Indie Short – Dir. Richard Doyle
Story of grief and reconciliation. Shot on location in upstate NY.The Performer – Co-Lead – Columbia MFA Project – Dir. Jasper Ling
Filmed in black & white. Narratively experimental short featured at Sundance Labs.Training
MFA in Acting – NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Musical Theatre Conservatory Program – Circle in the Square, NYC
Voice (Mezzo-Soprano) – Gina Travers Studio, NYC
Dance – Jazz, Ballet, Modern (Broadway Dance Center)
Improv Levels I–III – Upright Citizens Brigade, NYSpecial Skills
- Singing (mezzo-soprano, legit + belt)
- Fluent in Italian
- Aerial silks
- Intermediate guitar
- Ballroom (waltz, foxtrot, tango)
- Stage combat
- Yoga (RYT-200 certified)
- Dialects: French, RP British, Australian
Musical Theatre Resume Template
Film/TV Acting Resume Example
Marcus J. Langford
marcus.langford@outlook.com | (323) 555-4482 | Los Angeles, CA
Height: 6'1" | Weight: 180 lbs | Hair: Black | Eyes: Brown
SAG-AFTRA | Repped by Horizon Talent LA (213) 555-7701Film
Crimson Edge – Supporting – Paramount Pictures – Dir. Ava Reynolds
Played Victor, a conflicted anti-hero entangled in a futuristic rebellion. National release.The Drift – Lead – Silver Gate Studios – Dir. Kevin Mendez
Starred as Detective Nolan Carter in this award-winning neo-noir short screened at Tribeca.Last Stop – Featured – Lionsgate – Dir. Chloe Tan
Portrayed an undercover agent in this high-budget thriller starring Rosario Dawson.Breakline – Co-Lead – AFI Conservatory Film – Dir. Mandy Lee
Student film showcasing psychological tension between two estranged brothers.Television
Code Sector (Season 4, Ep. 7) – Guest Star – Hulu – Dir. Brad Kim
Played elite hacker Marcus “Byte” Nelson. Complex emotional arc across episode.Emergency Unit (Season 2) – Co-Star – CBS – Dir. Linda Chow
Portrayed a rookie paramedic navigating crisis under pressure in a multi-scene role.The Loop – Featured – Netflix Pilot – Dir. Jonathan Cruz
Appeared as a scientist’s assistant in pivotal lab scene. Strong improvisation skills used.Training
- BFA in Acting – UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television
- On-Camera Intensive – Margie Haber Studio, Los Angeles
- Meisner Technique (2 years) – Deborah Winston Studio, LA
- Voice & Movement – Kristen Linklater Method
- Dialect Coaching – RP, Cockney, Southern US, Irish (with Ellen Rourke)
Special Skills
- Stage combat (certified)
- Motorcycling (license + stunt course)
- Dialects (Scottish, RP, Bronx, West African)
- Firearms handling (film-level)
- Drums (5 years)
- Kickboxing
- Teleprompter/ear prompter
- Fluent in ASL (conversational)
More Acting Resume Examples
Conclusion
A strong actor resume can make the difference between getting called in or passed over.
By using a professional acting resume template and tailoring it to fit your experience, you present yourself as confident, prepared, and serious about your craft.
Remember: simplicity, accuracy, and clarity go a long way. Keep it updated, relevant, and let your application open doors to new opportunities on stage and screen.
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