— THE BUSINESS · GUIDE
The Actor's Résumé
Everything you need to know to build a résumé that works — from your very first credit to your hundredth.
The basics
An actor's résumé is not like any other résumé you've written. The format is specific, the rules are consistent, and once you understand the structure it becomes second nature.
Headshot printed upper right.
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Small — it shouldn't cut into your content. Printed directly on the page, not attached separately.
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Three column format.
Every row of experience reads: Production · Role · Company or Director
One page, always.
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No exceptions, no matter how much experience you have.
The sections
The order of your sections matters — lead with whatever is most relevant to what you're submitting for.
Contact info
Your contact information goes at the top of the résumé. Include your name, phone number, email address, any casting platform profiles, and your YouTube handle if you have performance content there.
If you're represented by an agent, include their contact information as well.
Keeping it current
Track every credit, director's name, production company, and training experience — even the small ones. Your master document is your archive. Your résumé is your curated highlight reel pulled from it.
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Keep a master document.
Update when it matters.
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A new training program, a featured role, a notable director, a competition result. Also update any time you're submitting for something specific.
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Cut to stay on one page.
Every row of experience reads: Production · Role · Company or Director
A note for beginners
If your résumé feels thin, that's normal. School plays, choir, awards, competitions — it all belongs on the page. Chamber choir, choral student of the year, solo performances, school musicals — these are legitimate credits and deserve to be listed.
Training is experience. Every class you've taken, every stage you've stood on, every coach who's worked with you — it all goes on the page. The résumé grows as you do. Start with what you have.
Example Résumé
Here's what a well-formatted actor's résumé looks like in practice. All personal details have been changed — the structure, sections, and formatting are what matter.
Height: 62" | Hair: Brown | Eyes: Green | YouTube: @alexperformer
Working Vocal Range: Eb3–B5/C6 | Representation: Agent Name | Region
EXAMPLE — ANONYMIZED FOR PRIVACY