An acting resume is similar to any other type of professional resume: it should open with your name, include an acting union affiliation (if applicable), and contact information. Unless you are under 18 years old, do not list your age.
That means that, if you are audition for a comedic role and have acted in comedy before, these roles should be at the top of your “Credits” section. Easy ways to gain experience and build relationships include acting in student films and independent films. The important thing is that you gain tape of yourself, which is important for sharing your work. [4] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
If you have been professionally trained as an actor outside of an academic setting, use your resume to highlight the training you received and its duration.
For example, if you’re auditioning for a role in an action movie, use your resume to highlight other action-oriented roles you’ve played in the past. Just like on any other type of resume, you won’t impress anyone by having a resume full of irrelevant details.
Never try to take your own headshots. Even if the photographs look acceptable to you, a casting director or audition manager will be able to tell that they are not professional-grade material.
For example, don’t submit a headshot in which you look edgy and rebellious if you’re audition to play a lovable, kind character.
Be prepared to pay for this service. Demo-reel editors usually charge from $60 to $75 an hour. [14] X Research source
If necessary, you can even film yourself acting to make your own demo reel. Make sure to stand in front of a blank background, and shoot close in. Only your chest, arms, and face should be visible in the footage. [16] X Research source Reels simply help demonstrate that when you have a camera in your face, you don’t freak out. [17] X Expert Source Jim JarrettActing Teacher Expert Interview. 28 April 2020.
Even as little as 60 seconds will give the casting director enough material to make a decision.
