The Best Acting Resume Template of 2018 You Can Use Today
The acting world is fiercely competitive. Landing auditions, let alone roles, requires talent, dedication, and a professionally presented resume. While the acting landscape evolves, the fundamental principles of a strong resume remain consistent. This article provides insights into crafting a compelling acting resume, drawing on best practices from 2018 (which still hold true!), and offering guidance on how to make your resume stand out. This is your guide to the best acting resume template you can still use today.
Understanding the Purpose of Your Acting Resume
Your acting resume is your first impression. It’s a concise snapshot of your experience, skills, and training, designed to entice casting directors and agents to invite you for an audition. Unlike a traditional resume, an acting resume prioritizes performance experience, showcasing your ability to deliver on stage and screen. It’s about getting your foot in the door, not necessarily listing every job you’ve ever held.
Key Components of a Winning Acting Resume
A well-structured acting resume is easy to read, visually appealing, and immediately highlights your strengths. Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections:
- Contact Information: At the top, include your full name, union affiliations (SAG-AFTRA, Equity), phone number, email address, and a link to your professional website or online reel. Be sure this information is easily accessible.
- Headshot: While not technically part of the resume itself, your headshot is crucial. It should be attached to your resume or readily available.
- Representation (Optional): If you have an agent or manager, list their name, agency, and contact information.
- Acting Experience: This is the heart of your resume. Organize your credits by category (Film, Television, Theatre, Commercials). Within each category, list:
- Role: The character you played.
- Project Title: The name of the production.
- Director: The director’s name (if known).
- Production Company/Venue: The name of the production company or theatre.
- Year: The year the project was completed.
- Training: List your relevant training, including acting classes, workshops, and degrees. Include the institution, instructor, and any certifications earned.
- Special Skills: This section highlights your unique abilities. Be specific and honest. Examples include:
- Accents & Dialects
- Languages
- Singing Voice Parts
- Dance Styles
- Stage Combat
- Sports & Athletics
- Musical Instruments
- Physical Characteristics: Include your height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
Formatting Your Resume: Making it Readable
Readability is paramount. Casting directors often scan resumes quickly, so ensure yours is easy to digest:
- Font: Use a clean, professional font like Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Arial.
- Font Size: Maintain a font size between 10-12 points.
- Margins: Use standard 1-inch margins.
- Layout: Keep the layout clean and uncluttered. Use clear headings and bullet points.
- Paper: Print your resume on high-quality, neutral-colored paper (typically white or off-white).
- Length: Aim for one page. Only include credits that are relevant to the roles you are seeking. If you have extensive experience, you can use the “Film” and “Theater” sections.
Utilizing the Best Acting Resume Template of 2018 (Adaptable for Today)
While specific templates may vary slightly, the best templates from 2018 focused on:
- Clarity: Prioritizing easy-to-read formatting and concise language.
- Emphasis on Experience: Highlighting roles and projects that showcase your abilities.
- Professionalism: Maintaining a polished appearance and adhering to industry standards.
- Adaptability: Allowing for adjustments based on your individual experience and the roles you are targeting.
You can find numerous free and paid acting resume templates online. Look for templates that are:
- Well-organized: With clearly defined sections and a logical flow.
- Customizable: Allowing you to easily add, remove, and rearrange sections.
- Clean and Modern: Avoiding overly decorative elements that could distract from your information.
Remember, the best template is the one that accurately reflects your experience and presents you in the most favorable light.
Tailoring Your Resume to Specific Roles
Don’t use a one-size-fits-all resume. Customize your resume for each audition.
- Prioritize Relevant Credits: If the role requires comedic timing, highlight your comedic work. If it calls for Shakespearean experience, emphasize your classical theatre credits.
- Adjust the Order: Place the most relevant experience at the top of the “Acting Experience” section.
- Omit Irrelevant Information: If a skill or credit isn’t relevant to the role, consider omitting it to save space and focus on what matters.
Updating and Maintaining Your Resume
Your acting resume is a living document. Update it regularly to reflect your latest credits, training, and skills.
- Keep it Current: Add new projects as soon as they are completed.
- Review and Revise: Regularly review your resume for accuracy and clarity.
- Proofread Carefully: Errors can make a bad impression. Proofread your resume meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about acting resumes:
- Q: What if I have limited acting experience?
- A: Focus on your training, special skills, and any relevant experience, such as student films or community theatre. Consider including a “Training” section and a “Related Experience” section to showcase your skills.
- Q: Should I include a headshot on my resume?
- A: No, the headshot should be attached to your resume or readily available.
- Q: How long should my acting resume be?
- A: Ideally, one page. However, if you have extensive experience, you can use a second page, but prioritize the most relevant information.
- Q: Can I use color on my acting resume?
- A: It’s best to stick to a classic black and white resume.
- Q: Should I list every single acting class I’ve ever taken?
- A: No. Focus on the most recent and relevant training. You can also include a “Workshops” section for additional training.
Conclusion
Creating a compelling acting resume is a crucial step in launching and maintaining your acting career. By understanding the key components, adhering to best practices, and tailoring your resume to specific roles, you can significantly increase your chances of landing auditions and achieving your acting goals. The principles of a strong resume remain constant, making templates used in 2018 still valuable today. Embrace these guidelines, continuously update your resume, and present yourself as the professional actor you aspire to be. Good luck!
