Resumes for the Performing Arts

An actor's resume, in addition to listing employment history and experience, must provide a director with the information he or she needs to make casting decisions. This includes personal information that would normally be omitted in a traditional resume. Physical characteristics, such as height, weight, and hair and eye color should be provided directly beneath your contact information. Singers should specify vocal range by note.

Professional affiliation, such as membership in the Screen Actors' Guild or Actors' Equity, is of particular importance and should be included with your contact information. Many actors in these fields work with an agency, and the agent's name and contact information should be provided. A photo should be attached, or can be added directly to the document. The resume is often printed on the back of the actor's Headshot.

The Experience section should be subdivided by category. The Theater Roles section should list characters, performances, and directors as well as the theaters at which you performed. The Television and Movie Roles section should include characters, show or movie titles, and directors. Commercials should be listed by product.

The Education section should include any professional training, specifying institution and instructor name(s). Institutions and instructors can carry particular weight in the field.

Aspiring actors have been in the forefront of utilizing the internet for self-promotion, and most working actors have their resume posted online. Actors' web pages often include links to additional photos or audio or video performance files. A number of industry specific web sites will post your resume for a fee.

Although aspiring actors pursue opportunities in very different venues from traditional job seekers, the importance of establishing a competent, professional image through a resume remains just as important in this field as in others.