One of the things that the casting director and agents look for starts with the small piece of paper that you hand to them when you go to your acting audition. You should also not forget to bring one when you move to your next acting job.
What you put on your acting résumé says a lot about you. One significant thing you should take note about an acting résumé is that it should only be one page. Put only the noteworthy acting jobs, training, and skills that will give you a cut above the rest.
Here are the important things that you should be putting on your résumé.
Your professional name is the name that you want to be known for. It could be a formulated name that you have been using during your acting gigs or your real name. Pick anything that works and sounds good for you. Stick to one as this will be the name that you will keep on using as you go along. This comes in handy for casting directors and agents who would pick your name once they find you are suitable for a role.
Do not forget to give out some of your information. One important thing is your contact details. Make sure that your address and contact information, be it your mobile phone or your telephone, are up to date. Keep your lines open should you be called for an interview or any update on your audition. Include other personal information such as your height, weight, race, eye color, hair color, and associations or unions.
It is important that you are able to pick preeminent acting experiences to put in your résumé. Remember that a professional actor’s résumé should not consume more than one page. Generally, this section should be divided into three divisions: film and television, theater, and commercial. Highlight only the sections in which you have acting experiences in. Indicate the title of the project, your role, and what the project is all about. (Even participation in student films is worth the mention.) Indicate the director of the projects. List your experiences with the most recent on the top.
Indicate the schools you have trained in. It is also important to mention any reputable training or workshop and with whom it was done. Casting directors and agents always take a closer look in this section.
Can speak other languages? Can do acrobatic stunts and break dancing? You’ll be surprised at how many of favorite actors are actually able to sing and dance and other skills other than acting. Like John Travolta, the guy actually has his dancing skills to show off. This special part of the acting résumé is where you can put everything there is that directors would want to have in an actor. It could be dancing, singing, and stunt works. This section will also help directors in screening applicants for the same role. Driving is even called a special skill, so put that on your résumé. Showcase any skills aside from acting that would be fit to the character you might be portraying, may it be a lead or supporting one.
The way you craft your acting résumé says a lot about how suitable you are for the role you are auditioning for. So it is highly advisable that you give more emphasis to the ones that would make you the best pick.
However, it is best to keep your facts straight in your résumé. Remember that once you lie about anything in it, there is a big chance that acting directors and agents will be less interested with you, so be honest.
Always remember not to put too much information, especially irrelevant ones. You must always project professionalism even in writing your actor’s résumé. Do not be too conscious with how many pieces of information you put in there. It is okay if there is not so much you can show, especially if you are just starting out.
For beginners, just underscore the important training and projects you have done. Do not forget to put other relevant information. Focus on what is needed. Should you want something more to attend, participate even in simple and small community projects, be it in a church or community choir.
Your résumé is one way to market yourself, so it should be well-crafted. Make sure to pay attention to the things stressed above, and you will have the paper that could take you to the door of a successful acting career.
If your résumé is ready, you can already head on to ExploreTalent, the largest talent resource site on the Internet, where you can find thousands of acting auditions and jobs every day.