Acting Resume Template 2016

Crafting a compelling acting resume is essential for landing auditions and showcasing your talent. This Acting Resume Template 2016 provides a solid foundation to highlight your experience, skills, and training in a clear and professional manner. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this template is designed to help you present yourself in the best possible light to casting directors and agents.

The template is structured to prioritize key information such as your contact details, physical attributes, performance experience (theatre, film, television, etc.), training, and special skills. By using this template, you can ensure that your resume is easy to read, well-organized, and reflects the industry standards. Remember to tailor each resume to the specific role you're applying for, highlighting the experiences and skills most relevant to that particular project.

This downloadable template comes in an easily editable format, allowing you to quickly personalize it with your own unique details. We’ve included suggested sections and formatting that have proven effective, saving you time and effort. Get ready to put your best foot forward and impress casting professionals with a polished and professional acting resume!

Acting Resume Template 2016: Overview

The acting resume template 2016 emphasizes a clean and concise presentation of your skills and experience. It focuses on showcasing your talent and relevant training in a way that is easily digestible for casting directors and agents. The goal is to quickly highlight your qualifications and make you memorable in a competitive field. The template should prioritize your acting credits, special skills, and training, keeping the layout professional and easy to read.

This template prioritizes a simple, chronological format, making it easy for readers to scan your experience. While more modern and creative templates exist, the 2016 style often leans towards a traditional approach that many industry professionals still appreciate. Key sections include your contact information, a brief summary or objective (optional), acting credits (film, television, theatre), training, special skills (accents, musical instruments, etc.), and physical attributes. The weighting of each section will depend on your experience level.

When using an acting resume template from 2016, ensure it's still relevant and up-to-date with current industry standards. While the core principles of showcasing your experience remain constant, consider updating the design elements to be more visually appealing and mobile-friendly. Consider a more modern font and layout to complement the information within. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific role you are applying for, emphasizing the skills and experience most relevant to the production.

Key Sections: Contact, Union Status, Physical Attributes

This section of your acting resume, while seemingly straightforward, provides crucial information to casting directors and agents. It's typically placed prominently at the top of the resume for easy access. Accurate and up-to-date details are essential for efficient communication and casting considerations. This section should be concise and easy to read, avoiding any unnecessary clutter.

The contact information should include your full name (or stage name), phone number, email address, and city of residence (city, state/country is usually sufficient, not a full street address). Ensure your email address is professional, and that you regularly check both your email and voicemail. Including a link to your professional website or online portfolio (if you have one) is also a good idea. Make sure those online profiles are updated and represent you favorably.

Your union status (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, Equity) is a critical piece of information for productions operating under union agreements. State your union affiliation clearly. If you are non-union, simply state "Non-Union" or leave the field blank; honesty is paramount. Providing inaccurate union status can lead to significant issues down the line. Alongside this, including physical attributes like height, weight, hair color, and eye color offers casting directors a quick visual reference. While some actors may feel uncomfortable sharing this information, it's a standard practice in the industry and helps casting directors determine if you fit the physical requirements of a role. These physical attributes should be current and accurate to avoid any surprises during auditions or on set.

Skills Section: Acting, Singing, Dance, Instruments

The skills section of an acting resume is crucial for showcasing your versatility and competency in performing arts. It's not enough to simply list your skills; you need to present them in a way that highlights your strengths and makes you a more attractive candidate for casting directors and agents. Tailor your skills list to each specific role you're applying for, prioritizing those skills that are most relevant to the character and the production. For example, if a role requires strong vocal abilities, ensure singing is prominent and detail your vocal range or specific singing styles.

Within each category (Acting, Singing, Dance, Instruments), be as specific as possible. Under "Acting," list specific acting techniques you are proficient in, such as Meisner, Stanislavski, or improv. For "Singing," specify your vocal range (e.g., Soprano, Tenor, Alto) and any particular genres you excel in (e.g., Musical Theatre, Opera, Pop). When detailing your dance skills, mention the styles you are trained in, such as ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, or contemporary. Finally, for "Instruments," list each instrument you can play and your level of proficiency (e.g., Guitar – Intermediate, Piano – Advanced).

Consider using bullet points to present your skills in a clear and easy-to-read format. This allows casting directors to quickly scan your resume and identify your key strengths. Ensure your skills are accurately represented and avoid exaggerating your abilities. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills during an audition. Think about adding any special skills such as stage combat, dialects, puppetry, or juggling, as these can set you apart from other candidates. Remember to regularly update your skills section to reflect your ongoing training and development.

Experience Section: Film, TV, Theatre, Commercials

The experience section of your acting resume is arguably the most important. It showcases your practical abilities and demonstrates to casting directors and agents what you've already accomplished. This section should be organized clearly and concisely, highlighting the roles you've played, the projects you've been involved in, and any specific skills you employed. Always prioritize the most recent and relevant experiences, ensuring that each entry provides valuable insight into your capabilities as a performer.

For each project listed, include the title of the production, the role you played, the director (if applicable and notable), and the year of production. When describing your role, focus on what you brought to the character and the production. Did you master a specific accent? Did you require physical training for the role? Did you have a particularly challenging scene that you executed successfully? Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of simply stating you were "Lead Role," consider saying, "Lead Role: Portrayed a complex character navigating a moral dilemma, requiring extensive emotional range."

It's important to categorize your experience appropriately. Subheadings like "Film," "Television," "Theatre," and "Commercials" can help the reader quickly navigate your resume and understand your experience in different mediums. Within each category, list your credits in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Even if you've only had limited experience, including student films, independent projects, or community theatre productions is valuable. Focus on the skills you developed and the experiences you gained from these projects. Tailor your experience section to the specific types of roles you are seeking. If you're applying for a theatre position, emphasize your theatre credits. If you're targeting film roles, prioritize your film experience.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2016

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2016. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Training & Education Details

This section is crucial for showcasing your formal and informal training as an actor. Casting directors and agents want to see that you've invested in honing your craft and possess a strong foundation. Include all relevant acting classes, workshops, degrees, and any specialized training you've received. Be specific about the types of techniques you studied and the instructors you worked with, particularly if they are well-regarded in the industry. Remember to list the institutions or studios where you received your training, the dates of attendance, and any certifications or qualifications earned.

When listing your training, prioritize the most recent and relevant experiences. For example, a recent masterclass with a renowned acting coach might be more impactful than a general acting course taken several years ago. Highlight any specialized skills gained through your training, such as stage combat, voice work, improvisation, or specific acting methods like Meisner or Stanislavski. These details demonstrate your versatility and dedication to the craft. Think about tailoring this section to align with the types of roles you are pursuing, emphasizing the skills and training that are most relevant to those roles.

Consider the layout of your training and education section. A well-organized presentation can significantly improve readability. Use bullet points or a clear chronological order to make the information easily digestible. Include the name of the institution or instructor, the dates of attendance, and a brief description of the course or workshop. For instance: "Stella Adler Studio of Acting - Scene Study Intensive (Summer 2015) - Focused on interpreting classic and contemporary texts." Be sure to accurately represent your training and education, avoiding any embellishments or exaggerations that could be easily verified. Authenticity is key in this industry.

Formatting & Layout Best Practices

The formatting and layout of your acting resume are crucial for making a positive first impression. In a competitive field, a clean, professional, and easy-to-read resume demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for the casting director's time. Avoid cluttered designs or overly creative fonts that can distract from your qualifications. The goal is to present your experience and skills clearly and concisely, allowing casting directors to quickly assess your suitability for a role.

Prioritize readability by using a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in a size between 10 and 12 points. Maintain consistent margins (typically 1 inch) and ample white space to prevent your resume from appearing dense. Utilize bolding, italics, and capitalization strategically to highlight key information, such as character names, theatre names, and special skills. Avoid using excessive underlining, which can make the resume appear dated. A well-organized layout will guide the reader's eye through your experience and make it easy to find the information they need.

Keep your acting resume concise and focused. For most actors, a one-page resume is sufficient. Only experienced actors with extensive credits should consider a two-page resume. Tailor your resume to each specific role you are applying for, highlighting the experience and skills that are most relevant to the production. For example, if a role requires singing and dancing, emphasize your musical theatre experience. Remove or de-emphasize less relevant roles or skills that don't directly support your application. A targeted resume demonstrates your understanding of the project and your suitability for the role.

When listing your acting credits, use a consistent format for each entry. Include the title of the production, the role you played, the director (optional), and the name of the theatre or production company. Use a separate section to list your training, including the names of your instructors and the institutions you attended. In the "Skills" section, be specific and accurate. List any special skills that could be valuable in a performance, such as dialects, accents, musical instruments, dance styles, or stage combat. Honesty is essential, as casting directors may ask you to demonstrate these skills during an audition.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2016

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2016. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Updating an older template

If you're dusting off your 2016 acting resume template, it's crucial to bring it into the present day. The acting industry evolves rapidly, and so do resume expectations. An outdated template can inadvertently signal a lack of awareness of current trends and best practices to casting directors and agents.

The first step is to review the visual design. While creative fields offer more leeway than corporate ones, a dated template can still look unprofessional. Evaluate the use of fonts, colors, and overall layout. Are they modern and easy to read? Consider switching to a cleaner, more streamlined design that emphasizes readability and showcases your key qualifications effectively. Pay attention to negative space and ensure the resume isn’t overly cluttered.

Content updates are equally vital. Have you added new roles, skills, or training since 2016? Be sure to incorporate these, highlighting your most recent and relevant experiences. Update your skills section to reflect current industry standards, including any new software or techniques you've learned. It's also crucial to tailor your resume to each specific role you're applying for, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the job description. This goes beyond simply changing the objective statement; it involves strategically highlighting relevant accomplishments and reordering sections to prioritize what matters most to the specific casting director or agent.

Finally, optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Many casting agencies and production companies now use ATS to screen resumes. Ensure your resume includes relevant keywords from the job description and that it's formatted in a way that the ATS can easily parse. Use standard fonts, avoid excessive formatting, and save your resume as a PDF to preserve its formatting across different systems. A modern, ATS-friendly resume will significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2016

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2016. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

FAQs

Choosing the right acting resume template can feel overwhelming. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process and create a resume that showcases your talent and experience effectively.

What information should I include in my acting resume? Beyond the basics like your name and contact information, your resume should prominently feature your physical characteristics (height, weight, hair color, eye color), acting experience (theatre, film, television, commercials), training (acting classes, workshops, degrees), special skills (singing, dancing, accents, instruments), and any relevant affiliations (SAG-AFTRA, Equity). Be sure to tailor it to each specific role or audition.

How should I format my acting resume? Consistency and clarity are key. Use a clean, easy-to-read font (like Arial or Times New Roman) and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. The order of sections is usually physical characteristics, experience, training, and special skills, but prioritize the sections most relevant to the specific role. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and contributions in each role. Keep it concise and easy for casting directors to scan quickly.

What if I have limited experience? If you're just starting out, focus on highlighting your training, special skills, and any student films or community theatre productions you've been involved in. Include any workshops or classes you've taken that demonstrate your commitment to the craft. Consider including a section for related experience, such as background work or volunteer experience that demonstrates your work ethic and professionalism. Don't be afraid to showcase your passion and potential, even if your formal experience is limited.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2016

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2016. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Crafting Your Winning Resume: The Final Act

We hope this acting resume template has provided you with a strong foundation for showcasing your talent and experience. Remember to tailor this template to each specific role you're applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the casting director's needs. A polished and personalized resume can make all the difference in landing your next audition!

This template is just a starting point. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fonts, layouts, and wording to find a presentation that truly reflects your unique personality and brand. We encourage you to revisit our site for more tips, tricks, and resources to help you on your journey to acting success. Break a leg!