Acting Resume Template 2017

Crafting a compelling acting resume can feel like a performance in itself! It's your chance to showcase your talent, experience, and unique skills to casting directors and agents. But knowing where to start, what to include, and how to present it all in a professional and engaging manner can be daunting. This Acting Resume Template 2017 provides a structured framework to help you build a standout resume that effectively highlights your strengths and secures those crucial auditions.

This template focuses on the industry standards and expectations prevalent in 2017, offering a clear and concise format to present your credits, training, and special skills. While acting is an evolving field, the core elements of a strong resume remain consistent: readability, accurate information, and a strategic presentation of your experience. Think of this template as a powerful starting point – adapt it to your individual brand and use it as a foundation to build a document that truly represents you.

Ready to put your best foot forward? This template is designed to be user-friendly and easily customizable. Simply fill in your specific details, tailoring it to reflect your unique journey as an actor. Let's help you create a resume that captures your potential and opens doors to exciting opportunities!

Why use an acting resume template 2017?

While the year 2017 might seem outdated, using an "acting resume template 2017" can still be beneficial for a few key reasons. First, it provides a basic framework for structuring your acting resume, ensuring you include all the essential information like your contact details, physical characteristics, acting experience, training, and special skills. Even if you later customize it, a template gives you a starting point and helps avoid overlooking crucial sections.

Secondly, many "acting resume template 2017" options focus on clarity and conciseness. The entertainment industry favors resumes that are easy to read and quickly highlight relevant experience. These templates often prioritize showcasing your credits and training in a straightforward manner, allowing casting directors to quickly assess your suitability for a role. While design trends evolve, the fundamental principles of a well-organized and informative acting resume remain timeless.

Finally, reviewing a 2017 template can serve as a valuable exercise in identifying the core elements of a strong acting resume. It allows you to critically evaluate your own resume and ensure that it adheres to industry standards in terms of content and presentation. Remember that while the template itself might be a starting point, tailoring it to your unique experience and the specific requirements of each audition is crucial. Don't be afraid to adapt and update the template to reflect your current skills and career goals, even if you're using it as a base.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Physical Characteristics section guidelines

The "Physical Characteristics" section on an acting resume serves a crucial purpose: to provide casting directors with essential information about your appearance. This section helps them quickly assess whether you fit the physical requirements of a particular role. It's vital to be accurate and truthful, as discrepancies could lead to wasted audition time or, worse, being cast in a role you’re ill-suited for.

When completing this section, be precise. Include your height (in feet and inches), weight (in pounds), hair color, and eye color. Some actors also include measurements (chest, waist, hips for women; chest, waist for men), but this is less common, especially at the start of your career. Consider whether these details are commonly asked for in the types of roles you're pursuing. If so, including them can save time and streamline the casting process.

While honesty is paramount, keep the presentation concise and professional. Avoid subjective descriptions (e.g., "striking eyes," "athletic build"). Stick to the facts. If you have unique features or characteristics that could be relevant to casting (e.g., distinctive tattoos, a visible scar), consider including them, but only if they're versatile and not limiting. Remember that the goal is to provide a clear and objective snapshot of your physical appearance.

Acting Experience formatting (Theater, Film, TV)

The Acting Experience section is the core of your acting resume. This section showcases your previous roles and demonstrates your acting abilities to casting directors and agents. It's crucial to present this information in a clear, concise, and professional manner, highlighting your most relevant and impressive credits. Tailor your experience section to each specific role you are applying for by emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the production's needs. For example, if you are applying for a role that requires strong comedic timing, emphasize your comedic roles and any related skills in your description.

When formatting your acting experience, separate your credits into categories: Theater, Film, and Television. Within each category, list your roles in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each role, include the following information: the title of the production, the role you played, the director (if applicable, especially for film and TV), and the theater or production company. Be consistent in your formatting throughout your resume. Using a clear and easy-to-read font, and maintaining consistent spacing, makes your resume visually appealing and easy for casting directors to quickly scan.

Consider adding brief descriptions of your roles, focusing on the skills and qualities you brought to the character. Use action verbs to describe your performance, such as "portrayed," "embodied," "developed," or "transformed." Highlight any specific challenges you overcame or achievements you attained in the role. If you have limited professional experience, include student productions, workshops, or community theater roles. Don't be afraid to showcase your passion for acting, even if your credits are not all from major productions. Remember, your resume is a marketing tool to sell your skills and abilities to potential employers. Always proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling, as this can detract from your professionalism.

Training and Education details

This section is crucial for showcasing your acting foundation and continuous development. Casting directors and agents want to see that you've invested in your craft and are committed to professional growth. Include all relevant training, workshops, masterclasses, and academic achievements that have contributed to your acting skills. Think beyond formal degrees; relevant workshops and intensive courses can be just as valuable, especially if they focus on specific skills like voice acting, improvisation, or stage combat.

When listing your training and education, provide specific details. Don't just say "Acting Class." Include the name of the instructor or institution, the dates you attended, and the specific focus of the course. For example, "Meisner Technique Workshop - Stella Adler Studio of Acting - Summer 2016." If you received a degree, such as a BFA in Theatre, include the university name and graduation year. Mention any special skills or techniques you learned that are relevant to the roles you're seeking. This helps the reader quickly assess your qualifications and understand your acting background.

Prioritize the most relevant and recent training. While older training might still be important, focusing on your most recent experiences demonstrates that you are actively honing your skills. If you have a long list of training and education, consider creating two subsections: "Formal Education" and "Additional Training." This organization makes it easier for casting directors to quickly find the information they're looking for. Remember, your training and education section is a testament to your dedication and preparedness for the acting profession. Tailor the details to each role you apply for, highlighting the experiences that are most relevant to the specific demands of the part.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Resume Example: acting resume template 2017

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to acting resume template 2017. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Resume Length and File Type (PDF vs. Doc)

In the acting world, brevity is often appreciated. While other industries might allow for a two-page resume for seasoned professionals, an acting resume should almost always be contained to a single page, especially early in your career. Casting directors and agents often sift through hundreds of submissions, and they need to be able to quickly grasp your experience and suitability for a role. Prioritize your most relevant and impressive credits, skills, and training to make the most of the limited space. Think quality over quantity – showcase your best work and cut anything that doesn't directly support your acting profile.

When it comes to file format, the industry standard is PDF (Portable Document Format). PDFs ensure that your resume appears exactly as you intended, regardless of the operating system or software used to open it. Unlike .doc or .docx files, PDFs maintain formatting integrity, preventing unwanted shifts in layout or fonts. This is crucial for presenting a professional and polished image. Additionally, PDFs are generally smaller in file size, making them easier to email and download, which is a definite advantage when dealing with casting calls that specify file size limitations.

While PDFs are the preferred choice for visual consistency, it's wise to keep a master copy of your resume in a .doc or .docx format. This allows for easy editing and updating as you gain new experience or tailor your resume to specific roles. Regularly review and revise your resume to ensure it's current and accurately reflects your skills and accomplishments. Once you've made your edits, save it as a PDF before submitting it to potential employers or agents.

Here's a simple rule of thumb: edit and maintain your resume as a .doc or .docx, but always submit it as a PDF unless explicitly instructed otherwise. This ensures a professional presentation and compatibility across different platforms. Remember to name your PDF file clearly and professionally, using your name and perhaps a keyword, such as "JaneDoe_ActingResume.pdf".

In summary, keep your acting resume concise (typically one page), and always submit it as a PDF file to preserve formatting and ensure compatibility. A well-crafted and appropriately formatted resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, increasing your chances of making a positive first impression.

FAQs

This section addresses frequently asked questions about using an acting resume template for the year 2017. While resume formats remain relatively consistent, certain industry standards and expectations can shift. Understanding these nuances is crucial for presenting yourself effectively and increasing your chances of securing auditions.

One common question revolves around the inclusion of physical characteristics. For acting resumes, it's generally acceptable and expected to include your height, weight, hair color, and eye color. This helps casting directors quickly assess whether you fit the physical requirements of a role. However, be mindful of how this information is presented; keep it concise and professional, typically located near your contact information.

Another frequent question concerns the "Special Skills" section. This is your opportunity to showcase talents that set you apart, such as accents, dialects, musical instruments, dance styles, stage combat, or any other unique abilities. Be truthful and specific. If you claim to be proficient in a skill, be prepared to demonstrate it. Avoid generic terms like "acting" or "singing," and instead focus on specific sub-categories like "Mezzo-Soprano" or "Shakespearean Acting."

Finally, remember to tailor your resume to each specific role. While a template provides a framework, always customize it to highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to the production you're applying for. Prioritize the roles that showcase the qualities casting directors are seeking. A well-crafted, targeted resume demonstrates your genuine interest and increases your competitiveness.

Ready to Land the Role?

We hope this acting resume template for 2017 has provided you with a solid foundation. Remember to tailor this template to each specific role you're applying for, highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences. Proofread carefully and ensure your headshot is current and professional!

As you gain more experience and acquire new skills, don't hesitate to revisit this template and update your resume accordingly. We'll continue to provide resources and updates to help you succeed in your acting career. Good luck with your auditions!