Acting Resume for Beginners: Format, Examples, and Tips

An acting resume tells casting directors and agents who you are, what you have done, and what you can do. When you are just starting out, it can feel impossible to fill a page. The truth is that every working actor once had a thin resume. What matters is that yours is honest, clean, and easy to read.

Standard acting resume format

Keep it to one page, sized to fit the back of an 8 by 10 headshot if you print it. Include these sections in this order:

1. Name: large and clear at the top.
2. Contact information: email and phone, or your agent’s contact details if you have representation. Do not list your home address.
3. Union status: for example SAG-AFTRA or non union, if applicable.
4. Physical details: height, and hair and eye color. Many actors leave out weight and age.
5. Film and television: project title, your role type, and the production company or director.
6. Theater: production title, role, and theater company.
7. Commercials: often listed simply as “list available upon request” to avoid conflicts.
8. Training: classes, workshops, coaches, and schools.
9. Special skills: accents, languages, sports, instruments, dance styles, licenses, and other real abilities.

What to include with no experience

• School plays, community theater, and church or camp productions.
• Student films and independent projects.
• Acting classes and workshops, including online courses with reputable teachers.
• Related experience such as public speaking, improv, dance, or singing.
• Specific special skills. “Fluent Spanish,” “horseback riding,” and “juggling” are more useful than “good with people.”

Formatting tips

• Use a clean, readable font and consistent columns.
• List your strongest credits first within each section.
• Never exaggerate or invent credits. The industry is small and casting teams check.
• Save a PDF with your name in the file name.
• Update it every time you complete a project or class.

Kids’ acting resumes

For children, include the child’s name, a parent’s contact information, age range or date of birth only if requested, height, hair and eye color, any experience, training, and fun special skills like gymnastics, singing, or playing an instrument.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make an acting resume with no experience?

List your training, any school or community productions, student films, and specific special skills. A short honest resume is better than a padded one.

Should I put my age on an acting resume?

Most adult actors leave age off and let casting judge their playable age range from the headshot.

What special skills should I list?

Real, specific abilities such as languages, accents, sports, instruments, dance styles, stage combat, or a valid driver license.

How long should an acting resume be?

One page. It is usually trimmed to 8 by 10 inches to attach to the back of a printed headshot.

Written by the Actors Models Wanted editorial team. Last updated September 2026.