Insider Acting Tip #9

The Perfect Resume-Part 1

by Tony Nation

Now that you’ve got some acting training and credits under your belt, your headshot and resume are your TWO most important tools in your show business arsenal. Your resume is not only your body of work, it’s also your list of referrals. Here are some tips for creating the PERFECT RESUME.

Everybody has a NAME, and yours should be in the largest letters you can get, right at the top of the page. Whether it’s in the center or on the left-hand side is a personal preference, just as long as it immediately catches the eye. Traditionally, whatever union affiliation you have goes directly below your name.  If you have no unions, you can opt to put your BEST CONTACT NUMBER/CELLPHONE there (we all have one of those).

NEVER put your home phone number on your resume-you never know who is going to get their hands it! Let your voicemail filter out the weirdos! Whatever you decide, place the number prominently either below your name, or on the LEFT side of the resume (since the eye reads left to right).

List your EMAIL ADDRESS under the phone number. That’s the #1 way you’re going to be contacted about auditions and interviews. When your contact number isn’t working, this is a great alternative to getting in contact with you. Also include your WEBSITE ADDRESS if you have one underneath your EMAIL ADDRESS.

VITAL STATISTICS should be on the right side-height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes. You may wonder why this is important. Well, sometimes casting directors MUST have an actor of a certain height or hair/eye coloring.

DO NOT put your SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER on your resume! Identity theft is a huge problem in the US, don’t let it happen to you!

DO NOT put “ACTOR” or “ACTOR, SINGER, DANCER” or “ACTOR, SINGER, DANCER, MODEL, DIRECTOR”—it’s redundant. The industry should be able to tell by reading your first, few credits whether you’re a legit or musical theater performer.

DO NOT include an age or age range. If they cannot tell your age by looking at your picture, then your photo isn’t working for you!

DO NOT include your clothes sizes; it brands you as a model (or background actor)!

DO NOT lie about roles or credits on your resume!!!

Looking for more great insider acting tips? Learn more of the ins and outs of auditions, resumes, and more by attending some of our online acting seminars.

For more information on how to navigate the business part of being an actor, check out the The Biz tab under Acting Classes and Seminars.