Actor Resume Examples
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, actors typically work on short-term projects. The fluidity of an actor’s work schedule means there are often opportunities for new projects coming up. Crafting a new resume for each job is easier with LiveCareer’s actor resume examples, which show you what to write and how to organize your document to make an impact.
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What is a Actor?
Actors are performers in settings such as theater, film or television programs. They take on roles in various forms of entertainment, like plays, TV shows, commercials, movies or internet channels. Actors perform in dramatic scenes, comedies, musicals and more. They must sometimes learn special skills or train for new roles, such as a different accent or combat training. These performers usually work together with a cast of other actors on a project. In some cases, they may also sing, dance or model.
What Makes This a Great
Actor Resume Example?
Actors with well-written resumes often find it easier to land roles and enjoy their careers. The step-by-step guidance from LiveCareer quickly allows busy actors to generate custom resumes for each part. Our actor resume examples give job seekers industry-specific examples to sway casting directors. Our tools help in the following ways:
- Examples of job-specific content: Past job history, professional summary and the actor’s skills are impactful sections to potential hiring managers. Our resume examples show you samples of professionally-written content for this industry, such as “increase streaming ratings” and “earned producer credit,” to convince casting agents the applicant has what it takes. Use the examples as inspiration or check out our Resume Builder, which will offer pre-written content suggestions, crafted by certified resume writers, for each section of your resume.
- Resume format options: Our resume examples demonstrate to job seekers which format works best for their professional level. The combination format in this example places both the applicant’s extensive background in the entertainment industry and skills in modeling and creativity in the spotlight. If you want other parts of your background to take center stage, a different resume format might be more appropriate for you.
- Choice of resume template: This template is smart and attention-grabbing with bright blue elements, which is perfect for a creative field like acting. However, if you are applying for a job with a more conservative employer, like a Shakespeare theater company, you might choose a more traditional resume template.
3 Actor Professional Summary Examples
Actors with a strong, convincing professional summary put themselves in a better position to attain the best parts. This is the part of the resume where you can make an elevator pitch about your talents and experience. Read over our actor resume examples for more ideas about crafting a persuasive statement.
Here are three examples of actor professional summaries to consider for your resume:
- Established character actor with 25 years of history working on Broadway in over 30 shows. Able to transform into a variety of roles, from teens to seniors. Experienced with stage combat, weapons handling and working with live animals.
- Award-winning actor with more than 12 years performing in film and television. Proficient with speaking in numerous different dialects and accents. Experience with fast-paced sets and multimillion-dollar big-budget blockbuster movies.
- Talented comedic actor with a background on the stage and in television. Gifted at improvisation, physical comedy and comedic timing. Reliable team player and committed artist for the past seven years.
3 Actor Work Experience Examples
For the work history section, get the benefit of using our helpful actor resume examples, which provide potential job history entries. Or, consider using our Resume Builder, which will suggest professionally-crafted pre-written content. Here are three additional work history bullet points for you to consider using in your actor resume:
- Performed lead roles in the Boston Shakespeare in the Park series on an outdoor stage.
- Originated roles in five Tony-award-winning Broadway musicals.
- Worked with the stunt coordinator on fight scenes and choreography for a film shoot in a major action feature film.
Top Skills for Your Actor Resume
Casting agents and directors want actors with a wide range of proficiencies. The actor resume examples offer many skills suggestions. Filling in relevant skills for an acting role is also quick and simple with our Resume Builder, taking out the guesswork.
Here are common desirable hard and soft skills for actors:
Hard Skills
- Trained dancer
- Voiceover techniques
- Stage experience
- Ability to cry on cue
Soft Skills
- Athletic and fit
- Prompt and dependable
- Strong work ethic
- High energy
Building Your Actor Resume with Our Builder:
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Actor FAQs
- How do you format an acting resume?
- How do you list roles on an acting resume?
- Can you put extra work on your acting resume?
How do you format an acting resume?
Actor applicants may choose either a chronological, functional or combination format. Actors without experience may want to choose the functional style that focuses more on skills, while experienced artists can opt for the chronological format to show off their past career successes. Most actors also place their best headshot, or picture, on their resume to give casting directors an idea of their physical look.
How do you list roles on an acting resume?
For an acting resume, professionals should include their most noteworthy job experiences. Actors may include their past roles in television, film and theater. It’s best to start with the most recent and work backward. Include the name of the project, the acting role, the type of part, the director or production company and the shoot or theater location in the resume.
Can you put extra work on your acting resume?
While extra work is a great way to gain experience on a film set, it’s generally not necessary to include these details on a professional resume. Instead, focus more on feature roles and big parts, even if the production was something small, like community theater or a student film. These principal roles are better representations of an actor’s range and skills than limited work as an extra.
