Actor Resume: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia

Actor Resume (Text Version)

What is The Best Format for an Actor Resume?

For Actor resumes in Australia, the format differs significantly from traditional business resumes. Your acting resume should be one page only and attached to the back of your headshot. This industry-standard approach ensures casting directors can quickly assess your experience alongside your physical appearance.

Essential Resume Format Guidelines:

• Font: Clean, readable fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri
• Font size: 10-11pt for body text, 14-18pt for your name, 11-12pt for section headings
• Margins: 1.25-2cm on all sides to maximise space while maintaining readability
• Length: Strictly one page (unlike other professions, actors must be concise)
• File type: PDF when submitting digitally, but often printed and attached to headshots

Essential Resume Sections:

Header: Include your full name (larger font), contact information, website/reel link, location, and vital statistics (height, hair colour, eye colour, age range). Never include your actual age or date of birth.

Film & Television: List your screen credits in reverse chronological order, including role type, production name, network/production company, and director’s name.

Theatre: Your stage experience, listing character name, play title, theatre company, and director. Include both professional and significant amateur productions.

Training: Your formal acting education, ongoing classes, workshops, and coaching. This section is crucial as it demonstrates your commitment to craft development.

Special Skills: Unique abilities that could make you right for specific roles — accents, languages, physical skills, musical talents, and other marketable abilities.

What Experience Should Be on Your Actor Resume?

Your experience section should showcase your range, professionalism, and growth as a performer. Australian casting directors want to see that you can work professionally on set or stage, take direction well, and bring authentic characters to life. Focus on credited roles, reputable theatre companies, and notable directors or production companies.

List your most impressive and recent work first within each category. Include the role type (Lead, Supporting, Principal, Featured Extra), production name, network or theatre company, and director’s name. If you’re working with recognisable Australian directors, networks, or theatre companies, this adds significant credibility. Don’t pad your resume with student films or amateur productions unless they’re exceptionally high quality or you’re just starting out.

Entry-Level Actor Resume Samples [Experience]

If you’re just starting your acting career, focus on your training, student productions, fringe theatre, and any professional experience, even if it’s small roles. Quality matters more than quantity — one professional credit is worth more than ten amateur productions.

How to Write the Education Section for your Actor Resume

Training is absolutely critical for actors in Australia, where formal education and ongoing skill development are highly respected by industry professionals. Your education section demonstrates your commitment to the craft and provides credibility, especially early in your career. Include your primary acting training, any prestigious workshops, and ongoing professional development. Australian casting directors particularly value graduates from respected institutions like NIDA, VCA, QUT, or WAAPA, so highlight these credentials prominently. Don’t forget to include any relevant tertiary education, even if it’s outside of acting, as it shows your intelligence and ability to commit to long-term goals.

Actor Resume Example [Education]

How to Write the Skills Section for your Actor Resume

Your special skills section is where you showcase the unique abilities that could make you perfect for specific roles. Australian productions often have tight budgets and timelines, so actors who can bring additional skills to a production are highly valued. Include skills that are performance-related, physically demanding, or culturally specific. Aim for 8-15 skills that are genuinely marketable and that you can perform confidently on camera or stage. Be honest about your skill levels — you may be asked to demonstrate them at auditions.

Actor Resume Skills (Hard Skills)

• Accents & Dialects: British RP, American Standard, Irish, Scottish, Australian Regional
• Languages: Spanish (Fluent), Mandarin (Conversational), Sign Language (Basic)
• Musical Instruments: Guitar (Advanced), Piano (Intermediate), Drums (Basic)
• Vocal Range: Soprano/Tenor, Belt to High C, Harmony singing
• Dance Styles: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballroom, Tap
• Stage Combat: Unarmed combat, Sword fighting, Firearms handling (certified)
• Physical Skills: Rock climbing, Swimming, Horse riding, Martial arts
• Licences: Car licence, Motorcycle licence, Boat licence, Working with Children Check

Actor Resume Skills (Soft Skills)

• Character Development: Creating authentic, multi-dimensional characters
• Improvisation: Quick thinking and spontaneous character choices
• Collaboration: Working effectively with directors, fellow actors, and crew
• Emotional Range: Accessing and portraying complex emotional states
• Adaptability: Adjusting performance based on direction and scene partners
• Memorisation: Quick line learning and retention under pressure
• Physical Expression: Using body language and movement to enhance character
• Professional Reliability: Punctuality, preparation, and positive set/stage presence

How to pick the best Actor skills:

1. Focus on marketable abilities: Choose skills that casting directors actively seek for Australian productions
2. Be specific and honest: “Guitar (Advanced)” is better than just “Musical” — you may need to prove it
3. Consider current industry trends: Action skills, diverse accents, and digital literacy are increasingly valuable
4. Match your type: Leading man types might emphasise athletic skills; character actors might focus on quirky abilities
5. Update regularly: Add new skills as you develop them through training and experience

Actor Resume Examples [Skills]

Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Actor Resume?

Additional sections can strengthen your Actor resume by demonstrating your versatility and professionalism. However, space is limited on a one-page resume, so only include sections that add genuine value to your candidacy.

Awards and Honours from reputable competitions or institutions show recognition of your talent. Professional Associations like Equity (MEAA) demonstrate your industry commitment. Commercial work can be listed separately if you have significant credits. Voice-over experience is increasingly valuable with the growth of podcasts and animation. Teaching or coaching experience shows depth of knowledge and communication skills. Volunteer work with performance elements or community theatre involvement adds character depth.

Actor Resume Examples [Other Sections]

Tip: You can also include relevant creative projects (like writing or directing), comedy experience (improv groups, stand-up), voice-over work, or any performance-related volunteer work that demonstrates your range and commitment to the craft.

How to write an Actor Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Unlike traditional resumes, actors typically don’t include a professional summary or objective statement. Your headshot, credits, and training speak for themselves. However, if you’re transitioning from another career or have limited credits, a brief 2-3 line statement can provide context about your background and goals.

If you do include a summary, focus on your training, any unique background that informs your acting, and your commitment to the craft. Keep it concise and avoid generic statements about being “passionate” or “dedicated” — your credits and training should demonstrate this.

Actor Resume Summary Examples

For most actors, especially those with established credits, it’s better to skip the summary entirely and let your experience speak for itself. Use that valuable space for additional credits or training instead.

Entry-Level Actor Resume Summary Examples

Ready to create a standout Actor resume? Remember, your resume works hand-in-hand with your headshot — together they form your calling card in the industry. Invest in professional headshots that capture your essence and casting range, as these are often more important than your resume in getting you through the door.

Submit your materials through Casting Networks Australia, StarNow, and directly to casting directors and agents. Build relationships with industry professionals by attending Screen Producers Australia events, AACTA screenings, and theatre opening nights. Network authentically and support other actors’ work — the Australian entertainment industry is smaller than you think, and reputation matters immensely.

Your Actor resume should position you as a trained, professional, and reliable performer ready to bring characters to life. With the right format, compelling credits, and industry awareness, you’ll be well-equipped to catch the attention of casting directors and land those crucial auditions that could launch your acting career in Australia.