Acting CV Template and Guide: 20+ Examples and Writing Tips

Why do most actor CVs bomb?

It’s basic.

They don’t catch the casting director’s eye.

But—

You can do it if you take the time to think about (and list) your biggest roles.

This guide will show you:

• An acting CV sample better than most.
• How to list roles on an acting CV.
• How to write a CV for actors that can land your dream gig.
• How to list special skills on your actors CV.

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Do your talents need something different than an actor CV? See our other guides:

• Film CV
• Theatre CV
• Visual Artist CV

• Videographer CV
• Makeup Artist CV
• Music CV
• Dance CV
• Production Assistant CV

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our CV Examples for Over 200 Jobs.

Acting CV Template You Can Copy and Use

Now here’s how to make an acting CV they’ll love:

1. Start With the Best Acting CV Format

Actors play characters on TV, in movies, or in theatre productions. They may also work in commercials or infomercials, or in amusement parks. To get work, an actor CV must show credits that closely match the roles you are auditioning for.

But—

You can’t just toss your best screen and stage moments in a blender and land great roles.

Use these CV formatting tips to stay in character:

Acting CV Format

• Use good CV fonts like Calibri or Didot in 10–12pt.
• Add white space and include 1-inch margins.
• Write a 2+ page CVif you’ve got tonnes of impressive, matching credits.
• Use these CV sections: Header, Objective, Acting Credits, Education, Special Skills, Training, Awards, and “Additional.”

Expert Hint: Save your acting CV as a PDF. They play well on all devices (tablets, laptops, and phones). But make sure the casting call doesn’t nix them.

2. How to Include a Headshot with an Actor CV

Yes, you need a headshot with an acting CV.

You can:

1. Print it on the back of your CV.
2. Staple it to the back of your CV.
3. Tape it to the back of your CV.

The best way depends on how you get your headshots.

If you print them at home, print them on the back of your CV.

Does your photographer mail your headshots to you? Staple them to the back — at all four corners.

Big tip:

Don’t use a glue stick. They can make your CV or headshot wrinkly.

Expert Hint: If you print your headshot on the back of your acting CV, only make a couple at a time. That way if you need to update your CV, you’re not stuck with tossing copies in the trash.

3. Write an Acting CV Objective or Summary

Yikes.

The casting director probably won’t read your actors CV.

She’ll skim it.

Unless—

You hook her like the first scene of Vertigo. Do it with a well-written acting CV objective or summary.

Include:

1. One adjective (passionate, talented, hard-working)
2. Job title (Actor)
3. Years of experience (3+, 5+)
4. Best few roles (GAME OF THRONES, STRANGER THINGS)

These child actor CV examples show how:

Acting CV Summary—Example

Hard-working child actor with 5+ years of experience in productions like GAME OF THRONES and STRANGER THINGS. Seeking to portray Suzi in THE BIG BANG THEORY. Friendly, energetic team player with theatre experience in THE LION KING and FROZEN, and special skills in dance, singing, and screenwriting.

Talented, experienced child actor with high-level skill set and deep experience in prime-time TV shows, as well as experience in well-known theatre productions.

Lauds, meet sklaundre.

The first of those actor CV samples will make directors itch to call you. The second is phoning it in.

Acting CV for Beginners [Objective Example]

Writing a beginner acting CV?

There’s a way that works.

You may not have Broadway credits, but—

You’ve done some acting you can list.

This beginner actor CV objective shows the way:

Passionate actor with BFA in Cinema and Television Arts from Columbia University and professional experience in stage and screen acting. Backed by a reputation for dedication to the craft and a network of theatre and television contacts.

So you’re no Tom Hanks. But you’ve been paid for a few gigs, even if it was only pennies or free beer. That’s still professional experience.

Expert Hint: Don’t write your actor’s CV summary or objective first. That’s like making the trailer for a film before the film’s been shot.

4. How to List Roles on Acting CVs

Should you show every role you’ve ever had?

No.

Nobody needs that much backstory.

So, list your best few roles that fit the one you’re angling for.

That’s called tailoring a CV.

Here are the types of roles you can show as your professional experience:

Types of Credits for Acting CVs

Theatre

• Broadway
• Off-Broadway
• Shakespeare
• Musicals
• Regional Theatre
• And so on...

Film

• Feature Film
• Short Film
• TV Movie
• TV Series
• Documentary
• And so on...

Types of Roles for Acting CVs

Speaking

• Lead
• Principle
• Supporting
• Guest Star (TV)
• Voiceover

Non-Speaking

• Featured
• Extra
• Stunt Performer
• Stunt Double
• Body Double

These professional acting CV examples show the format:

Roles on Acting CV [Sample]

Casting director wants someone who can work as a guest star or co-star in a major TV serial.

Acting Credits 

Television

GAME OF THRONES    Guest Star   HBO (Dir. David Benioff)

STRANGER THINGS   Co-Star   Netflix (Dir. Matt and Ross Duffer)

SHADOWHUNTERS   Supporting   Freeform (Dir. Ed Decter)

Theatre

HEAD OVER HEELS   Mopsa   (Dir. Christine Russell)

NATIVE SON   Bessie Mears   The Touring Acting Company (Dir. Namby Kelley)

THE BLACK CLOWN   Ensemble   Gerald Lynch Theatre (Dir. Zack Wincour)

Actor

Chicago

2016–2017

• Played Mary Sunshine in the Chicago production in Phoenix Theatre.
• Commended for attention to detail.
• Assisted crew with stage direction.

Wow.

The first of those actor CV examples gets a standing ovation. It shows exactly what the producers are after.

The second gets a “rotten” score.

Writing a beginner acting CV?

Beginners Acting CV Roles List [Sample]

Got no acting chops at all? Add scenes you worked on in school. List your teacher as director:

• Scenes from GAME OF THRONES Advanced Acting Film Class (dir. John Barthel)
• Scenes from INDIANA JONES Acting Film Class (dir. Sara Miller)
• Scenes from THE BIG BANG THEORY Acting Film Class (dir. Jane Alton)

Waitress

• Demonstrated strong work ethic.
• Collaborated closely with coworkers.
• Proved dependability in daily work.

Make sure you get that right.

You can’t just show experience from other jobs in acting CVs.

You’ve got to show your efforts in the acting world. Even if they’re slight.

What about special skills?

List the ones below if you have them:

Example Special Skills for Acting CVs

• Dancing
• Accents
• Singing
• Foreign Languages
• Screenwriting
• Combat Training
• Physical Fitness
• Musical Instruments

You can add others that might be handy to the role you’re trying for. Example: it’s an underwater epic and you’re a certified dive instructor.

Expert Hint: As you earn more credits in the acting world, target niches and build a CV for each. An experienced actor could have one CV for TV, one for theatre, and one for stage, or even one for horror and one for comedy.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your CV in our CV builder now.

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Nail it all with a splash of colour, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Use the ResumeLab builder now.

5. Don’t Let Your Education Section Turn Them Off

Plenty of great actors don’t have much education, right?

Yes, but this is crucial:

Use your acting school achievements to keep directors in their seats.

These professional acting CV examples lay it out:

Acting CV Education—Example

Education 

BA (Hons) Film and Television

University Arts London

2010-2014

• Semester in LA, Multidisciplinary Program. Commended for acting skills.
• Excelled in directing and acting coursework.
• Held leading role in 3 school theatre productions.

Roll credits.

That professional actor CV example shows you “had it” even back in school.

Expert Hint: Want your actor’s CV to really wow them? Consider listing any well-known teachers or studios you’ve studied with in your CV education section.

6. Script Your Acting CV With Added Sections

It’s not curtain call time yet.

Your application is not complete without 1–2 added CV sections.

You can choose from:

• Awards and Accolades
• Training
• Additional References

These two acting CV examples show the stage direction:

Acting CV—Extra Sections

Training

• Mercedes Ruehl Acting Class, HB Studio, NY
• On-Camera Crash Course, Kimball Studio

Awards

• Honourable mention, Obie
• Outer Critics Circle Award, Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Additional References

• Night on the Gauley (https://vimeo.com/nightonthegauley)
• Trouble in Waterville (https://youtube.com/shayrezbraunstein/troubleinwaterville)

Additional Activities

• Avid nordic skier
• Passionate about my dogs.

No comparison.

One of those acting CV samples could get you in the next Star Wars film.

The other proves you’re a cool person, but no more.

What’s “Additional References?” That’s just where you list links to your work they can watch online.

Got a website or online portfolio?

Definitely list that, too.

Expert Hint: Write an acting cover letter. That’s the best way to show your passion. To make it fit the role, list acting achievements that look similar to what they want.

Double your impact with a matching CV and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter builder and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There’s 18 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.

Key Points

For an actor CV that gets auditions:

• Use the actor CV template up top. It connects you to the casting director’s needs by showing your best side.
• Put acting achievements in all your CV sections. That’s how to prove you know how to bring the house down.
• List special skills for acting CVs. Pick the ones that fit the production to a tee.
• Write an acting cover letter. Use it to show your passion for the role especially if you lack experience.

Got questions on how to write a great CV for acting jobs? Not sure how to show acting on a CV? Need to learn more about writing CVs? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

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