If you’re new to acting, landing your first acting job can feel like an uphill battle. However, getting your foot in the door requires a solid resume and cover letter. If you’ve no experience as an actor, that might seem like a Catch-22. How are you supposed to get experience if you don’t have any? Luckily, your resume doesn’t just have to be one document. There are many ways to create an acting resume with no experience – and they all begin with using your natural assets to your advantage. While most outlines are filled with bullet points about education and previous jobs, an acting resume is all about showing prospective employers why they should give you a shot.
How start your acting resume?
Before you write your resume, think about the actor you want to be. Do you want to be a commercial actor? An on-camera host? Or a voice actor? Knowing what industry you want to work in will help you tailor your resume to that specific field. You don’t have to have a degree in acting to pursue a career in it. In fact, most people working in the entertainment industry don’t have specific degrees.
What should an actor’s resume include?
The first thing you want to do with your resume grabs their attention. This can be difficult if you have no experience, but there are ways to make your resume stand out. One of the best ways to grab attention is to write a one-page document highlighting your most important attributes as an actor. Think of it as a mini bio. Remember that you also want to ensure your resume has the information you need. This includes your name, contact information, education, skills (including languages if appropriate), and any training or experience you have.
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How to Make an Acting Resume With No Experience
Make sure that your resume is error-free. There’s nothing more unprofessional than an actor who doesn’t take the time to check for grammar or spelling mistakes. Your resume should be neat, tidy, and easy to read. This includes font type, font size, and paper choice. You want your resume to be something that you can be proud of. Show that you’re passionate about acting. If you’re new to the industry, it can be challenging to show that you have what it takes. However, you can offer this by including a “hopes and dreams” section on your resume. This is a section where you write about why you want to be an actor and feel like you’d be great at the job. Writing this might feel silly, but it’s a great way to show your passion for the industry.
Keep Track of All your Auditions and Rehearsals
Keep track of all of your auditions, rehearsals, and acting jobs. While you don’t want to include them on your resume, they’re great pieces of information to share with casting directors or producers during your next meeting. You can use them to show potential employers that you’re tenacious, passionate, and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. This is also an excellent way to keep track of the type of work you’re getting. If you’re only getting short-term, low-paying jobs, you’ll know that you need to up your game. Keep track of your successes and failures, so you know where to improve.
Add Your Education and Training
If you have a degree in acting, you’ll want to include it on your resume. However, if you have no experience, it’s best to leave it off. Why? It’s a numbers game. There are millions of people hoping to get into acting, and you’re just one name in the mix. You can do this by including a line about your education or training. Something like, “I have a degree in Theater Arts from the University of New York” or “I have six years of experience acting in community theater productions.” This shows employers that you’re serious about acting and dedicated to your craft. It’s a great way to set yourself apart from aspiring actors who want to enter the industry.
Conclusion
There are many ways to create an acting resume with no experience – and they all begin with using your natural assets to your advantage. Regarding your resume, you want to show prospective employers that you have what it takes to succeed in the industry. This can be difficult if you have no experience, but there are ways to make your resume stand out. Before you start writing your resume, think about the actor you want to be.