Acting Secrets

The Actors Resume

An actor's resume is so very important. A good, well made resume will promote your cause just as a good agent might get you work. The resume should be able to market you in the best way possible. One way to do this successfully is to focus on your own, personal Unique Selling Point, better known through its acronyms-USP. Along with the resume there will also be a cover letter and a head shot.

The résumé should be divided into two parts. The first division is for putting down your actual qualifications while the second part should include recommendations and testimonials from directors you have worked under. Take permission from them to use these testimonials in your CV and mention their names and designations.

An important thing for a new actor is to fill out the resume. So include everything that you have worked at even if it was only as an extra or in a school play. As you become a more experienced actor pick and choose from the roles and leave out the less appealing ones out of your CV. Also, remember to include a small thumbnail snap of yours in the resume. Preferably it should be a head shot. This is a necessary precaution in case your head shot gets lost.

Cover letters should be of two kinds-those for the theatre and the other for a film or television show. This will save you from the trouble of having to write fresh letter every time you apply. Also, make the letters short and precise. Do not forget to include the recent roles, an introduction and most importantly a friendly closing. And of course stress on why you want to audition for the role.

If you are send your head shot through the e-mail then copy paste it to your cover letter. However, you must resize it to an appropriate size when you do this. Do not use older head shots. Use the most recent one. If you don't have a new one, get it done. For this you need not go to an expensive and famous photographer. Anyone who is good at their job can do it even if they are just starting out.

In fact, this has an added benefit of being cheaper. A standard head shot is eight inches by ten inches, preferably in black and white. Make it simple-it is your face that is important not your jewelry or hairstyle.