child acting resume template no experience

How To Make a Child Actor Resume?

Contact Information.
Appearance.
Headshots for Kids Acting Resume.
Acting Classes.
Any Performance Experience.
How to Fill in the Item if the Child Has No Acting Experience.
Include Awards or Recognition in the Child's Acting Resume.
Template Child Acting Resume.
Conclusion.

A strong acting resume will help your kid actor land more roles. If you need help with how to create one, do not worry. You can follow templates to create the perfect acting resume. This guide will walk you through how to make a child actor resume.

You need to do the basics right. Once you have done that, you can craft a perfect resume for your kid actor, even if they do not have any acting experience.

Basic Information for Kid Acting Resume

The basic information section for a kid's acting resume is crucial. It tells the casting director (or whoever is looking at the resume) some critical things about the candidate. Simple things like avoiding typos are essential. It makes your kid’s acting resume look more professional.

The introductory section is also called the header. This section includes information like name, location, contact information, and more. However, it will be different from other resumes. For example, you should not put an objective section.

On top of your kid's acting resume, there should always be their name. Be sure that you have spelled it correctly and remember basic grammar, such as capitalization of the first latter of their name. Always use their real and full name.

Contact Information

After the name, you will have the contact information. Keep this accurate. Double-check this section to ensure everything is correct. Include details like phone number, email (if the kid has one), and social links.

The location should include your complete address. Include the city, state, and also the Zip code. Location information is crucial as well. Many casting directors might want someone who lives close to the shooting location.

Show business is all about having the right look. Casting the right person for the role can make or break the movie or show. You do not have to name this section as appearance, though. It can also be called 'Personal Information'.

Here, you will add things like age, height, the color of the kid's eyes, hair, etc. All the things that would qualify as personal information and appearance.

Headshots for Kids Acting Resume

As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Therefore, include headshots for a kid’s acting resume. You cannot just add any portrait shot, though. There are specific rules.

Training and Experience

This section will be crucial to get the part. Make sure to include all relevant training and acting experience your kid has. Highlight what the kid actor learned through the training and their experiences.

However, when listing them, do not order them in reverse chronological order as regular resumes tell you to. You should group them by type. This will be easier for the casting manager to skim through. Also, if there are significant gaps, it will not make it look awkward.

Acting Classes

List any acting classes the kid took. If one particular class is relevant for the role, mention that first. Have the name of the institution at the top. Then list the details below. Include what classes they took and when they took them.

Workshops will work the same way. You should list the name of the workshop at the top. Then the details will go below it. Ensure to list what the workshop was about and the date or year. The point here is to highlight what acting skills your kid learned.

Any Performance Experience

As we mentioned earlier, listing experiences and training by type is better. If your kid actor has worked in TV and Film, make separate sections for each. Depending on the role the kid is auditioning for, they put the relevant type first.

Name the show or movie the kid played a role in. Then follow it with the part and also the name of the studio or production house.

How to Fill in the Item if the Child Has No Acting Experience

If your child has no acting experience, you can still create a fantastic resume by listing any relevant acting jobs. They do not have professional jobs for major studios. It could be for student films or hobby projects.

Even if the kid had to do projects for their workshops or training, include them. When filling a resume with no acting resume, you can lean on other sections like training and education. Highlight those sections as best as you can.

Special Child Skills

Adding a special child skill also helps when there is no experience. Special skills will help the kid actor stand out. It is better than adding a fluff experience. A special skill could be any skill the kid actor can bring to the role.

Things like being able to play a musical instrument, sing, voice acting, dance, or even do martial arts could be considered valuable skills.

You should never miss out on mentioning these. Language skills are a valuable addition as well. Interesting language skills or accents could be very helpful for specific roles.

Include Awards or Recognition in the Child's Acting Resume

If your child actor has won awards, then make sure to include them. They are a great way to draw attention to the resume. Awards and recognitions do not have to be only acting ones. They can be any kind, even academic as well.

Mention the type of recognition they got. Then follow it with the details. Do not clutter the space, though. It should be short and to the point.

Read Also: How to Get Your Baby into Modeling

Template Child Acting Resume

The best way to make the perfect resume is to use a template for a child actor resume. You will be able to follow the best practices.

Here at Kids Casting, you automatically generate a resume while creating your profile. We use the best practices in the industry for creating a resume-worthy profile that you can download any time you want. So, join us today to create your child’s resume.

Creating a resume for a child performer is an extremely sensitive matter. A well-made resume can be the difference between your child getting part and being rejected. So, be careful and follow our guide to creating an awesome resume.

Thanks for tuning in, and we hope that this article was able to help you and your little one.

Latest News

How to Make an Acting Resume With No Experience

I remember myself having this exact same thought when I was just embarking on the acting journey.

In reality, almost every single actor has been in a position of having an empty actor resume. We’ve all started out acting with no credits.

As a newcomer, you’ll have to get comfortable with the idea that you’re a fresh face on the block, you won’t be signed by any top talent agencies in Los Angeles (yet) and you’ll have to work with what you have.

Below, I will quickly walk you through what an actor resume is, what purpose does it serve, what resume you need for voice over jobs , the standards for an acting resume in Los Angeles, and the best way to go about writing your actor resume when you have no experience to list.

Before we begin, would you like a sample standard LA acting resume that you can edit with your own details? Share some social love and you can download an editable PDF.

Download PDF: Acting Resume Sample (PDF)

Let’s start at the beginning. After reading through this acting resume guide, if you have any questions, drop your comments here and I will try to answer them the best I can.

What’s an acting resume, and why do you need one?

I’m sure everybody knows what a CV (curriculum vitae) is. It’s that piece of paper that people use to show to their potential employers.

Surprise surprise, an actor’s resume is the exact same thing that you use when they’re looking to book acting auditions in LA . It serves the same purpose, and is even structured similarly.

Alongside your headshot, an acting resume is one of the most important actor’s marketing tools that every aspiring thespian needs to have. It’s your calling card. You will list all of your acting experience, education, acting training and special skills that you have alongside your contact information, and a few physical stats.

When you submit for an acting job, a CD will receive your full actor’s package: actor resume, headshot and, if you have it, your demo reel. The CD will look at your headshot first (!) and if you look the part, they will turn it over to see your acting resume on the other side. They’ll scan through your physical stats, your credits and, sometimes, your special skills if that applies.

Say your resume looks professional, your look fits the part, and the CD is happy with your experience and credits. In this case, you’re going to get a call about an audition. Congratulations! You just got your first audition. Now back to the real world…

Even if you have not done any acting work whatsoever, you can still put together an actor resume with no experience, and send it over to CDs with confidence .

Despite your worst delusional fears (we’ve all be there, trust me), nobody’s going to think of you poorly if you have little or no acting experience. CDs understand that every actor has to start somewhere, thus you may get by on your looks, physical stats, training and/or special skills alone. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged if you don’t. Simply move onto the next project.

Bottom Line : An acting resume is what every actor needs to put together as soon as they’ve decide to enter show business. It’s their calling card.

Basics of a professional actor resume

Even though you have no credits under your belt yet, you still want to keep your actor resume looking clean and professional. Here are some basics to go by when structuring an acting CV:

An acting resume is ALWAYS only one sheet of paper. No exceptions.
It must have enough white space to be read easily (hey, you’re perfect for it!)
It should be sized to fit a 8×10 headshot so that you can staple it to the back.
Use standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.
Do not cram the resume with too many things. Keep it simple and relevant.
Do not use any colors. It’s just black and white, plus headings for sections.
Never lie on your resume. You’ll be surprised how quickly that gets out .

“ DON’T lie on your résumé. Actors do this all the time and they always get caught. If you claim to have booked a guest star role on “NCIS,” it stands to reason you would have footage from the show on your reel. If you don’t, I’m going to ask why. And that’s where the lie will start to fall apart. ” – Secret Agent Man , Backstage.com

These are the primary “rules” for a professional looking acting resume. Follow them and you’ll be alright.

If you download the sample acting resume above , you’ll notice that it’s slightly different from the resume in the picture, but the difference is irrelevant. In fact, most casting directors prefer the simplicity because it’s easier to read and remember.

What matters the most in an acting resume is the basic information that’s easy to see: personal details at the top, followed by credits and then training. You can choose either format, just keep it clean and easy to read.

And now for the acting resume format technicalities. I suggest you opening that resume sample from above so that you understand better what’s what.

Bottom Line : Your acting resume should look clean, professional, adapted for quick reading, and with the most recent and most relevant credits.

Acting resume format

Your personal information . As you can see in the acting resume template I’ve linked to above, and the provided Los Angeles actor resume example, we’re supposed to start with some personal details. For the purpose of this article, let’s assume that you’re a non-union actor with no talent agent representation, which is most likely the case anyway.

Actor’s name . This is where your stage name (not your legal name) goes. Simple.
Union title. If you’re not affiliated with any actor’s union, then skip this part.
Phone number . Always use the number by which you can be reached any time.
Physical stats . Self-explanatory. NEVER put your age or date of birth on the resume.

After the basic personal information, we’re moving onto the credits and what acting experience you have.

Your acting experience. Normally, this is where you would list all your credits, from television to film to theater to new media. If you’re pursuing acting in Los Angeles, most of your work will be focused on Film/TV, thus one resume is usually enough. However, people in New York City, for example, will often have at least two actor resumes: one focused on screen work, one on stage work. If you don’t have much acting experience, then one acting CV will be enough.

Film credits . In this section, start with the name of the show , followed by the type of role (NOT your character’s name; see below) you did, then production company and finally director’s name .

Television credits . Similarly to film credits, start with the name of the show , then the type of role (different to film type roles; see below), followed by television network and the director’s name . The same applies to Web Series/Webisodes productions.

Theater credits . Again, begin with the name of the production/play , followed by your role/character’s name (this time it’s the other way around), then the theater company’s name and the location of where the production took place.

A few quick tips:

Always, always list film and television credits under separate sections. You’ll see some bad actor resume examples where they’re filled under “Film/TV.” DO NOT do this, because it will make your acting resume look very unprofessional. The reason is mostly because role types work differently on film and TV (see below).
Once you get more experience under your belt, try to remove some of the older and/or less important stuff from the resume. Keeping it clean will make you look more professional. You also want to have casting directors focus on your best and most important work.
You can list your credits any way you want. Some people list them chronologically, but I usually suggest listing your best work at the top so that it catches peoples’ attention.
Never put extra/background work on your resume. The reason being is that extra work is not considered acting. Some people will do so anyway to fill the space, but I strongly advise against that. If you’re ever asked about that part, and you have to say that you were actually a background on the set, that will make you look very unprofessional.
When listing theater credits, you don’t usually name the director. However, if the director’s name is really well-known, I would list that either alongside the theater company’s name, or instead of the location if you’re short for space (similar to Film/TV credit format).

Your training and education . In this section, list all the relevant acting training that you’ve had so far. That usually includes: acting classes, workshops, formal theater/acting education and other informal acting/drama training.

Begin by listing the name of your acting teacher (for private/group classes) or the institution where you’ve studied acting. Right next to it you’ll list what type of acting classes those were, which you’ll know after you’ve taken them. There’s too many for me to list, but the most common are Scene Study, Cold Reading, Audition Technique, Improv, and On-Camera Class. In the third column of this section, it’s the location.

Now in terms of what goes where vertically. Normally, you’ll have your formal and probably oldest acting education at the bottom, which is the college or drama school that you went to. Even if you think it’s the best type of training you have received, that’s usually not how casting directors and agents think.

Keep the classes that you’re currently taking at the very top of this section, and add “(ongoing)” right next to them. After that, list any other acting class or workshop that you’ve taken chronologically with the oldest class at the bottom of the list.

Your special skills . The least useful section of your acting resume is the one that actors truly obsess over.

You don’t have to, because agents rarely even look here, unless there’s something very specific that they want from an actor.

With that in mind, don’t over-complicate this part and list the things that you’re most proficient in.

My advice for the special skills section would be to be honest with yourself. If you’ve only strummed a guitar a few times in your life, don’t put Guitar on there. If you’ve played basketball in high school which was 10 years ago, don’t put Basketball in there. Also, don’t write down things like Running and Whistling, unless you’re a professional. The same goes for listing languages. Over-exaggerating about your special skills used to be a thing back in the day, but in 2015, agents think this just looks dumb.

Also, they will often test you , so you better be prepared:

“ I want all of you to look up the meaning of the word “fluent.” Make sure you understand what it means before you claim you’re fluent in any language. I’m fluent in three, and I always test actors when I see one of those languages listed on their résumé. Care to guess how many couldn’t respond to a simple question in the language they’re supposed to be fluent in? ” – Secret Agent Man , Backstage.com

As you can see, agents do care and they do their due diligence.

Bottom Line : Always stick to the standard actor resume format, and don’t reinvent the wheel. Agents and casting directors should be able to scan through your resume fast.

Film and TV role types

Let me give you quick breakdown of film and television role types. This is something every aspiring actor in Los Angeles has to know. You’ll be surprised how often you’ll soon be using these terms.

TV role types

Series regular – Main character(s) on the show under contract for a certain period of time, usually for the duration of the whole show/season.
Recurring – Second most important TV acting role type. These are usually signed to appear on the show on multiple episodes.
Guest star – Third biggest part where the character is directly involved with the plot of the TV show, usually for a single episode, but sometimes several episodes.
Co-star – A small speaking part that will only be involved in one episode for a small period of screen time.
Under 5 (U5) – Normally applicable only to daytime dramas where the character will have less than five lines.

Film role types

Lead – Protagonist. Main character of the story on whom the whole film is centered.
Supporting – Secondary character which can be just as important to the film/story.
Principal – A small part with spoken lines where the character will usually interact with one of the above characters for a short period, but doesn’t add much to the story.
Featured – A non-speaking part where the character gets enough facetime. This is not the same as an Extra, but sometimes Extras are promoted to Featured roles.

And that wraps up the whole technical part of an actor’s resume. Please feel free to come back to this article when you’ll need help with structuring your actor resume format.

If you have no acting experience…

How to Make an Acting Resume With No Experience

So here’s where you can start.

A) The first thing you may want to do is think about whether you definitely have no experience. Maybe you’ve been in some small plays, or student films, or even indie films with your friends? List them all! Anything where you have actually done acting can go on your resume, even if it’s a small part in a silly project.

B) The next step is obvious: you need to search for opportunities to act. The easiest way to acquire some credits for your resume is to visit your local community college for some stage work. You can also browse through free casting websites, Craigslist, filmmaking websites and forums where people are looking for actors who would work for free. If you’re willing to do some work for no reward, that means you’ll find opportunities faster.

C) The third thing you can do is produce something yourself. I’ve already talked about the importance for actors to create their own projects , and the earlier you start, the better. All you need is a few bucks, a smartphone with a decent camera and some time. You can gather up a couple of friends, write a screenplay for a short film, shoot it on your phone and put it up on YouTube. That’s your first credit.

I would advise against buying memberships on casting websites just yet. If this is your first time venturing into the world of performing arts, give it some time, and see if you even like the craft of acting before spending money.

You will be surprised how quickly your resume will start growing if you dedicate some time to this, and if you’re willing to work for free. There are a lot of opportunities out there, especially if you move to a big city such as Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Vancouver in Canada or London in England. Once you start receiving some acting work, remove your older, “silly” credits and replace them with the most recent stuff.

Finally, try to have fun. People often forget about this – myself included – but it’s an integral part of succeeding as an actor. After all, don’t we all want to become actors so that we can have fun instead of work?

How to Get an Agent: The Ultimate Guide for Actors With Effective Strategies

I Got My First Actor Headshots in LA. What Have I Learned?

Central Casting Los Angeles: My Experience & Tips for Newbie Extras

Acting No Experience Resume Examples and Templates

Acting is a competitive industry, and breaking into acting when you have no experience is tough. You’ll need an acting resume to get started, but it isn’t easy to create an impressive resume when you don’t have any previous roles. Acting resumes shouldn’t contain any non-acting experience, so you may not have much you can use to fill up a page.

Fortunately, you can still land auditions when you have no acting experience. Everyone has to start from nothing. As long as you follow the standard acting resume format, attach a good headshot, and showcase the right skills, you can have your no-experience acting resume ready in no time.

Film Acting Instructor Resume Sample and Template

What is an acting resume?

An acting resume is a little different from a standard resume. In an acting resume, you list your acting credits and education only. You don’t include dates, job descriptions, or any experience unrelated to acting. You can include roles in film, television, theatre, and very little else.

Further, unlike in most resumes, your picture is one of the most important parts of your acting resume.

With most jobs, you would never include a picture with your application. When you are auditioning for acting roles, however, you won’t even be considered without a professional headshot. Casting directors will check your headshot first, then skim your resume to see previous roles and contact information.

Your specific skills and technical knowledge are not as important as your acting credits, your resume is less important than your headshot, and your headshot is less important than the audition. You still need a resume, but when you start auditioning for parts it’s important to make sure you have a professional headshot and real acting chops if you want to land a role.

How to write an acting resume with no experience

It’s difficult to write an acting resume with no experience, but every movie star had no credits when they first started out. As long as you have a great headshot and you follow the right acting resume format, you have a shot at landing your first role.

Here’s how to write an acting resume when you don’t have experience.

1. Find the right resume template

A great resume template can be a huge boost for your acting resume. Acting is a very visual profession, and you need to show that you have good taste, right from the beginning. An simple but eye-catching resume template will show the hiring manager or casting agent that you have personality, before they even meet you.

Traditionally, acting resume templates are basic in design. The more visual aspects will come from your headshot and, if applicable, demo reel.

At VisualCV, a template like Monte or Monaco would work great for acting resumes with no experience. They allow for simple formatting, tasteful white space, and are easy to keep to one page. You can even customize the text with some subtle colour that enhances the design.

These templates also allow you to include a photo, right on the page. While you will have to attach a separate headshot for most auditions, including an additional picture directly on the resume can be a great way to ensure the casting director doesn’t forget your face, even if your resume is mistakenly separated from your headshot. This is also a great way to fill up space on your resume when you don’t have many credits to your name.

One thing to keep in mind when selecting a template is that your acting resume should not be longer than one page. In some cases, you will have to attach your resume to the back of your standard 8 x 10 headshot, so any additional pages will be ignored. Make sure to choose a template that you can easily edit and customize to fit on a single page.

Once you’ve chosen the right acting resume template, you can get started writing your acting resume.

2. Include your personal details

The first thing you need to include in your acting resume is your contact information. The rest of your resume isn’t worth much if your contact information isn’t correct.

Include your name, phone number, email address, and city of residence.

If you have a professional online profile, you may want to include a link to it in your contact information section as well. A professional website, with your picture, credits, and a demo reel, can make you look like a credible working actor.

If you already have an agent or manager, you can include their contact information as well.

Many casting companies also require you to list your personal physical characteristics. List your height, weight, and eye colour on your resume. If you are underage you can also include your age, but exclude this detail if you are over 18.

In the past, it was common to list hair colour as well, but this is no longer necessary in the age of colour photography. The picture you include with your resume should make it clear what your hair looks like. Your full-size headshot should be attached to the back of your acting resume when you submit it for an audition, but you can also include a smaller one directly on the resume as well. This should help to take up space in your no-experience resume, and it helps ensure your face is closely associated with your resume at all times.

When you include a photograph, make sure it’s a professionally taken headshot that suits the requirements laid out in the casting call. Most casting directors have very specific guidelines about their submission process, so it’s important to get everything right. A selfie or a candid picture from your cousin’s wedding aren’t going to be good enough to include on your resume.

In some jurisdictions, you may also have to include your union membership or guild affiliation, like SAG or ACTRA. Add this to your personal details section.

3. Write an intriguing summary

In an acting resume, a Summary is optional. Your headshot and previous roles are generally the only summary a casting director will be looking for. If you have no experience, however, a brief summary can help capture their attention.

As an actor, you should love to be the centre of attention. Whether you’re up on the stage or starring in commercials, you must be able to thrive when there are lots of eyeballs pointed at you. This is a great asset when writing an acting resume with no experience.

In a resume, your Summary section is your elevator pitch to an employer. It’s where you can quickly list some highlights from your skill set and career to showcase what you are capable of. Located near the top of your resume, your Summary section should be attention-grabbing enough that it convinces the casting director to keep reading.

As an actor with no experience, your resume summary should highlight what will make you perfect for the role. This could mean mentioning your performing arts education, participation in acting workshops or seminars, or your experiences on set in a non-acting capacity.

4. Include any previous roles

Generally, a resume section listing your acting experience is a key part of an acting resume. If you have no acting experience, you may not have much to include in this section, but it’s still important to know the right format.

When listing previous experience, you can choose to list your roles in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent first, or in order of importance. Reverse-chronological resumes are more typical, but if you have one particularly impressive role you’d like to highlight, such as a starring role or experience with a well-respected director, you may want to list that one first so it can’t be missed.

When listing credits, you may want to create separate sections for stage productions, commercials, and television/film.

Listing film and television credits

For your film and television section, use three columns to list your roles. List the name of the production in the first column, the type of role you held in the second, and the production company and director in the third column. You don’t need to list the character name.

Film/Production title | Role type | Production company, director

Voice over roles can also be included. Voice acting is still acting.

Of course, if you have no acting experience, you won’t have roles in professional film or television productions. If this is the case, roles in student films and amateur productions are perfectly acceptable. In fact, acting in unpaid student films or online videos are great ways to gain experience.

Scene work from your acting classes and workshops can also be added here when you have no more substantial roles.

Listing theatre credits

For theatre roles, use three columns to list your roles. List the name of the show in the first column, your role in the second, and the names of the theatre company and director in the third. Here you can include school productions, community theatre productions, and broadway shows, as the case may be. Understudy credits are also acceptable here.

None of your theatre roles should include a date.

Show title | Character name | Theatre company/director

Listing commercial credits

If you have acted in commercials, you may want to include these in your resume as well. For commercials, you can list the ad agency in the first column, the role in the second column, and the production company and director in the third. You do not need to list the product that was being advertised, or the date the commercial was made.

What not to include

When you have no experience, you may not have any roles to list. If you have no roles in theatre, television, film, or commercials, don’t include that section in your resume.

You might be tempted to include your non-acting roles in the film or theatre industry in this resume section if you’ve worked as a member of the crew, but this isn’t necessary. While useful show-business experience, this isn’t acting experience. The Credits section of your resume should only include acting experience. If necessary, you could include a Related Experience section that includes some on-set roles, but only if you really have no acting experience to show.

Experience as an extra or background actor should be left off of your resume as well, unless these are your only roles. Acting in the background of a shot, when you have no lines, does not count as “acting” to a casting director.

Acting resume example: Previous roles

Short Films The Two Sams | Supporting | Toronto Fine Arts College, Samuel Smithe

Theatre A Midsummer Night's Dream | Puck | Theatre Acting Workshop, Toronto Fine Arts College Waiting for Godot | Vladimir (understudy) | Acting Workshop, Toronto Fine Arts College

5. Include your acting training and education

If you are writing an acting resume with no experience, your training and education section is one of the most important parts of your resume. Because you don’t have roles or work experience to showcase, your acting education is an important asset.

Your acting education might include an acting degree from a credentialed arts university. If this is the case, list the school, the name of your degree or diploma, and the dates you studied. In the description of your acting degree, you could include specific classes or specializations that you want to draw attention to. You may also want to note awards, related extracurriculars, or some of the school productions you were involved in. If you studied under a well-known acting professor, you may want to note their name as well.

You can also list individual acting classes, workshops, and seminars, as well as any other acting training you may have completed. While you might not have professional acting experience, your experience in acting school can be an important asset.

Scene Study | Sam Sanders | Scarborough Acting Studio Iprov | Singing Shrimp Improv School BFA, Acting | Toronto Fine Arts College, 2021

6. List your special skills

In an acting resume with no experience, your special skills are integral. Even if you don’t have experience, you might be the right person for a role if you have the right skills.

For an actor, special skills refers to performing abilities, like accents, language proficiency, dialects, musical ability, dancing, or level of fitness. You might not have acting experience, but the ability to speak another language, do a backflip, or sing classic broadway songs might be an asset for the specific role.

When listing your special skills, make sure they are all things you can do right on the spot. Don’t say you can imitate a Boston accent or do a handstand if you won’t be able to do it on demand, in the middle of an audition. Your special skills can be what get you a role, and failing to back up your claims can be what gets you rejected.

Special Skills

Fluent in French
Costume construction and cosplay
7. Consider optional sections

Once you’ve included all of the mandatory sections in your acting resume, you can consider some additional sections to fill out the page.

Experienced actors might include an Awards section, if they have received any accolades or recognition for their acting work. Even if you have no experience, you might have some awards from your acting school, student film festivals, or community theatre participation that you can include in this section.

You may also want to include a References section. This is rare, and most experienced actors will not include references, but if you have no experience and you still have space to fill on your one-page resume, including a short list of references is acceptable.

8. Attach your headshot

While all of the above is important, at the end of the day, you aren’t going to be cast if you aren’t right for the part, and casting directors won’t know if you’re right for the part if you don’t have a headshot. Make sure you have a professionally taken headshot that clearly shows your face. Traditionally, headshots are 8x10 inches, and stapled to the back of your resume in the top two corners. This makes it easy for casting directors to reference after you have auditioned.

In many ways, the headshot is actually more important than the resume. Casting directors are usually hunting for someone in the right demographic with the right look, so if you don’t fit the description, they won’t even read your resume.

If you have a demo reel, you may want to include this with your resume as well. Filmed evidence of your acting skills are a major asset, and is likely more impressive than your resume.

9. Customize your resume

It’s important to customize your resume for every application. In an acting resume, this means making sure the right credits and skills are emphasized.

If you are hoping to land a role in a comedy, make sure you mention your improv classes or stand-up comedy skills in your resume. If you are auditioning for a serious indie drama, mention your acting classes with a well-known drama teacher.

If you can highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role, the casting director will be more likely to give you a chance.

Acting no experience resume example

Select Your Language:

How to Become a Child Actor with No Experience: Your Ultimate 7-Step Guide

Becoming a child actor with no experience may seem daunting, but don’t worry! With determination and the right guidance, you can embark on this exciting journey. To start, you’ll need to focus on developing your acting skills, creating a solid foundation for your future career.

First and foremost, prioritize training in acting classes and workshops that cater to children. These classes will not only provide you with important skills and techniques but also help you connect with other aspiring child actors and industry professionals. Remember, networking can be crucial in the world of acting.

Finding auditions is the next step in your path to becoming a child actor. Don’t be afraid to audition for roles suited for your age, even if you have limited experience. With practice and perseverance, your confidence will grow, and opportunities will start to appear. So, seize every chance that comes your way!

Inspiration: Famous Child Actors Who Started with No Experience

Even the most successful child actors started with little to no experience before making it big. Let’s discuss several examples of these inspiring child actors and how their perseverance and passion can offer valuable lessons for your own journey.

Examples of Successful Child Actors

Daniel Radcliffe , best known for playing Harry Potter, had very limited acting experience before landing the iconic role. Similarly, Dakota Fanning became a household name after her performance in “I Am Sam” despite having minimal experience. In addition, Millie Bobby Brown , famous for her portrayal of Eleven in “Stranger Things”, was virtually unknown before her breakout role.

The Importance of Perseverance and Passion

What all these successful child actors have in common is a strong drive to succeed and a passion for their craft. These qualities are essential for anyone wanting to break into the world of acting, regardless of age or experience. By remaining dedicated and constantly improving your skills, you can increase your chances of success.

Furthermore, it’s important to keep a positive mindset and stay true to your goals. The journey of becoming a successful actor, even for children, can be filled with rejection and setbacks. By staying resilient and focused, you can eventually overcome the odds and enjoy a fulfilling career in the entertainment industry.

Practice: Regularly rehearsing your lines and working on your acting technique will build your skills and confidence.
Networking: Building connections with people in the industry can open doors and increase your chances of landing roles.
Be persistent: Don’t be discouraged by rejection; keep auditioning and refining your craft until you succeed.

Remember, your path to success may look different from those mentioned above, but the key is to remain passionate, stay focused, and never give up.

Lay the Foundation: Enroll in Acting Classes

One of the first steps for a child with no acting experience is to enroll in acting classes.

These classes can provide the necessary skills and confidence needed to propel their acting career forward.

Finding the Right Acting Classes for Your Skill Level

When searching for the perfect acting class for your child, consider their individual needs and interests.

Explore local acting schools, theater groups, and community centers that offer beginner level courses tailored for children.

How Acting Classes Help Develop Confidence and Technique

Acting classes are crucial for child actors as they help hone and develop their skills, such as:

Stage presence and movement coordination
Character development and emotional expression
Improvisation in various situations

In addition to these technical skills, acting classes help instill confidence in young actors.

They will learn how to effectively navigate and understand the acting world while finding their unique voice and style.

The Real Deal: Understanding the Role of Talent Agencies

As an aspiring child actor, having a talent agent can be a game-changer. Talent agencies play a significant part in a child actor’s journey to success, acting as an intermediary between actors and various entertainment industry professionals.

The Value of Having an Agent

An experienced agent can help you find suitable auditions, negotiate contracts, and provide valuable guidance as you navigate the acting world. They have established connections, and their expertise can save you time and effort in finding roles.

Networking: Agents have strong relationships with casting directors, film producers, and other industry professionals.
Guidance: Talent agents can advise you on improving your chances of getting roles and making a good impression in auditions.
Contract Negotiation: They can handle negotiations, ensuring you get fair deals and working conditions.

When to Seek Representation

Before seeking representation, you should first build your portfolio and gain some experience through school plays, community theater, or acting workshops. Once you have a solid foundation and can showcase your talent effectively, it’s time to research talent agencies and reach out to those you think would be a good fit for your goals.

Tips for Choosing the Right Agent

Consider the following criteria to find the right agent for you:

Reputation: Look for an agency with a good reputation and a history of success in representing child actors.
Compatibility: Choose an agent who shares your vision and understands your goals as an actor .
Industry Connections: An agent with a strong network in the entertainment industry can open doors to new opportunities.

Making Your Move: Strategies for Jumpstarting Your Acting Career

Networking in the acting community.

Begin by becoming a part of the acting community in your area. Attend acting workshops and classes, where you can meet and connect with other aspiring actors, experienced actors, and industry professionals. Engage in local theater productions, volunteering, or helping backstage if the opportunity arises.

Creating a Standout Acting Resume and Headshot

Invest in a professional headshot, as it will be your first impression for casting directors. Ensure it reflects your personality and appearance accurately. Craft an acting resume that highlights your unique skills and abilities, even if you have no acting experience. Instead, include any related skills such as dancing, singing, or sports.

For easy reading and understanding, organize your resume with the following sections:

Auditioning: Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Performance

To prepare for auditions, practice monologues suitable for your age group and character type. Arrive at the audition with a positive attitude, dressed appropriately, and ready to follow any given instructions. Be professional and courteous to everyone you encounter throughout the process.

During your performance, focus on the character and the moment. Be open to adjustments if prompted by the casting director. Finally, thank them for their time and exit gracefully. Remember, your audition is an opportunity to showcase your talent, work ethic, and personality, so give it your all every time.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Things to Steer Clear of in the Acting World

As you pursue your child’s acting career, it’s essential to be aware of common obstacles and pitfalls. By avoiding these, you can increase your child’s chances of success in the acting world.

Scams and False Opportunities

Beware of scams and false opportunities that prey on the hopes of inexperienced actors. Some common red flags include:

High upfront fees for representation or acting classes
Pressure to sign a long-term contract without a clear understanding of its terms
Photography services that charge excessively high prices for headshots

Legitimate agents and managers will typically get paid based on the work they secure for their clients, not require payment upfront.

Overcommitting to Irrelevant Projects

It’s important for your child to gain acting experience, but be selective with the projects they take on. Avoid overcommitting to projects that:

Don’t align with your child’s career goals or interests
Have unrealistic expectations or intense schedules
Offer little to no compensation or industry exposure

Focusing on relevant and meaningful projects can help build a strong resume and network in the acting industry.

Debunking Myths: Do You Need Qualifications to Be a Child Actor?

In the world of child acting, many people believe that formal education and qualifications are necessary for success. Let’s explore this misconception and provide some insight into alternative pathways:

The Role of Formal Education in Acting

While formal education in acting can undoubtedly enhance a young actor’s skill set, it is not a strict requirement for success. In fact, many successful child actors have built their careers without attending specialized acting schools or earning diplomas.

Additionally, casting directors are primarily focused on natural talent, and a young actor’s ability to adapt, take direction, and showcase emotion. So, while qualifications can help, they’re not the sole determining factor.

Alternative Pathways to Success

Here are some alternative pathways that can foster success for child actors starting from scratch:

Community Theater: Child actors can gain valuable experience and exposure by participating in local theater productions, which also helps develop their networking circle.
Acting Workshops: Workshops and classes offer aspiring child actors the opportunity to practice and improve their acting technique through concentrated training sessions.
Online Platforms: Social media and online platforms provide a space for young actors to showcase their talent and create an online presence that may catch the attention of industry professionals.

Ultimately, a combination of talent, dedication, networking, and exposure can vastly increase the chances of success for a child actor, even without formal qualifications.

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a Child Actor with No Experience

Recap of essential steps.

As a recap, start by educating yourself in the craft of acting through workshops or classes. Next, create a portfolio and headshot, showcasing your potential. Once you have these materials ready, explore local opportunities, such as community theater, student films, or open casting calls.

When you feel confident in your skills and experiences, seek representation by submitting your portfolio to talent agencies that specialize in working with child actors . Finally, collaborate closely with your agent and continue honing your craft to increase your chances of booking your dream role.

Encouragement for Aspiring Child Actors

Remember, the road to becoming a successful child actor with no experience may seem daunting, but with determination, effort, and the right mindset, you can achieve great things in the entertainment world. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who believe in your dreams and celebrate your successes.

Keep learning and evolving, and don’t lose sight of your passion for acting. Through persistence, commitment, and a positive attitude, your journey as a child actor becomes an exciting and rewarding adventure, unlocking limitless possibilities for your future in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i find acting auditions for children.

First, research reputable casting websites, such as Backstage and Casting Networks , which post child acting auditions. You can also network with your local theater community and join social media groups dedicated to child actors.

Having a talent agent can be an advantage in finding auditions, as they have access to exclusive casting calls. Always be cautious and ensure you deal with legitimate sources.

What Should I Expect at a Child Acting Audition?

At an audition, you’ll typically perform a scene, otherwise called a monologue or cold reading , in front of the casting director. Be prepared to follow instructions and answer questions about your schedule and experience.

It’s crucial to stay professional, arrive on time, and wear appropriate, non-distracting attire. Your child’s personality should shine through in their performance and interactions.

How Can I Help My Child Handle Rejection in the Acting World?

Rejection is an inevitable part of the acting industry. As a parent, remind your child that even the most successful actors face rejection and use them as learning experiences.

Offer a support system and encourage them to stay persistent, develop resilience, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember that each audition is an opportunity to gain experience and grow as an actor.

What Are the Costs Associated with Becoming a Child Actor?

Initiating a child acting career does involve some expenses, such as:

Acting classes or workshops
Professional headshots
Casting website memberships
Agents or managers fees (usually a percentage of earnings)

It’s essential to set a budget and prioritize necessary investments for your child’s acting journey.

How Can I Balance School and an Acting Career?

Successfully balancing school and an acting career requires proper planning and communication with teachers and administrators. Always keep your child’s school informed of any acting commitments that might impact their attendance or academic performance.

Consider enrolling your child in a flexible school or homeschooling program to accommodate their acting career. Additionally, ensure your child develops effective time management skills and prioritizes self-care.

The Child Acting Resume Template was generally created for anyone who can play a child actor. Child Acting Resumes must be just as competitive as any other in the industry. The only real difference is that the contact information may contain a cell phone number and a P.O. Box instead of any information that could lead to a home location. Other than this, the same rules apply.

While there are not as many under age actors seeking employment as there are adult actors, child actors have a unique challenge since there are adults who can play children as well (i.e. a particularly youthful and petite 19 or 20 year old can easily play someone much younger but it would be nearly impossible for a 14 year old to play a 20 year old). Thus, there is actually just as much competition at the very least. Thus, parents of child actors must be ready to produce a quick resume focused to a casting director’s needs as well as the child rather quickly in some cases, especially if one has discovered a casting call in the eleventh hour.

The Child Acting Resume Template can go a long way in promoting a smooth search for roles or new opportunities. Since, casting directors prefer a very Spartan resume due to being under strict deadlines and needing room to make notes on the side of a positive resume, it is advisable to have one master copy with everything under the child’s belt and a template with set information such as the name, rep’s company, and stats. This enables one to pick and choose relevant information and simply paste it directly into the template.

How to Write

Step 1. The Name and Contact Information should be placed at the top center of the page. The actor’s name must be larger than anything else on the page. This is the extent of special effects allowed. It is ill-advised to use anything for a standard Times Roman Numeral or Arial font for the entire resume. The resume should be in 10 pt. or 12 pt. font and the Name may be up to 16. Needless to say, the contact information must be up to date and current.

Step 2. The physical stats of the child are also mandatory. The standard is Date of Birth, Height, Weight, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe Size, Clothing Size, Age, and the Acting Age Range (the lowest age the child can realistically play to the highest age the child can play).

Step 3. If the child has very little professional experience, you may include an Objectives section composed of a list of any or all of the following: Films, TV, Commercials, Commercial Print, Voice Over, and Theatre. If your child does have experience in any of these, do not use an Objective section at all.

Step 4. The Experience section is just as important as the stats and the headshot. This will tell a director of the child can own the role being tried out for. This must follow the same three column format that an adult’s resume must follow. If there are more than one they must be in this order: Film, Television, Web Series, and Theatre. If it is a theatre heavy town (like NY) then place Theatre first. If possible only list speaking roles. Each Entry must have three columns: Name of Production/Project. If onstage the name of your role/If on screen the type of your role, and the name of the production company/TV Network and/or Director’s name. Do not list the year and do not include roles that are too old.

Step 5. The ‘Training’ section will give credit to where the child learned the craft. Each entry should also contain three columns. They should be the name of the class, the name of the instructor, and the name of the school.

Step 6. The Skills section does not need to be in columns (although it is acceptable). In this section, any skill that the child excels in may be listed. Skills may be anything from tap dancing to being incredibly adept at croaking like a frog. The important thing is that the child can do it better than most people and would be considered advanced at the very least (i.e. seven swing dancing classes would not make your child considered to be skilled at swing dancing).

Step 7. If the child has won any awards, include them in the “Awards” section. If there are no awards to report leave this section out.

Adobe PDF (.pdf) | MS Word (.doc) | Rich Text Format (.rtf)

Acting Resume DO’s and DON’T’s for Child Actors

by Bonnie Wallace | General

A resume can be a little tricky for a kid just starting out: here are some Do’s and Don’ts.

Though you may have little to put on it, one ironclad rule: never invent or embellish to have your child appear more impressive or experienced than they actually are.

Los Angeles is a town where everyone actually does know everyone! Casting directors will often ask kids about something on their resumes just to make a little small talk—to get a feel for them as people, and to break the ice a little. You don’t want to put them in the position of having to lie, or just as bad, answering honestly that they don’t know what or whom the director is talking about! Oops!

Similarly, don’t exaggerate skills. If your kid CAN ride a horse, or swim at a certain level, that’s great—put it down under skills. But if they can’t, and end up getting cast in a role that requires that skill, you could be actually endangering them, as well as setting them up for massive stress, embarrassment, and a possible loss of the job—and reputation.

When we came out to LA from Bainbridge Island, my daughter Dove Cameron had mostly community theatre on her resume. She’d been in two locally produced films (a featured extras role in an independent feature, and a supporting lead in a short film) and recorded two things (vocals on a demo, and backup vocals on a few songs for an album). She had an acting and a vocal coach she’d worked with whom we could list under training, and a small role in a locally shot commercial.

In other words, Dove had nothing that would specifically suggest she’d make an excellent bet for an agent or casting director.

But she had enough to suggest that she had some experience both performing and taking direction. Anyone can (and probably should) be able to have a resume that suggests this by the time they arrive in LA. There are SO many kids competing for roles that you should arm yours with SOME track record before coming here. But if all they have to show is small and local stuff, no worries. That’s all most kids have before coming to Los Angeles.

Some cautions for resumes: these things end up everywhere and you must be very thoughtful about what personal information is on them. For example, limit contact information exclusively to your manager or agent, if you have one. If that person is you for the time being, keep it to your own cell phone and email only. No physical address. And no details that could help someone with less than honorable intentions track down your child or make that person sound like a family friend. So no school names, team names, etc. Give the minimum details necessary for professional communication and nothing more.

There are many sites online that provide templates or examples for an acting resume. A few good ones are here:

https://www.backstage.com

https://www.bizparentz.org

https://www.youryoungactor.com

https://www.tophollywoodactingcoach.com

My book, The Hollywood Parents Guide , available on Amazon contains everything I wish I’d known when Dove and I started this journey, and will save you untold amounts of time, money, and stress. Full of information you MUST know, it also features stories from parents of other kids who’ve made it!

Or book an hour consulting with me to come up with an individualized plan that takes your own unique needs into account. For about the cost of an hour with a professional acting coach, you can get your questions answered and a road map to help you move forward toward your dream.

Invest a little in your kid’s future today.

Did you enjoy this post? Share it!

How To Make An Acting Resume With No Experience – Full Guide

An Acting Resume free resume template download

What is an actor’s resume, what to put on a beginner’s acting resume, important tips for building your acting resume, download free acting resume with no experience template.

An acting resume is a document that you make use of when applying for a Job in the Movie, Television, Networks, Stage, and commercials as an actor. The structure of your acting resume can make casting directors and producers turn to your direction. So, you must do your best in making your acting resume Professional.

Just before you begin your acting career proper, there is a need to gain some Local acting experiences, you should try joining drama clubs, community theatres, Local student film production, acting workshops or classes that will help fill your experience column in your acting resume.

In creating your acting resume without experience as a beginner, there is no other short cut than to be experienced even if its a little bit, just so you are able to write your resume.

Even though you are a beginner, your acting resume is supposed to show that you are a Professional. As an actor, you may have been trained to stand out, but in making your acting resume, you have to follow the trend.

Follow this guide thoroughly and you’ll be sure to make the most suitable resume for you, so 13 entities you have to put on a beginner’s acting resume ;

Your Professional name.
Union affiliations and agency (if any).
Your contact information and emails.
How experienced.
Acting Brand.
Your Agent’s Contact Information.
Resume Objective.
Workshops and Training.
Special Skills.
Awards and Accolades.
Your Headshot.

Your professional name: It should be written at the top of your A4 paper. Your professional name is your stage name, and your resume should not be without your stage name. It is the first character on your resume.

Union affiliations and Agency: Input the union affiliations or talent agency where you belong, if there’s none, move to the next. Don’t write “none” or “nill”, as that could make casting directors see you as an amateur.

Your Contact and Email address: Your contact, which can be easily accessible, is required and your valid email address. This only applies when you don’t belong to an agency yet. Your personal contact won’t give you so much credit or advantage, because not belonging to an agency make it evident to the casting director that you are a beginner. It is always better to join an agency or get a talent agent.

Credits: Your educational credits and career credits should be listed in order of importance. This should start from a professional credit (If any) to Your regional credits, to Educational credit (college), to staged readings, followed by new workshops and play, then to film/Tv credits.

Experience: Put down your experiences in the acting profession no matter how little. Here you can bring in your high school stage-acting , experiences in drama clubs, community theatres , acting classes , workshops , and even personal auditions. No acting experience should be overlooked, every time you had to play a role is a part of your experience. If you don’t have any experience you might want to have a rethink, how are you sure acting is what you want to do?. Don’t try to put down things that didn’t happen; you’ll definitely be caught.

Your Agents’ contact information: Your Agents’ contact should follow. You should not begin your acting career alone, get an agent because they always have access to more Jobs than you do.

Resume Objectives: This is a heading of 3-4 sentences where you describe your professional goals and what you hope to achieve in the job or role you are applying for. A properly written acting objective will tell the casting director or the recruiter that you are just the right one for the job.

Acting Brand: Putting Down your acting brand makes casting directors and Producers take you seriously. No, it doesn’t make you look desperate; rather, it makes you Professional.

Education: Your Educational qualifications, name of your school or academy, name of your teacher (for college only), Basic and High school qualifications are not recommended.

Workshops: and Training- Here you mention the List of workshops, acting classes you’ve attended. There’s no need to assume things or forge; they’ll definitely find you out. The truth can’t be hidden forever

Special Skills: This can be anything, Just to let your employers know your uniqueness. Your special skill can be putting a biro on your nose, playing musical instruments like the keyboard, guitar, saxophone, etc.

Awards and Accolades: All your awards over the years should be included, and this can attract casting directors and cause them to consider you for a contract.

Your headshot: This has a massive way of determining whether you’ll be hired or not. your headshot is always attached to the actors’ resume.

How To Format An Acting Resume?

Your actor’s resume must be in the right format. A poorly formatted resume shows that you are unserious about your career. I’ll show you the right pattern of formatting your actor’s resume.

Your name and Contact: Your name should be written at the top center on the A4 full paper, followed by your email address and website, if you have no agency. This could be followed by your status, i.e. (height, weight, hair color, eye) these are not really necessary except they are demanded by your Talent agent, seeing that they can disqualify you from an audition.

Format: There should be three columns in your actor’s resume; each column should line up on the left with 11-12 fonts and 1.0-inch line spacing. This is because you’ll be attaching your actor’s resume to your head short; the paper size should be 8 X 10 inches.
Categories: Your categories should follow this order, if you don’t have credit in any of them omit it, don’t put it down.
Film/Movie: The name of the film and roles played. At the end of the column put the name of the Director and production company. If it’s a high school production, Mention the name of the school, don’t put FEATURED or name of the characters on your actor’s resume.
Television: Mention the TV shows and the roles in them, either co-star, guest star, series regular. In the right column, write down the Network or Production company. Similarly, you should not add Featured to this.
Theater: The show, the Part you played, and the location of the theatre.
Commercials: If your commercials are so much you don’t need to put them all down, you can just write – Commercials are available if any request is made.
Training: List the Type of Training you underwent, the name of the studio, and your teachers. Be truthful, as any form of lies would lead to your disqualification.
Skill: List any skill you’ve got, mainly for commercial purposes.
Emailing: Preferably, You should email your resume in PDF format, so that it will be accessible on any device and will not get disorganized when opened.
Your resume should be on one page.
Don’t lie or exaggerate on your resume, as you’ll get caught.
Keep your resume simple- leave a lot of white line spaces; your resume should not be packed.
Don’t try to be Funny.
The color of your resume should be black.
Don’t put personal information, like your age, social media info, or home address. You can share that when you’re hired.

An example of a good and Properly formatted acting resume.

Free acting resume for potential career actors who Just finished from an acting degree or with no experience. Use this acting resume Template and Samples to create and Format your acting resume that will get you a Job.

After your resume is ready, your Talent manager should have a copy; you should never leave your house without a copy attached to your headshot, you never know who you’ll meet right there. You should always be ready at all times, just in case you receive a call for an audition or even a film shoot.

Keep these in mind; your acting resume must not exceed one page, there’s no need of putting down your age on your resume- that could be a turn-off for Casting directors or Producers.

When are you asked how old you are? Your answer should be – how old do I Look? whatever the answer becomes your age. Your looks matter far more than the numbers. So Long as you are Legal (Up to 18 years of age), you won’t have any issues concerning age.

As you grow in your acting career, you may begin to have more than one acting resume with different formats to fit into the role the Producer wants. For instance, you are auditioning for a role in a TV show or film; you need your on-camera credits on top and your stage performance below, the most important credits for the auditions should always come first.

Share this article below if you believe people need to know about it … 🙂

firassameer

Firas Sameer, a movie director with several video productions for cinemas, festivals, TV commercials.. etc with several international awards and recognitions for his work.