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A professional actor's CV is a concise, one-page marketing document designed to get you an audition. Unlike a standard resume, it is formatted to fit on the back of a headshot and provides a direct, scannable overview of your experience, training, and unique attributes. The most effective actor CVs are meticulously organized, tailored to each role, and updated with every new project or skill.
An actor's CV, or curriculum vitae, is a specialized document that details your professional acting background. Its primary purpose is to support your headshot by giving casting directors a quick, factual snapshot of your qualifications. In a fast-paced industry where initial screenings last seconds, a well-structured CV is essential. It must be formatted on a single A4 page to be attached to your 8x10 headshot, a standard industry practice. Based on our assessment experience, a cluttered or lengthy CV is often quickly discarded, highlighting the importance of clarity and brevity.
Your contact information belongs at the very top of the page. This section must be immediately accessible. Include your professional name, phone number, email address, and a link to your online portfolio or Spotlight page. If you have an agent, list their name, the agency, and their contact details prominently. Directly beneath this, include a brief "Personal Details" section. This is not a biography but a factual list of your physical characteristics to complement your headshot. Think of it as providing essential casting data:
Accuracy here is non-negotiable; misrepresentation can damage your professional reputation.
This is the core of your CV. Organize your credits by category—such as Theatre, Film, Television, and Commercial—and list them in reverse chronological order (most recent first). For each credit, provide the following key information:
Pro Tip: Prioritize the category most relevant to the role you're auditioning for. If you're up for a stage play, list your Theatre credits first. This simple tailoring shows specificity and professional insight. If you have limited credits, it's acceptable to include student films or notable unpaid work, but always be transparent about the nature of the production.
This section demonstrates your commitment to the craft. Under "Training," list your formal education (e.g., B.A. in Drama), acting schools, and workshops, including the institution name and dates. The "Special Skills" section is your chance to stand out. Be honest and list only the skills you are proficient in. These can be decisive factors in casting. Common categories include:
Before sending, follow these critical final steps. First, proofread meticulously for spelling and grammatical errors; a single mistake can appear unprofessional. Ask a colleague to review it. Second, save the final version as a PDF to preserve formatting across all devices. When printing, use high-quality, white A4 paper. Finally, attach it securely to the back of your headshot using two staples at the top, allowing it to be easily flipped and reviewed.
To maximize your chances, your actor's CV must be a clear, honest, and targeted summary of your professional story. Focus on a clean layout, accurate information, and relevance to the role. Most importantly, update it after every job, class, or new skill acquired to ensure it always represents the best version of your evolving career.
