Actor Résumé Format: 8×10 Headshot + Résumé Explained

Why the 8×10 actor résumé format is the industry standard and how to pair your headshot and résumé for casting submissions.

By Greg James Blount, founder of Green Room Acting Studio · Published 2026-01-08 · Updated 2026-08-25

Annotated 8 by 10 inch actor résumé layout showing readable margins, section headings, and aligned credit columns — A readable 8×10 actor résumé uses restrained typography, clear margins, and consistently aligned credit columns.

The 8×10 actor résumé is a long-standing convention for printed headshot packages. It remains useful for in-person and printed materials, while digital casting platforms may set their own upload requirements.

Why 8×10?

When a printed headshot is 8×10 inches, matching the résumé to that size creates one clean package. Ask your representative or follow the casting notice before attaching materials because preferences can vary.

For digital submissions, follow the requested file type, dimensions, size limit, and naming convention rather than assuming print rules apply.

Layout Rules for a Professional Acting Résumé

One page only — never submit a two-page actor résumé
Clean margins — typically 0.5 to 0.75 inches on all sides
Readable font size — 10–12pt for body text, slightly larger for your name
Section headers — bold and clearly separated (Film, Television, Theatre, etc.)
No photos on the résumé — your headshot handles the visual; the résumé is text only
Black text on white — no colored backgrounds or decorative elements

Common 8×10 Formatting Mistakes

Using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages often leads to misaligned columns, inconsistent spacing, and fonts that look unprofessional. Templates downloaded from generic resume sites rarely match what casting offices expect.

The Actor's Résumé Builder formats everything automatically into the correct 8×10 layout — the same format used by working actors at every level.