What to Include on an Actor's Résumé (2026 Guide)

The complete 2026 guide to actor résumé sections — contact info, film credits, TV credits, training, special skills, and union status casting directors expect.

By Greg James Blount, founder of Green Room Acting Studio · Published 2026-01-15 · Updated 2026-08-25

Actor résumé section diagram labeling contact details, credits, training, and special skills in a one-page layout — The essential sections of an actor résumé, arranged so casting teams can scan the most important information quickly.

Your actor résumé is more than a list of credits — it is a snapshot of your professional identity. Casting directors, talent agents, and managers often review many submissions, so every section should be clear, consistent, and easy to scan.

Essential Sections Every Acting Résumé Needs

Contact Information — Your stage name, phone, email, and union status (SAG-AFTRA, AEA, or non-union). If you have representation, list your agent and manager with their contact details in the format casting offices expect.

Acting Credits — Organized by category: Film, Television, Theatre, Commercial, and Voiceover. Each credit should include the production title, your role (Lead, Supporting, Co-Star, Guest Star, etc.), and the production company or theatre name.

Training — Acting coaches, conservatory programs, workshops, and notable classes. This section is especially critical for beginner actors and child actors building their first résumé.

Special Skills — Languages, dialects, accents, sports, musical instruments, stage combat, and other abilities that could book you a role. Commercial casting directors search for specific skills constantly.

Physical Stats — Height, hair color, and eye color when relevant. Keep this minimal and professional.

Film & TV Credit Format

List your strongest credits first within each category. Use standard role designations: Lead, Supporting, Co-Star, Guest Star, Recurring, Series Regular. Include the network or distributor when it adds credibility.

Theatre Credit Format

For stage actors, list the production, role, theatre company, and director. Regional theatre credits carry weight — format them the same as Broadway credits.

Why Formatting Matters for Auditions

For printed submissions that use a traditional headshot package, an actor résumé is commonly formatted at 8×10 inches to align with the photo. Digital platforms and individual casting offices may specify different requirements, so always follow the instructions for the submission.

The Actor's Résumé Builder handles all of this formatting automatically — so you can focus on your credits, not your layout. Build free, preview instantly, and export a print-ready PDF when you're casting-ready.