Arts and stage
Actor CV: example acting CV and template
This example is for stage, screen and dubbing actors, drama school graduates and people who have passed the external acting exam, and for actors who send applications to castings and acting agencies.
The casting director wants to see quickly what you look like, which roles you have played, where and with whom, what you can do besides acting and where to watch your showreel. We show you how to lay out an acting CV so that it reads well on one page.
How to write an actor CV
Professional summary
Write whether you have a drama school degree, where you act and what you have experience in: theatre, film, TV, dubbing. Add your key special skills, because casting directors often look for an actor who can sing, ride or speak with an accent. Put the showreel link in the header.
Theatre Academy graduate with a diploma role in a production shown at a drama school festival. I have played small parts in two TV series and recorded radio ads. I sing, dance and speak English at C1 level.
Experience: duties and achievements
Divide your experience into theatre, film and TV, dubbing and ads. For each role give the title, the theatre or producer and the director, because in this industry the names say the most. Start with your most important roles rather than the latest ones if that shows your experience better.
Weaker: Acting in theatre.
Better: Lead role in a production based on a classic play, more than 60 performances.
Weaker: Being in a TV series.
Better: Supporting role in a TV series, 12 episodes.
Weaker: Dubbing.
Better: Dubbing for animated films and games.
Skills worth listing
List stage and special skills: singing with your vocal range, dance, stage combat, sports, horse riding, a driving licence, languages and accents. In your soft skills show teamwork and discipline, because rehearsals and shoots need punctuality.
Professional skills
- Stage acting
- On-camera work
- Dubbing
- Singing
- Stage combat and movement
- Languages and accents
Personal skills
- Discipline
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Learning lines quickly
- Taking criticism
Education and workshops
List drama school or the external exam and workshops, for example on-camera acting, dubbing or stage movement. On an actor's CV a headshot is standard, and details such as height and eye colour help with casting.
Actor CV with no experience
Describe diploma roles and school productions, amateur theatre, student films and ads. Every role in front of an audience or a camera counts.
Record a short showreel from scenes of student films or monologues. Sign up with an acting agency and go to castings for film school projects.
Tailoring your CV to the job offer
A theatre looks for stage roles and a degree, a TV series casting for on-camera experience and a showreel, and a dubbing studio for microphone work and a voice sample. Move to the top what the application is about.
Questions and answers
What should an actor put on a CV?
Theatre, film and TV roles with titles and directors, dubbing, education, workshops, special skills, languages, casting details and a showreel link.
Should an actor's CV have a photo?
Yes, a headshot is standard on an acting CV. It should be current and natural.
Can you become an actor without drama school?
Yes, for example after the external exam or with theatre and film experience. On your CV show roles and workshops.
How long should an actor's CV be?
Ideally one page, two at most. Give your most important roles and put the rest in a link to your profile.