How to format your acting CV

Your CV is often the one thing that casting directors will see when considering you for a role/that agents will see when you enquire about representation, and is therefore one of your most important tools in being successful. A good CV implies an organized and serious actor, whereas a sloppy one makes you appear unprofessional and amateur. Even something as simple as formatting is enough to make the difference between a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’.

First of all, your CV should be on an A4 page and the most prominent thing should be your headshot. This should be a good picture of you, taken by a professional photographer, that looks exactly like you (but on a good day). See headshot guides for more information on a good photo. I recommend putting the photo in the right hand corner of your CV, as most eyes are drawn there when we read.

Your stage name should be at the top of the paper in a bigger font size which also draws the eye – they want to remember who your name when you walk through the door!

On the left hand side next to your picture should be the list of your basic information:

• Address/Location
• Email/Phone number
• CCP/Spotlight view pins

And a description of your physical appearance is also important:

• Height
• Weight/body size
• Eye/hair colour

Next comes a list of your skills/interesting facts about you. Include:
• Training details
• Accents
• If you have a passport/drivers license
• Your additional skills: e.g. singing, horseriding, swimming, stage combat etc.
Really use your special skills to show readers your versatility and things that separate you from the hundreds of other applications or CVs they view that day.

Finally comes your experience or ‘Credits’. If you are starting out it is fine to use amateur/training credits as they may be all you have. Delete as necessary as you gain more pro experience.

Include separate sections for theatre and film/television. Specify the project name, the director/venue, the role you played and the company it was with using different columns in a table. An example is below:


Project/Role/Venue/Director or Company
Macbeth/Banquo/The Curve, Leicester/Little Theatre Co
The Glass Menagerie/Tom/Pier Theatre, Bournemouth/ Joe Bloggs

Keep your CV constantly updated as new work is added, and add any special skills as you gain them.

Your CV is a powerful tool, so follow this guide and make sure it sells you in the best possible way.

Good luck!