What Should You Include in Your Actor Bio?

An actor biography, or bio, is a short summary that introduces you as a person and a performer. It should include your training and some credits, but its purpose is not to reel off a list. Instead it should give a sense of your personality, the type of work you are interested in making, and your journey so far – all within a couple of brief paragraphs.

You will need an acting biography for your professional materials. It will go on your actor website (if you have one), your page on casting sites, and programmes in any theatre shows you get cast in.

A bio for your acting website or casting profile is generally written in the third person, although some people believe that first person gives a better sense of your voice and personality. They usually stretch to around 150 to 200 words, although casting sites have different word limits. An actor bio for a theatre programme should always be written in third person and should be limited to 50 to 75 words.

Here’s a simple actor bio template to get you started:

1. Opening line: Begin your bio with a short statement that sums up who you are. Include your name, where you’re based, a recent or current credit, and any other key points that make you stand out. This may be all someone reads, so include the key facts you want them to remember about you.

2. Training: Mention your relevant acting training. Where and what did you study? If you haven’t had any formal acting training, you could mention any recent workshops or short courses you have undertaken. If you have a degree in another subject or you trained in another career before becoming an actor, this is the place to mention it.

3. Further recent or notable credits: Mention a couple of your most relevant or notable credits. If you are a recent graduate, include the roles you took on during training. If you are new to acting, use this space to mention the type of acting you want to pursue (e.g., comedy, new writing, classical theatre, etc.). 

4. Closing line: Round up your bio with a sentence that leaves a lasting impression of you. It could be a skill you’ve not yet mentioned, a fun fact, or a hyperlink to find out more about you.

1. Be concise. “Keep it simple,” says casting director Anna Dawson. “Everyone is so busy. [We want to] get to know you in a few sentences. Keep it succinct.” Your actor bio should cover a few key details about you, your training, and your credits. It should be “short, sweet, and punchy,” casting director Fran Cattaneo says. “Avoid waffling or overexplaining.”

2. Be specific. Part of keeping your actor bio concise is to “be specific,” Cattaneo says. “Pick out the most important things [from your credits].” If you are interested in pursuing screen acting, focus on those credits. If you want to make it as a stage actor focusing predominantly on new writing, be sure to highlight your past experiences in that area. 

3. Be unique. Cattaneo recommends actors “sprinkle in anything that makes you unique,” and Dawson suggests “finding your niche — anything that helps us remember you. You’re an Irish Rollerblading champion who just graduated from Guildhall? Fantastic. That’s your opening bio line.” But, she says, “your niche can be as simple as where you are from.”

4. Be clear. “Make it as easy for the people reading as possible,” Cattaneo says. Ensure that you format your bio in a uniform way. Are you, for example, going to italicise all the titles of the productions you have been in? Avoid flowery language, and instead use clear and simple sentences. Finally, try to group your credits according to type (i.e. separate your stage and screen credits into sections). 

Here are some example actor bios to show you what does and doesn’t work. 

Strong actor bio example (established actor) 

Jane Doe is a queer, neurodivergent actor based in London, originally from Hull. She is currently playing series regular Lola on the BBC3 sitcom Very Funny. Jane trained in musical theatre at Guildford School of Acting, and is a talented pianist. Her onstage credits include This Is a Musical at Southwark Playhouse, where she was nominated for the Female Performance in a Musical OFFIE Award, and A Really Great Play at Soho Theatre. She is also an experienced voiceover artist, having voiced a number of audio books for Audible. Jane worked as a mixologist before studying as an actor, so she knows how to make a mean martini!    

Why it works: This actor bio example is professional and covers key credits, awards, and training, whilst also providing some unique details that give a flavour of the person beyond the performer. 

Strong actor bio example (with no experience)

John Doe is a Manchester-based actor currently training part time at ActUpNorth. He is passionate about telling working-class stories set in the north of England, and is particularly drawn to contemporary screen drama. With a background in spoken-word, John brings a lyrical yet grounded quality to his work. When not acting, he’s a keen boxer and volunteers at a youth boxing academy in Salford.

Why it works: This beginner actor bio sample is clear, concise, and specific. Despite having no credits to mention, it covers the actor’s training and highlights his background, interests, and strengths.

Weak actor bio example

Hi, my name is John and I am 24 years old. I’m very new to acting, so I don’t have any credits, but I have been doing some acting classes in my local area. I recently auditioned for a part in a show at The Royal Exchange, but unfortunately I didn’t get it. I’d really love to be in a film one day. In my spare time I like hanging out with my pals and going to the gym.

Why it doesn’t work: This bio is vague in all the wrong places and gives away too much in others. (“Never put your age [in your bio],” Cattaneo says.) It lacks specifics and professionalism.

An acting bio can’t land you roles, but it can certainly help you land auditions. Once your bio is ready to go, start searching for an agent or applying directly to open casting calls.