How to Build a Winning Acting Resume (Even With No Experience) 

So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of acting—amazing! But then reality hits: “How the heck do I make an acting resume when I have zero experience?” 

First of all, breathe. You’re not alone. Every actor starts somewhere, and yes—you can create a professional, eye-catching acting resume even if you haven’t booked your first gig yet.

The key? It’s all about how you present what you DO have. And trust me, there’s more there than you think.

Let’s break it down together—like we’re just two friends chatting over coffee ☕.

1. Keep It Simple (But Professional)

Before we get into what to put on your resume, let’s talk about the format.

🎯 Your acting resume should be:

• One page. (No casting director is reading your life story.)
• Easy to read. (Stick to simple fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10-12.)
• Attached to your headshot. (Stapled back-to-back, old school style, or as one PDF if you’re submitting digitally.)

💡 Pro Tip: No colors, no glitter, no funky fonts. Keep it clean and let the content do the talking.

2. What to Include in Your Acting Resume

Even if you’re starting from scratch, there are plenty of things you can list. Here’s how to fill out each section:

🎬 Your Contact Info (Top of the Page):

• Full Name
• Phone Number (optional)
• Email
• City/State (optional)
• Agent/Manager Contact (if you have one)
• Union Status (SAG-AFTRA, Equity, or Non-Union)

🎭 Credits (Yes, You Can List Things Even If You’re New!)

Okay, so maybe you haven’t starred in a Netflix series—yet—but that doesn’t mean you have nothing to show.

Here’s what you can list as you build experience:

✅ Student Films (Film schools are always casting, and they count.)
✅ Indie Films (Check sites like Backstage or Actors Access for small projects.)
✅ Community Theater/School Plays (Theater is GREAT for showing range.)
✅ Web Series or YouTube Projects (We’re in the digital age—these are legit.)

💡 Pro Tip: Even small roles matter. List them with the correct formatting:

Still don’t have credits? Don’t stress. That’s where training comes in. 👇

3. Training & Workshops (This Is HUGE for Beginners)

If you’ve taken any acting classes, workshops, or even attended webinars, put it on your resume.

Casting directors want to see that you’re investing in your craft—it shows dedication and potential.

🎬 List things like:

• Acting Classes (Scene Study, Improv, On-Camera Techniques)
• Workshops (Commercial Auditions, Voice Acting, etc.)
• Private Coaching
• Relevant Degrees (Theater Major? List it!)

4. Special Skills (This Is Where You Shine)

This is the fun part! Casting directors love actors with unique skills.

Think about anything you can do that might come in handy for a role:

🎯 Ideas for Special Skills:

• Accents/Dialects (British, Southern, French, etc.)
• Languages Spoken
• Singing/Dancing Ability
• Sports (Yoga, Archery, Basketball, etc.)
• Instruments (Guitar, Piano, Drums, etc.)
• Stunts/Stage Combat
• Voiceover Experience
• Hosting/Presenting Skills

💡 Pro Tip: If you can ride a unicycle while juggling and singing Hamilton—LIST IT. 🎪✨

5. What NOT to Include on Your Acting Resume

🚫 Your age or birthdate
🚫 Your full home address (City/State is fine)
🚫 Personal social media handles (unless it’s strictly for acting)
🚫 Random jobs unrelated to acting (This isn’t LinkedIn)

Remember: Your acting resume is focused on one thing—showing you’re ready to work in front of the camera or on stage.

6. No Experience? Focus on Growth & Potential

Casting directors don’t expect beginners to have stacked resumes. They’re looking for talent, professionalism, and potential.

Here’s how to show them you’re serious:

🎬 Take more classes. Constantly training shows dedication.
🎬 Self-submit to student films, community theater, and web series. (These are gold for building credits.)
🎬 Keep your resume updated. Booked a new project? Took a new class? Update it!

💡 Pro Tip: “Beginner” doesn’t mean “unprofessional.” A clean, polished resume tells casting you’re taking this seriously—even if you’re still gaining experience.

Final Thoughts: Your First Resume is Just the Beginning

If you’re feeling a little nervous about starting your acting career with a light resume—don’t be. Every big-name actor was once a beginner too.

The key is to show you’re proactive, committed, and hungry to grow.

🎬 At The Working Actors Academy, we offer:
✅ Resume templates designed for beginners
✅ Real-world examples of what casting directors love
✅ Tips on building credits FAST (without an agent)

Your first credit is right around the corner—let’s get you there. 🚀✨

👉 Join TWAA today and start building a resume that gets you booked.