When an actor goes to audition with a casting director or talent agent, he or she is usually asked to bring with them a headshot and a resume. The actor's headshot is a photo representation of the actor, usually 8 x 10. Usually stapled or glued or printed on the back of the actor's headshot is the actor's resume.
    The actor's resume is a document that lists an actor's career accomplishments and abilities, such as the actor's background, training, and acting work history. Casting directors, after evaluating the actor's appearance, will study the actor's resume to determine if the actor has enough experience and the right kind of experiences to perform an acting role.

Why Is A Resume Important?
    An actor's resume is important because a casting director, the person who hires actors for roles in the movie or show, wants to be sure he or she has cast the right person for a role. If the wrong actors are chosen, the film or show will not be as good as it could have been.
    The actor's resume is a great way for a casting director to determine whether or not an actor has the skills, training and experience to handle the role.

What Makes For A Good Resume?
    A good resume answers, in an concise, upfront and honest way, the amount of training and experience you have had. The resume also explains the skills and abilities you posses. For example, if you know how to speak Spanish, you should put that on your acting resume in the special skill section. That way, if there is a casting director seeking an actor who can speak Spanish, they will be more likely to choose you, because they see on your resume that you speak Spanish.