Acting Resume:  Q & A    Basic tips for getting your acting resume in shape...  Q: Should I put my personal contact information on my headshot?

A: You should ONLY put your personal contact information on your acting resume if you do not have an agent. Put only your name and phone number and perhaps your email address. Never put your address on your acting resume! You never know who could get their hands on your headshot and, if they have your home address…. When you find an agent, or if you have one already, place your agents’ contact information on your acting resume.

Q: Is it okay to lie or stretch the truth on my resume?

A: Watch out! Lying on you’re acting resume can come back to haunt you. You may send your headshot/resume to only one person, but five people may ultimately see it. The person you sent your headshot/resume to is likely to have friends in the industry and may be tied to other circles. If you are caught in a lie, it could give you a bad reputation in that circle or among that producer or director’s group of friends that, in the end, could cause you to lose possible auditioning and acting opportunities. 

Q: What skills can I include on my resume?

A: Almost anything! You don’t have to merely focus on your acting credentials on your acting resume. Acting skills are just one of the things that casting directors want to see. Having simple skills like typing, computer skills, or even motorcycle riding can be good skills to include. Include almost everything you can think of within reason. You never know what special skill could help you stand out and win a role.

Q: What’s the best way to put together my headshot and resume?

A: There are a few ways to do it, each one carrying with it it’s own advantages and disadvantages. But there truly is no right or wrong way to go about it. By far the most professional way is to print your acting resume on the back of your headshot. The problem with this approach is that your resume always changes. If your work and experience has grown substantially, of course you’re going to want to put that on your acting resume. However if you have already printed 200-plus headshot/resumes, updating your resume is impossible. Many actors find it best to simply (1) Print the resume, (2)Trim it to fit the size of the headshot, (3) Staple the resume to the back of the headshot.