Actors and actresses need to have a wide range of skills to be successful. However, some skills are more important for an acting resume than others. Here we will list some of the most important skills to put on an acting resume and how to put them correctly on the CV. So, read on!
What Is the Difference Between an Acting Resume And an Ordinary One?
While many actors only focus on their audition tapes and introduction videos, an acting resume is essential in getting hired for theatre or movie gigs. Furthermore, good acting resumes highlight special skills that can help you land jobs outside of the acting industry. If you’re not confident in your writing abilities, don’t worry! There are plenty of professional resume writers who can help get the job done.
In fact, in standard resumes, people usually tend not to put special skills. They focus on the job experience and educational qualifications instead. However, in an acting resume, you need to put your best foot forward and show off what makes you special. After all, that is what casting directors are looking for!
If you refer to a professional resume writing service in your town, they will help you to identify those skills which are most important to put on an acting resume. Here we will give some examples of the skills that are usually most beneficial for actors.
What Special Skills to Put On an Acting Resume?
Typically, skills for a theatre/acting resume include being fluent in a foreign language, playing any musical instrument, excelling at dancing, practicing martial arts, having school accomplishments, and having been trained in combat. These are some of the most common skill sets that may help you book a gig.
Some skills, like being able to play an instrument or sing, can be put in the “Talents” section of your resume. Furthermore, if you’re proficient in more than one language, that can go in the “Skills” section as well. If you’ve had any training in particular styles of dance or combat, those can also be included under the “Skills” section.
For example, let’s say you’re a trained ballet dancer and have been taking classes since you were four years old. You would want to put that under the “Skills” section because it shows that you have discipline and are dedicated to your craft.
In addition, any theatre school accomplishments or awards should go in the “Experience” section of your resume. This is because it shows that you have experience in the industry and have been recognized for your talent.
When it comes to putting special skills on your acting resume, make sure to list only those which are most relevant to the role you’re auditioning for. There’s no need to list every single skill you have – just focus on those which will make you stand out from the rest of the actors!
If you’re not sure what skills to put on your acting resume, consult with a professional resume writer or ask a friend in the industry for advice. With their help, you’ll be able to craft a resume that will get you noticed by casting directors!
Skills you may list
Language-relative:
In case you know a foreign language, sign language, or any language that is not English, you should list down this skill. If an applicant is capable to converse in more than one foreign language, it will be a great advantage for him. A lot of movies now are being shot in various countries and they cast people who can speak the local language.
Music:
If you know how to play any musical instrument, this will also be a great advantage on your part. There are a lot of movies that need people who can play an instrument for a scene or two. If you excel in playing any instrument, be sure to list it down as one of your skills.
Dance:
If you are trained in any form of dance, whether hip hop, ballet, or tap, this will give you an edge over other applicants. A lot of musicals now need dancers for their shows so if you have the skill, make sure to flaunt it!
Martial arts:
Fighting has always been a popular movie genre so if you know how to do any form of martial arts, this will be a great skill to list down. The most famous movies like Rokki or The Matrix often need people who are skilled in martial arts so if you have the training, be sure to list it!
Sports:
If you were a star athlete in high school or college, this will also be a great skill to put on your resume. A lot of movies now need people who can do stunts or play sports so if you have the experience, be sure to flaunt it!
Unusual vehicle operation:
Snowboard or canoeing is your favorite hobby? Great! If a movie needs someone who can operate an unusual vehicle, you might be the one they’re looking for. It is better when an actor can deal with such peculiar vehicles than looking for an understudy who knows how to operate it.
Cheerleading or acrobatics:
Have you seen the movie The Cheetah Girls? The skills needed for such a movie are not easy to find. But if you have the training and experience in cheerleading or acrobatics, this will give you an edge over other applicants.
So there you have it! These are some of the most common skill sets that may help you book a gig. Just remember to focus on those which are most relevant to the role you’re auditioning for and you’ll be sure to impress the casting directors!
How To List Them Correctly?
OK, you know the strength skills you should put on your resume. But how do you actually list them?
Put only those skills that are relevant to the role you’re auditioning for. There’s no need to list every single skill you have – just focus on those which will make you stand out from the rest of the actors! Make sure to list your skills in order of importance. For example, if you’re auditioning for a role that requires excellent martial arts skills, be sure to list that first.
Use action words to describe your skills. For example, instead of saying “good at martial arts,” say “fight like a pro” or ” mastering various martial arts techniques.” This will make your skills sound more impressive and make you stand out more to casting directors.
Create a new section at the bottom of your CVs and label it ‘Special Skills.‘ If you have many abilities to list, make subsections such as “Language,” “Combat,” and “Music” if that makes things easier. List each skill under its own category. Mention your level of knowledge for each one, as well as anything unusual in a short line. Here are a few examples for you:
(Comedy about snowboarders)
Special skills:
– Excellent snowboarder
– Can do various tricks
– Great sense of balance
(Historical drama about the Revolutionary War)
Special skills:
– Experienced horse rider
– Proficient with a sword
– Excellent at hand-to-hand combat
(Romantic comedy set in high school)
Special skills:
– Can play the piano
– Good singing voice
– Great at improvising dialogue
As you can see, the skills you list will depend entirely on the role you’re auditioning for. There’s no need to list every single skill you have – just focus on those which will make you stand out from the rest of the actors! And make sure to use action words to describe your skills – this will make them sound more impressive and help you stand out more to casting directors.
Things To Avoid In The Acting Resume
Sometimes irrelevant information in the resume may not only make the document lengthy but can also affect your chance to be shortlisted for an interview. Here are a few things you should avoid putting on your acting resume:
- Physical attributes: Don’t list your physical attributes such as height, weight, or hair color. This is irrelevant and casting directors will only be interested in your skills and experience.
- Personal information: There’s no need to include personal information such as your date of birth, marital status, or address. This is unnecessary and could potentially jeopardize your safety.
- Headshots: Headshots are not required on resumes and including them will only make the document more cluttered. If you’re submitting your resume online, you can always include a link to your headshot in the email.
- References: Don’t include references on your resume. If casting directors are interested in you, they will ask for references later on in the process.
Overall, just make sure to focus on listing your skills and experience in a way that will help you stand out from the rest of the actors. And avoid including any personal information or headshots on your resume – this is unnecessary and could potentially jeopardize your safety. Thanks for reading and good luck with your acting career!