Actor Headshots/Resume
Professional actor headshots showcasing commercial and theatrical photos. Plus, a complete professional acting resume example.
Professional Actor Headshots!
A good-quality photo is probably one of the most important marketing tools you can have as an actor.
Your actor headshots, not only show what you look like, but they also show the casting director or producer other roles they can potentially cast you in.
There are many different styles of actor headshots, but a few tips to remember are:
- Focus should be on your eyes
- A commercial headshot should show your smile… with teeth. ALL smiles are warm and beautiful.
- Your theatrical headshot (meaning used for TV/Film/Theater) should convey some sort of message. What are you trying to say with your expression?
- Photo needs to be chest up or 3/4, ONLY
- It’s not 1998 anymore, so your headshots need to be in color and fit into 8×10 prints. Or sized for web.
Professional headshots can be expensive, so make sure to do your research and chose a photographer that specializes in actor headshots. It’s an investment in yourself and your career.
My Personal Brand Examples
Know you’re type and what sort of roles you will likely go out for. If you’re edgy and hip, you’re likely not going to audition for the same roles as someone who is more reserved and conservative. Watch some tv, pay attention and ask your friends what type of jobs they see you working. Don’t be offended, this is valuable information.
For example, I know that I typically get auditions and cast to play these same roles over and over-
The Girl Next Door
Your Best friend
Significant Other
Teacher
Nurse
Reporter
In other words, I’m the nurturing type. Also, serious working professional, dorky, energetic, and quirky! My characters are usually “professional when they want to be” in other words, work hard play hard.
This reminds me, prepping for your photoshoot can be exhausting, overwhelming and nerve-wracking. To help you out, I have created a FREE photoshoot prep sheet so that you can knock out some killer photos.
All you have to do is sign up to my free newsletter and your gift will be sent to you, right away!
Professional Actors Resume
Your actor’s resume is extremely important. This is where you will want to list your experience, training, basic stats, specialty skills, and a way for the film production to contact you.
Here is a video I created that will help guide you during the process of creating your first resume. Start at 7:10.
- Your professional acting resume (even if you’re a beginner) should be formatted like the resume example listed below or something similar
- Projects you’ve worked on should be in 3 NEAT columns: Name of the project, your role, production company and/or director
- Training: I have been told that this should also be in 3 NEAT columns: Type of acting class, your teacher, which acting studio you’ve trained at.
- Do NOT list commercials! You don’t want to miss out on a potential job because of your previous work, but DEFINITELY make sure to mention if there is a conflict (aka similar brand) or if you’re in the middle of a contract.
Training
Before you head out to get your professional acting headshots and create your acting resume, you MUST know what you’re doing. I have listed some of the places I have trained, skills I have learned, and a few specialty skills that have been helpful for me.
If you’re a beginner and haven’t embarked on your auditioning journey yet, this is your time to list as many specialty skills as possible. This isn’t as difficult as you may think and it’s likely you’re being modest.
Can you type really fast? Are you great with kids? Can you speak another language? Do you have a valid driver’s license? Yes…these are fantastic specialty skills to add to your professional actors’ resume.
Training
- Anthony Meindl Actor Workshop
- Actors Comedy Studio
- Strasberg Institute
- Killians Commercial Workshops
- Terry Berland Commercial Workshops
- UCB Improv
- Santa Monica College
- AA. Degree Arts/Dance
Types of Acting Classes
- Scene Study
- Script Analysis
- Finding the Funny
- Comedy Code
- Movement
- Self Tape auditions
- Improv
- Audition Technique
Specialty Skills
- Professional Dance Background (classic + international styles)
- Advanced Yoga
- Basic Gymnastics (Cartwheels, Roundoffs, Handstands)
- Hiking (Trails)
- Photography/Editing
- Podcasting
- Blogging
- Great with technology
Hosting Skills
- Teleprompter
- Ear Prompter
- Bullet Points
- Presenting
- Improv
- Trained with Shannon O’dowd
To see an example, check out some of my recent self-tape auditions, HERE!
My Professional Acting Resume
*For safety, I left my contact info off, but make sure to include your email address so we can contact you*
🙂
Need headshot help?
Putting together a nice package with your headshot and resume can be stressful. If you’re just starting out or need a second opinion, let me help you!
We’re all a little biased as to what our best looks are.