Your Theatrical Resume Needs These 3 Things

1. Your Contact Information

Directors need to be able to reach you to let you know, “Hey, we want you in our show.” Provide a phone number that you answer regularly, and it’s even better if you have a voice-messaging system or voicemail set up.

If you’ve been using your school email address—or your original email from middle school—make sure it’s easily recognizable. I recommend using your first name and last name (or, in reverse order, last name and first name) @ domain.com. Try to avoid using lots of numbers, or fun names like “Broadwaybaby1234” (which may or may not have been my first email address).

Having a silly or fun email address, or one with lots of numbers and random letters, is great for personal use—but it’s not great for auditions. It leaves so much room for error if someone is manually typing it in. It’s easier to see your name on your resume, audition form, headshot and email address if they’re all the same—less room for error.

When it’s time to apply for colleges, you definitely want to have a professional email address. The only exception here is if you’re a child actor and your parent(s) want to use his/her/their email address.

You can include a social media handle as well if it’s appropriate. Some actors have their Instagram or TikTok ready for public viewing. You could also create an account where you post updates and performance videos. Some people like to put a small thumbnail headshot in the header of their resume. It’s not required but it’s an option.

2. Your Experience

You should include an accurate portrayal of your theatrical experience. Do not lie or embellish facts on your resume. The theatre community is small, and it can be figured out quickly if you haven’t told the truth about a role you’ve played or a show you’ve listed.

It should also be easy to read. Format your resume so important information is easily seen. While it can be tempting, you don’t need to get fancy with various font colors—black text is sufficient.

Here are key experiences to include:

• Title of the show, the role you played, and where you performed the show. Place this in three columns (see the template for an example).
• Training in dance, voice, and/or acting. If you’re a dancer, you should include classes you’ve taken. If you’re a singer, include voice lessons and choir. If you’ve taken acting classes, list them as well.
• Masterclasses or workshops.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a large theatrical resume. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. If you do have a large resume with much experience, make sure it all fits on one page.

3. Special Skills

This section is fun because it gives the auditors and directors an idea of who you are as a person. Include info that helps you stand out or makes you unique. Can you juggle, whistle, make animal noises, yodel, roller skate, or skateboard? Can you do a handstand, or are you a tumbler? Do you have a driver’s license? Do you play an instrument? Give this some thought, and be ready to do any of these things in the audition room or provide supplemental material if asked.

The PDF link above should help guide you as you create or tweak your own theatrical resume. There isn’t one perfect way to do a theatrical resume, but it should be clean and easy to read.

One other thing to remember: You’ll want to staple your resume to the other side of your headshot, which should be 8×10 inches in size, so you’ll want to trim accordingly. Have fun putting together your resume!  ♦

Laura Enstall is the owner and founder of Audition Well. She helps students conquer audition fears, stand out in the audition room, and find the theatre program that’s a perfect fit. Follow Audition Well on Instagram for audition tips @auditionwell.