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How to write an Acting CV / Actor’s Bio

An Actor’s CV is completely different to any other CV. To start with, there is no need for an opening profile – a key point in 99% of other CV types. In addition, less focus is needed on things like keywords and power words, etc.

What should an Actor’s CV include?

• Details of your appearance, such as eye and hair colour, together with your DOB and nationality. Unlike other CVs, this information is best located at the top of your CV, underneath your contact details.
• Include a photograph with your CV. To help improve the visual appeal, try and scan your photo into the CV itself rather than attaching it using a paper clip.
• Details of accents you can speak.
• Name, address and phone number of your Agent.
• Lists of all productions you have taken part in. If this is an extensive list, you may want to distinguish between roles in areas such as theatre, film and television. You should also ensure this list is written in reverse-chronological order (most recent first).
• Details of your key skills (for example: singing, dancing and presenting); we suggest you include these somewhere near the top of your CV for maximum impact.
• Information pertaining to vocational training, (don’t worry about including too much information relating to your GCSEs, etc).

Points to consider when writing an Actor’s CV:

• Try to keep the CV to within 1 side of A4 (if possible). However, do not make the CV too cramped to achieve this.
• If you have previously worked outside of the industry (maybe a temporary role during a quiet spell), include this under a different section in your CV and briefly highlight the benefits of this experience – don’t mix it up with details of your acting career.
• Unlike a normal CV, an “Interests” section can be important for an Actor to be able to showcase their personality. Try and include something interesting here, however, as “reading, listening to music and socialising with friends” is unlikely to grab anyone’s attention.
• When detailing your experience, be sure to include the year, your role, the production, the company and the Director and ensure the order of these details are consistent throughout your CV.

Example structure for an Actor’s CV:

• Photo
• Name
• Skills
• Agent’s name and contact details
• Personal details and characteristics
• Training
• Experience (separated into Theatre, Television, Film and Radio)
• Other experience
• Interests