Acting CV Template 2025 (free)

1/8/2025

So you've been googling things like "acting cv template free" or "acting resume template download" and have come up empty-handed.

That's because most acting cv templates either require special software or are in PDF format so you have to rebuild them from scratch!

On this page you'll get 3 free actor resume templates that don't require any special device or software – they can be opened with Google Docs. You can open them on any device (including mobile) and you won't need to worry about alignment, formatting, or anything else.

Here are the free templates you'll get:

Standard Professional Actor CV
CV Template for Actors with No Representation
CV Template for Actors with Limited Credits or Experience

Acting CV Template

First, Here are Some BAD Acting CV Templates - Avoid These at All Costs!

Actors should NEVER use an acting cv template like these because casting directors won't take them seriously:

Why it's bad: The background should be white. Do NOT use a color for the background or you'll look like a brand new actor who just downloaded a fun template on a random cv site.

Why it's bad: OK, we already know the background should have been white. But the vertical formatting of the cv is also not at all industry-standard. Every section should be going down the page horizontally.

Why it's bad: The problem here is that there are WAY too many categories! It makes it hard to read and separate things. Plus, the alignment of each production is tabulated the same as the major categories, which makes it harder for a casting director to skim.

acting resume template with no experience

Why it's bad: There should not be any random yellow highlighted parts! The bright yellow is unprofessional and distracting, and gives off the impression that it was a free template downloaded from an online site, which screams "new actor."

Why it's bad: OK, so this cv is actually not too bad. It's easy to read and get a sense of the actor's training, etc., but again, the formatting is incorrect. It should be aligned horizontally and not separated into two columns. Stay away from two columns!

Why it's bad: This resume is much closer to industry standard, BUT... there is WAY too much white space. It looks like a brand new actor who's just getting started. It's much better to use a professional template (you'll see them shortly) than to use something that looks so empty/sparse.

An Unprofessional CV Can Hurt You

Casting directors need a fast way to narrow down THOUSANDS of (yes, literally over 3,000) submissions they get for every role they post:

First, they look at your headshot. If it's not professional or you don't look like the character they want, you're toast.
Next, they look at your CV. If the formatting makes them think you're inexperienced, you're toast.
If your cv looks professional, they read it in detail and spend time looking at your reel.

That's why a professionally-formatted resume is so important!! Here's what a professional actor cv template should look like:

3 Professional Actor CV Templates (download)

Now, without further ado, I'd like to present my three professional Google Docs actor cv templates that WILL be taken seriously by casting directors.

Click the button below to receive all three, instantly. You'll get a standard CV, a CV for actors without representation, AND an acting CV template for beginners.

You can modify them however you like, changing the fonts, pictures, etc., and they work on any device including mobile.

Send Me the Resume Templates!

How Do I Create an Acting CV?

If you're getting ready to build your resume and want to learn about the strategy behind writing a compelling one, I highly recommend reading my Ultimate Guide to Acting Resumes.

You can also watch this video for a brief overview on how to make your resume stand out:

FROM "BIG" TO "BELIEVABLE"
THE CRITICAL FOUNDATIONS OF REALISTIC FILM ACTING

When your performances are subtle and natural, casting directors will INSTANTLY trust you more. Too many actors think their performances are strong, yet when they start working with a 1-1 coach, they realize their performances are still too "big" and melodramatic.

This advanced training video shows you how to get rid of a fundamental problem called "indication," which is the #1 reason most new actors struggle to book screen acting work.

Here's just some of what you'll learn in this free training:

How to get rid of "indication" – this is the #1 reason new actors struggle to get auditions. You'll learn how big is "too big," along with tricks to perform more naturally and use that ability to book WAY more acting work
Tactics to memorize lines quickly & easily – learn five different "shortcut" methods to make memorization WAY faster and easier
How to get out of your own head – it can be hard to stop thinking about the camera, lights, and microphones (not to mention all the eyes staring at you), but there are a few key tactics you can use to get past this effectively

Send Me the Free Training!

Join over 27,000 actors – improve your technique and start booking more work.

Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses strategic thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 14,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues.

Want to book more acting work by thinking strategically? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com.

Some Additional Q&A

How Do I Write a CV for Acting?

An acting CV is broken up into four sections:

Section 1: Personal Information – Includes your contact info, union affiliation, sizes, and a small headshot.
Section 2: Credits – This shows all your experience and what productions you've been in so far.
Section 3: Education & Training – Includes schools, workshops, and other classes you've attended (including private coaching).
Section 4: Special Skills – Special skills are extremely important! Sometimes they'll be the only reason you get called in for an audition! Learn more here: Acting Resume Special Skills

To learn more about each section, check out my Ultimate Guide to Writing Actor Resumes.

How Do You Write an Acting Audition Profile?

The best way to create an audition profile is by first creating a free profile on one of the common audition sites such as Actor's Access, Backstage, or Casting Networks. Next, you should go section by section, filling each one in with as much detail as possible. Add photos and video clips, being sure that everything is done properly and without spelling or grammatical errors.

Once you've done a first pass and think it looks "good enough," wait a few days and come back to it with fresh eyes. Spend another hour or so reviewing and elaborating on what you added the first time. This "second pass" is what so many actors skip, and it can really help your acting audition profile stand out.

Once you've created your audition profile, read my Ultimate Guide to Finding Auditions to start booking acting work!