Acting Resume Template (Free - 2024)

1/2/2024

On this page, you'll get 3 FREE actor resume templates for Google Docs (also compatible with MS Word).

You can edit them on any device (including mobile) and you won't need to worry about alignment, formatting, or anything else. Here are the free actor resume templates I'm including:

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

acting resume template with no experience

Acting Resume Template Free

First, Here's Some BAD Resume Formats - Avoid These at All Costs!

Actors should NEVER use resumes 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 from some random resume site.

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

Why it's bad: Well, at least we've got a white background and the formatting is horizontal, so it's not THAT bad... But the problem here is that there are WAY too many categories! It makes it really hard to read and separate things. Plus, the alignment of each production is tabulated the same as the major categories, which makes it harder to skim.

Why it's bad: OK, so the categories are easier to see, but 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." If you really want to use bits of coloring on your resume, stick to neutral, cool tones like dark blue or green. But generally I still advise to stay away from color!

Where can I get resume templates for free?

Why it's bad: OK, so this resume 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 – casting directors will never take those resumes seriously!

How do I make an acting resume on Google Docs?

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 Resume Can Cost You WAY More Than You Think.

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 resume. If the formatting makes them think you're inexperienced, you're toast.
If your resume 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 resume should look like:

Acting Resume Template Free

Three Highly-Professional Actor Resume Templates

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

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

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

Acting Resume Template Free

Send Me the Resume Templates!

How Do I Create an Acting Resume?

If you're getting ready to build your resume and want to learn about the strategy behind writing a compelling actor resume, 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:

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Book more work by thinking "Outside the Industry."

As someone who has worked with people in thousands of industries (through my headshot business), I've been able to take growth strategies that work for businesses and apply them directly to actors – to help them grow their careers faster than most would think possible (examples: one of my clients landed his first-ever Broadway role in just 4 weeks of working with me, and a brand-new actress signed with a high-level agent in just six weeks of working with me).

I'd like to invite you to my free insider newsletter where I share my best material, including:

How to network easily and authentically with casting directors – even if you hate self-promotion.
How to find your Type and Brand in just 18 minutes (it doesn't require awkwardly asking lots of random people for feedback)
How to find a hardworking and reliable agent – even if you don't have a strong resume or reel
And much more...

Download my free Actor's Toolkit to get started and you'll hear from me a few times a week with unique "outside the industry" strategies. I promise they'll help you build a career you're truly proud of.

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Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses “outside the industry” thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 6,000 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 different? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com.