Almost anywhere you go, you'll see the same standard actor bio advice: It must be four paragraphs, in this formula, etc.
Although that's technically true, what no one talks about is that actors actually need TWO bios. One is the standard, formulaic bio for actors that you'll find in playbills, called your Playbill Bio. The other less common type is your Story-Driven Bio, which is specifically written to get casting directors, agents, directors, and other industry gatekeepers interested in meeting you. In this guide, you'll learn how to write both kinds quickly and easily – even if you have no credits or experience yet. Related Guide: Create an Actor Resume (with free Google Docs templates) Bio for Actors: The Ultimate Guide
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The Full Bio, Beginning to End
Here you can see the full bio we've created if we attach each paragraph together.
Jon Smith is a classically trained actor who performed the role of Agent Smith in The Matrix, was awarded Best Actor in the 2019 Academy Awards, and has performed in over 15 theatrical productions and short films. At just 7 months old he directed and performed in his own one-man show.
Smith received his Masters of Fine Arts Degree from NYU in 2022. After graduation, he studied privately for three years under Stella Adler at The Group Theater, and has by this point worked in the industry for over 240 years.
Recently, Smith performed the role of Billy Jo Bob in a school production of well-known play The Front Porch. He is currently working on his second one-man show called I've Been Workin' on the Railroad, and specializes in playing clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes in short films and theatrical productions.
Smith has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and constant & never-ending jesting, and has won numerous accolades for his ability to juggle 73 balls and 15 flame-covered knives at once. He looks forward to bringing not only his acting, but his juggling and jesting skills to more major motion pictures like The Matrix in the coming years.
Smith received his Masters of Fine Arts Degree from NYU in 2022. After graduation, he studied privately for three years under Stella Adler at The Group Theater, and has by this point worked in the industry for over 240 years.
Recently, Smith performed the role of Billy Jo Bob in a school production of well-known play The Front Porch. He is currently working on his second one-man show called I've Been Workin' on the Railroad, and specializes in playing clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes in short films and theatrical productions.
Smith has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and constant & never-ending jesting, and has won numerous accolades for his ability to juggle 73 balls and 15 flame-covered knives at once. He looks forward to bringing not only his acting, but his juggling and jesting skills to more major motion pictures like The Matrix in the coming years.
I gotta say it... Jon Smith is the man. I wish I had his skills.
Well congratulations! You've just written your first professional actor playbill bio.
Now, How Do You Write an Actor’s Bio With No Experience?
Are you trying to figure out how to write an acting bio with no experience? If so, no need to worry!
The best way to put together a bio for a new actor who has no experience, training, or credits is to simply focus on other qualities besides training & experience. You can create an entire bio by just using the following:
It's important to ensure that your first sentence is still impressive even if you have little to no experience. Combining a few accomplishments together can help make up for the fact that you don't have any professional credits yet. Here's an example:
Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who was awarded Best Broken Glass Bottle Juggler in the North Jersey Barfight Juggling Competition and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Union College in 2021.
The best way to put together a bio for a new actor who has no experience, training, or credits is to simply focus on other qualities besides training & experience. You can create an entire bio by just using the following:
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The biggest name of person you trained under or performed with (or the biggest name of school or training institution you studied at).
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who is currently studying at the Stella Adler School of Acting.
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The number of months or years you've been training.
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who has studied Meisner Technique for over three months and has a knack for natural, subtle performances best suited for film.
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Any degrees or awards you've won.
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who was awarded Best Broken Glass Bottle Juggler in the North Jersey Barfight Juggling Competition.
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Union College in 2021.
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The types of roles you most enjoy playing (realistically).
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who most enjoys playing clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes in short films.
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Any unique and related achievement you've had (if you shot your own film or put on your own stage play, etc.)
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who at just 14 years old directed and performed in his own short film.
- Any special skills you have (that are related to acting in some way)
- Example: Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and constant & never-ending jesting.
It's important to ensure that your first sentence is still impressive even if you have little to no experience. Combining a few accomplishments together can help make up for the fact that you don't have any professional credits yet. Here's an example:
Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who was awarded Best Broken Glass Bottle Juggler in the North Jersey Barfight Juggling Competition and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Union College in 2021.
Example of a Bio for Actors With No Experience
Jon Smith is an aspiring actor who was awarded Best Singer in the North Jersey Singing Competition and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Union College in 2021. He has studied Meisner Technique for over three months and has a knack for natural, subtle performances best suited for film.
Smith most enjoys playing clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes in short films and at just 14 years old he directed and performed in his own short film.
He has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and constant & never-ending jesting, and enjoys spending time with his dog Toto and wife Dorothy. He most looks forward to bringing his juggling and jesting to theaters around the world!
Smith most enjoys playing clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes in short films and at just 14 years old he directed and performed in his own short film.
He has a high level of proficiency in piano, juggling, and constant & never-ending jesting, and enjoys spending time with his dog Toto and wife Dorothy. He most looks forward to bringing his juggling and jesting to theaters around the world!
Playbill Actor Bio Examples
Here are a few theater bio samples from real actors. I changed the names of the actors to protect their identities.
Note that they slightly break the rules above. It's totally OK to break the rules and do things differently, as long as you follow the general guidelines. The format in this guide is just a framework to make the process easier, but you can absolutely change things up a bit as you continue in your career.
Note that they slightly break the rules above. It's totally OK to break the rules and do things differently, as long as you follow the general guidelines. The format in this guide is just a framework to make the process easier, but you can absolutely change things up a bit as you continue in your career.
Real Actor Bio #1
While working as an actor in New York City, John Smith studied with Jane Doe and performed at Manhattan Theatre Club, Chelsea Theatre Center, W.P.A. Theatre and Douglas Fairbanks Theatre. He has acted regionally in over one hundred roles in many prestigious regional theaters.
Film credits include: John Johnson in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2011); Mr. Wright in Ridley Scott’s Killing Lincoln (2012); Duke Senior in National Geographic channel’s Killing Kennedy (2013); Warren Snader in Patriot Son, winner of the 1998 LA Film Fest’s independent short category and selected to show at the Telluride Festival. In 2014 Smith played the lead opposite Grey’s Anatomy’s Morgan Seymour in the short film, Waking Winston Doolittle.
As a director, he has staged Hamlet, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie, Hedda Gabler, Hay Fever, A Raisin in the Sun, Cloud Nine, Fuddy Meers, The Foreigner, A Man for All Seasons, Misalliance, Suddenly Last Summer, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Laramie Project, Lend Me a Tenor, Lost in Yonkers, Driving Miss Daisy, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and True West.
Smith taught acting at the University of Virginia for 30 years where he has had the honor of coaching (among many others) Tina Fey, Ben McKenzie (Gotham, The O.C.), Sean Patrick Thomas (Cruel Intensions, Barbershop), Jason George (Grey’s Anatomy, Mistresses), Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy, Everwood) and Emily Swallow (Supernatural, The Mentalist). He received the UVA’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 1961, the Mayo Distinguished Teaching Professorship in 1978 and was selected as an inaugural member of the University Academy of Teaching in 2021. He is a member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
Film credits include: John Johnson in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2011); Mr. Wright in Ridley Scott’s Killing Lincoln (2012); Duke Senior in National Geographic channel’s Killing Kennedy (2013); Warren Snader in Patriot Son, winner of the 1998 LA Film Fest’s independent short category and selected to show at the Telluride Festival. In 2014 Smith played the lead opposite Grey’s Anatomy’s Morgan Seymour in the short film, Waking Winston Doolittle.
As a director, he has staged Hamlet, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie, Hedda Gabler, Hay Fever, A Raisin in the Sun, Cloud Nine, Fuddy Meers, The Foreigner, A Man for All Seasons, Misalliance, Suddenly Last Summer, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Laramie Project, Lend Me a Tenor, Lost in Yonkers, Driving Miss Daisy, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and True West.
Smith taught acting at the University of Virginia for 30 years where he has had the honor of coaching (among many others) Tina Fey, Ben McKenzie (Gotham, The O.C.), Sean Patrick Thomas (Cruel Intensions, Barbershop), Jason George (Grey’s Anatomy, Mistresses), Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy, Everwood) and Emily Swallow (Supernatural, The Mentalist). He received the UVA’s Outstanding Teacher Award in 1961, the Mayo Distinguished Teaching Professorship in 1978 and was selected as an inaugural member of the University Academy of Teaching in 2021. He is a member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
Real Actor Bio #2
John Smith is a multilingual actor. While being a native speaker of both Spanish and Catalan, he has also performed in English and French.
He was born in Barcelona and finally decided to follow his passion for acting in 2012. He commenced his studies at the Laura Jou studio. His professional debut came later when he had the leading role in the micro theatre piece, Tic Toc by Borat Sunflower under the direction of Morgan Pooch.
His first steps in front of the camera became a reality in the TV series, La Riera (2014). During his formation as an actor, Smith has been influenced by people such as Javier Galito-Cava and Fernando Piernas just to name a few, who have turned him into the actor he is.
Up until March 2015, Smith was still employed as a lawyer. Since then he has dedicated himself to the art of acting, a learning experience both personally and professionally that never ends. Film and theatre have always been a passion of his. He is a Julia Cameron's Way of the Artist enthusiast. Smith's curiosity has led him to travel to some of the most remote places on the planet. He is currently competing in half marathons, who knows when he will compete in a full one?
He was born in Barcelona and finally decided to follow his passion for acting in 2012. He commenced his studies at the Laura Jou studio. His professional debut came later when he had the leading role in the micro theatre piece, Tic Toc by Borat Sunflower under the direction of Morgan Pooch.
His first steps in front of the camera became a reality in the TV series, La Riera (2014). During his formation as an actor, Smith has been influenced by people such as Javier Galito-Cava and Fernando Piernas just to name a few, who have turned him into the actor he is.
Up until March 2015, Smith was still employed as a lawyer. Since then he has dedicated himself to the art of acting, a learning experience both personally and professionally that never ends. Film and theatre have always been a passion of his. He is a Julia Cameron's Way of the Artist enthusiast. Smith's curiosity has led him to travel to some of the most remote places on the planet. He is currently competing in half marathons, who knows when he will compete in a full one?
Real Actor Bio #3
John Smith is an actor, singer, and director based in Chicago. He has received wide critical acclaim for performances in dozens of productions in some of the Chicago area’s top theaters, including the Goodman, Drury Lane, The Ravinia Festival, Music Theater Works, 16th Street Theater, Light Opera Works, ShawChicago, Piven Theater, Noble Fool, the Shakespeare Project of Chicago, and Stage Left.
On camera, he appeared as Miley Cyrus in season 6 of Chicago Med, Greg Gregory in season 5 of Chicago Fire and in the film, The Prince & Me, II. He has also been seen in commercials for esurance and Smith Bros., industrials for Ace Hardware and GE, and in print for Bertolli Olive Oil, Walgreen's, and ESPN Magazine.
Smith directed ShawChicago’s final production, The Doctor’s Dilemma, in spring of 2009 for which he received critical acclaim. Smith also created and directed Cookie Milk Shakes, part of the Chicago Cultural Mile Association’s Halloween Happening in Millennium Park. He also adapted and directed a radio-play version of Shaw’s The Music Cure, the inaugural production of Misalliance Repertory Theatre of which Gary is a founding member and current Associate Artistic Director.
Smith has also become a popular commentator on one of his great passions--the opera--and has emceed numerous concerts previewing upcoming seasons for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
On camera, he appeared as Miley Cyrus in season 6 of Chicago Med, Greg Gregory in season 5 of Chicago Fire and in the film, The Prince & Me, II. He has also been seen in commercials for esurance and Smith Bros., industrials for Ace Hardware and GE, and in print for Bertolli Olive Oil, Walgreen's, and ESPN Magazine.
Smith directed ShawChicago’s final production, The Doctor’s Dilemma, in spring of 2009 for which he received critical acclaim. Smith also created and directed Cookie Milk Shakes, part of the Chicago Cultural Mile Association’s Halloween Happening in Millennium Park. He also adapted and directed a radio-play version of Shaw’s The Music Cure, the inaugural production of Misalliance Repertory Theatre of which Gary is a founding member and current Associate Artistic Director.
Smith has also become a popular commentator on one of his great passions--the opera--and has emceed numerous concerts previewing upcoming seasons for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
WANT A TALENT AGENT TO GROW YOUR CAREER?
Knowing how to write a proper playbill bio is important, but it's just one small part of growing your acting career.
If you want to act full-time, your first major goal should be to get a legitimate, hardworking talent agent.
I highly recommend checking out this short podcast episode, where I share:
Listen in using the player below, and be sure to hit Subscribe (you can listen in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more).
If you want to act full-time, your first major goal should be to get a legitimate, hardworking talent agent.
I highly recommend checking out this short podcast episode, where I share:
- The exact steps to getting a great, hardworking, and legitimate talent agent.
- How to shortcut the process significantly, especially for new actors.
- Tips to avoid scammers in the industry (there are a lot of them!)
Listen in using the player below, and be sure to hit Subscribe (you can listen in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more).
Part 2:
The Story-Driven Bio
How many standard playbill bios have you actually read from start to finish?
Probably not many because their so formulaic and dry! That's why in addition to having a standard playbill bio, I recommend creating a Story-Driven Bio, which is meant to be fun!
Most people in this industry give the same advice – whether it's the same audition advice, the same resume advice, or the same bio advice. But I like to be different and think "outside the industry," which is why many of my clients have had major career successes in very short time frames.
My "outside the industry" advice to you is to write a second, more-enjoyable-to-read bio that will capture people's attention FAST. You can use this bio on your website or in any marketing materials you send along, as long as you include a copy of your standard playbill bio as well.
Remember: Your playbill bio is just meant to be used as a formality, but if you really want to pull someone in and get them interested in you, you need a bio that people will actually want to read, and there's no better way to do that than by starting with a great story.
Formula for a Great Story-Driven Actor's Bio:
Here is a formula for how your Story-Driven Bio can be written:
- Paragraph 1: Start with a "hook" story that pulls the reader vividly into one of your best acting memories.
- Paragraph 2: Explain who are you, why you love acting, and your 2-3 most noteworthy professional accomplishments.
- Paragraph 3: Explain the types of projects you most enjoy working on, plus what you bring to each project. Also briefly explain why you love acting so much.
- Paragraph 4: Mention any special skills and quirks you have plus your long-term goal.
There are no set-in-stone rules for your Story Driven Bio, but you can use this simple checklist to make sure it's effective:
Now of course you'll no doubt find information online advising you against writing in first person, saying to keep things ultra-professional (as in the playbill bio), but in my opinion, that's the job of your resume. Most busy casting directors and agents will only read a bio if it actually captures their attention. Why would they when they can get all the info they need right from your resume?
The Story-Driven Bio is a way to capture their attention to quickly get across your personality and connect with them in a more "human" (and thereby memorable) way.
- Keep it very short and easily skimmable - break it up into 3-4 short paragraphs of 1-2 sentences each. Why? Because hardly anyone will read more than that!
- You should write this bio in first person, but be humble. Telling a story from the perspective of "I" is more fun and engaging for people to read. When it comes to achievements however, be humble. "I've had the opportunity to perform in X" is more palatable than "I've performed in X."
- List your most important achievements in the second paragraph. These are specifically designed to capture the attention of the reader and get them to trust you, but remember that your "hook" story is meant to draw them in first.
- Explain in at least 1-2 sentences why you do what you do. What's the reason you love acting so much, and what kinds of projects do you most enjoy working on?
- Mention at least 1-2 special skills. They should be related to acting otherwise no one will care. Can you code computers? Casting directors don't care. But can you sing and dance? Awesome, add it!
- Ensure your most important information comes first. Don't hide your biggest accomplishments or most noteworthy skills if they are truly outstanding. Put them right up front so people see them!
- If you want, feel free to make your bio funny or include any quirks you have. The more emotionally engaged the reader is, the more likely they'll read it through to the end.
Now of course you'll no doubt find information online advising you against writing in first person, saying to keep things ultra-professional (as in the playbill bio), but in my opinion, that's the job of your resume. Most busy casting directors and agents will only read a bio if it actually captures their attention. Why would they when they can get all the info they need right from your resume?
The Story-Driven Bio is a way to capture their attention to quickly get across your personality and connect with them in a more "human" (and thereby memorable) way.
Here is a sample bio, written in Story-Driven Bio format. What's most important is that you start with a great story to pull your reader in so they read the whole thing:
Story-Driven Actor Bio
The lights dimmed down as I felt my heartbeat quicken. I closed my eyes slowly and tried to take a deep breath, but nothing could help me relax. I was about to step onto the stage for the first time in my life... to begin a career that would change me in more ways than I could imagine.
My name is John Smith and I was just seven months old that day when I performed my first one man show. By this point I've been in the industry for over 240 years have have been fortunate to have appeared in a number of major films including The Matrix (Agent Smith) and The Front Porch (as lead Billy Joe Bob). I've even had the opportunity to perform alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as Rose in Titanic. I'll never let go, Leo.
I love getting deep into character to play clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes (which might be related to my father's work as a professional balloon wrestler). Something I pride myself in bringing to every set is a highly professional demeanor and a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to help the cast and crew in any way I can. I truly love acting and would do it every day if I could – being able to breath life into black and white words on a page is a truly humbling experience.
In addition to acting and juggling, I can also fight; I'm highly trained in stunt work and combat training, and I've worked as a fight choreographer for a number of productions. I have a soft spot for yellow M&M's (just kidding), and my long-term goal is to one day perform in a popular Broadway musical where I juggle 315 flaming bananas at once.
My name is John Smith and I was just seven months old that day when I performed my first one man show. By this point I've been in the industry for over 240 years have have been fortunate to have appeared in a number of major films including The Matrix (Agent Smith) and The Front Porch (as lead Billy Joe Bob). I've even had the opportunity to perform alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as Rose in Titanic. I'll never let go, Leo.
I love getting deep into character to play clowns, jugglers, jesters, and mimes (which might be related to my father's work as a professional balloon wrestler). Something I pride myself in bringing to every set is a highly professional demeanor and a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to help the cast and crew in any way I can. I truly love acting and would do it every day if I could – being able to breath life into black and white words on a page is a truly humbling experience.
In addition to acting and juggling, I can also fight; I'm highly trained in stunt work and combat training, and I've worked as a fight choreographer for a number of productions. I have a soft spot for yellow M&M's (just kidding), and my long-term goal is to one day perform in a popular Broadway musical where I juggle 315 flaming bananas at once.
Enjoyed this article?
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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.
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- 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.
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. |
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