Everyone starts with a blank credits list. Casting knows this — a beginner resume just needs to be honest, clean, and easy to scan. Here's what goes on it and what to leave off.
The header
Your professional/stage name, union status (or "Non-Union"), and your stats: height, and vocal range if you sing. Include contact via your agent, or your own email/phone if you're unrepped. Never put your home address.
Credits (yes, even small ones)
List anything real: student films, short films, plays, staged readings, background/extra work (label it honestly), commercials, and web series. Use three columns — Production | Role type | Director/Company. Role "type" (Lead, Supporting, Featured) matters more than the character name. If you truly have nothing yet, it's fine to lead with Training instead.
Training is your credibility
When credits are thin, training carries the resume. List classes, workshops, coaches, and schools — scene study, on-camera, improv, voice, movement. Ongoing training signals you take the craft seriously.
Special skills that actually book work
Be specific and honest — casting will test you. Accents you can genuinely do, dialects, instruments, sports, dance styles, stage combat, horseback, driving stick, languages spoken fluently, and any certifications. "Conversational French" is not "fluent." Skills you can perform on demand are the ones that get you cast.
Format rules
One page, PDF, sized to your headshot (8x10 in the US), no photos on the resume itself, consistent fonts, no typos. Keep it updated as you book. If you're building UGC and on-camera work too, see how to become a UGC creator for a parallel portfolio.
FAQ
Can I put extra/background work on my resume?
Yes, early on — just label it honestly as background. As you book speaking roles, drop the extra work to keep the resume strong.
What if I have zero credits?
Lead with Training and Special Skills. A clean, honest resume plus a strong headshot and self-tape is enough to start submitting.