A Casting Director wants to know what experience the young performer has, if any. Keep the resume simple and neat. In the USA for an 8x10 photo, often a resume should be cut down to the correct size and glued or stapled to the back of the photograph. It is also possible to have the resume printed directly onto the back of the photo, but often this is probably not too useful, as your resume will change often and must be kept current.
List credits, beginning with the strongest, including title, role played and where performed (also director if appropriate). Be honest; do not make up things, and do not be ashamed to list small roles and bit parts but don't confuse these with 'extra' work which is not appropriate. If there are not any professional credits as yet, list community level or drama school theatre experience. Past accomplishments are important, but a young performer's motivation, look, manner, energy, talent and future moneymaking potential are all necessary ingredients in the entertainment business.
Your resume might not contain everything you want it to have, however, the content must be perfect. The first impression is the one that counts and spelling mistakes or punctuation errors do not go down well. With every increased competition for jobs, it is imperative to give yourself a competitive edge. Many do not realise how a professionally prepared resume can move them to the top of the pile. Remember your resume needs to be noticed among hundreds of candidates in your same position. Always use a third party to appraise your work. In the end, you will stand out from the crowd.
1) State your Union affiliation (if an); birth date, hair, eye colour, and height.
2) Indicate name, address and telephone number of your agent and/or manager, if you have one.
3) NEVER LIST YOUR HOME ADDRESS. If have not yet settled with an agent/manager you should include a telephone contact where you can always be reached, such as an answering service or a phone with an answering machine.
4) List special abilities, which may be useful for a Casting Director to know: singing, dialects, athletic skills, dancing, playing musical instruments, etc.
5) Describe professional training, drama schools, teachers, length of study, any specialization.
6) Ask your agent or manager if it is advisable to include date of birth if you are not sure.
7) Show your web site address. (Url.)
8) Spell check your resume and carefully read over every single word.
9) Check for periods and commas at the end of sentences.
10) Put periods and commas inside quotation marks and parentheses.
11) Capitalise all proper nouns.
12) Use no more than two fonts.
13) Use a font that is easily read.
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