Building a two-page acting résumé recruiters skim in 15 seconds yet remember

A razor-sharp acting résumé is still the fastest way to turn a casual scan into a callback. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft two pages that casting directors digest in 15 seconds—and that stay parked in their memory when shortlists are drawn.

1. Understand the 15-second recruiter scan

Most casting professionals open dozens of files before lunch. Eye-tracking studies from the Casting Society of America show the first pass takes 12–18 seconds. In that sliver of time, their gaze sweeps top-left to bottom-right, pausing only on bold text, union badges and known studio names; if none surface, they delete without a second thought. For you, that means the résumé must read like a billboard: headline, proof, promise—all visible in one breath. They look for:

• Your professional name and contact info—visible without scrolling.
• Union status and verified credits.
• Recent lead or principal roles that match their brief.
• Unique skills or languages that differentiate you.

Why two pages beat one

One-page résumés can feel cramped, yet anything over two pages gets skipped. Two pages let you group credits and skills logically while keeping white space that improves readability.

2. Page one: hook them with at-a-glance essentials

Headline block

Use 14 pt for your name, 11 pt for contact details. Place SAG-AFTRA | Equity badges next to your name if applicable. If you list verified credits and union badges online, mirror the same wording here.

Primary credits

Show six to eight roles from the last five years that prove range and marketability. Format consistently:

• Production title – Role / Type – Director – Distributor or Theatre

Bold either the production or the director, not both, so the eye latches onto one anchor per line.

Training snapshot

List no more than three institutions or coaches. Add the method studied (e.g., Meisner, Viewpoints) so directors see readiness for specific styles.

3. Page two: depth that cements recall

Special skills grid

Create a clean two-column list. Group by category: Languages, Accents, Stage combat, Instruments, etc. Avoid clutter—casting software already filters skills; you only need the game-changers.

Selective commercial and voice-over section

Commercial work shows bankability. Voice credits display vocal control. Keep each list to five items and note any recognisable brand or network.

Links that extend discovery

Under “Digital Portfolio,” add hyperlinked text—Showreel (90 s), Headshot gallery, Self-tape samples. Recruiters can then view richer assets without scrolling through cluttered URLs.

4. Formatting rules that survive every inbox

• Use a single font family (Arial, Helvetica or Calibri) to sidestep rendering issues.
• Set margins at 1.5 cm. White space speeds scanning.
• Save as PDF at 150 dpi—high enough for printouts, light enough for mobile.
• Name the file Lastname_Firstname_ActingResume_2024.pdf.

Colour accents—use sparingly

A single muted accent (hex #95854c used in headings) guides the eye. Avoid full-bleed backgrounds that grow file size and print poorly.

5. Ordering credits: chronological vs. type-based

If you have consistent recent work, list by year, newest first. If your experience is mixed—film, TV, theatre—create sub-sections. Recruiters casting regionally love fast filtering, so align with how regional casting filters label production types.

6. Keywords that mirror casting software

Applicant-tracking tools read PDFs. Pepper synonyms naturally: “lead actor,” “supporting role,” “stunt-certified,” “RP accent.” This increases alignment with search queries on platforms such as Artfolio's collaboration board.

7. Cross-channel consistency

Ensure details match your online profiles. A résumé showing London base but a profile set to Los Angeles confuses location filters. Update your actor-directory profile the same day you revise your PDF.

8. Email delivery that bypasses spam and fatigue

1. Attach the PDF and rename the attachment exactly as the file name.
2. Add a one-line introduction plus casting fit.
3. Link to your reel—no autoplay.
4. Close with permission-based follow-up: “Happy to provide a self-tape if the role aligns.”

Use respectful outreach principles described in this etiquette guide.

9. Common résumé traps to avoid

• Dense blocks of text—recruiters skip them.
• Headshots within the PDF—they bloat size; send as separate JPEGs.
• Irrelevant personal details—omit height/weight unless asked.
• Outdated credits—anything older than 10 years belongs only if iconic.

10. Quick retention tricks

Recruiters remember specifics. End each page with a micro tagline such as “Fluent in French | Stage combat (BADC Intermediate).” It sticks better than a generic objective statement.

FAQ

Should I list background roles?

Only if they include featured moments or collaboration with high-profile directors. Extras work rarely influences casting decisions for principal roles.

Can I go over two pages if I have extensive theatre credits?

Condense older theatre work into a single line: “Selected theatre credits: 25+ productions (Globe, RSC, National).” Two pages remain the sweet spot.

What font size is ideal?

10.5–11 pt for body text balances readability and space. Slide to 10 pt only if you preserve ample white space.

Where do I put my agent's details?

Directly under your name in the header: Agency, contact email, phone. Make it the primary point of contact.

How often should I update my résumé?

After every new booked role or training milestone. Frequent updates also boost algorithm freshness on casting platforms.

Ready to stand out?

Download our free two-page template, fill it using the steps above, and watch your callback rate climb. If you want deeper feedback, book a résumé audit through our team—spaces fill quickly.