As an aspiring actor, you know how competitive the industry can be. With so many talented performers vying for the same roles, it’s important to have a resume that stands out from the rest. One way to do that is by highlighting your special skills – those unique talents that can make you an asset to any production.
Key Takeaways
- Special skills are an important component of any acting resume, as they show your versatility and can make you stand out from the competition.
- In addition to the obvious skills like singing, dancing, and stage combat, there are many other talents that you can feature on your resume to showcase your range as an actor.
- Some non-traditional skills to consider include juggling, card tricks, accents/dialects, and even specialized sports or hobbies.
- When listing your skills on your acting resume, be sure to organize them clearly and concisely, and only include those that are relevant to the roles you’re pursuing.
Singing, Dancing, and Stage Combat
It’s no secret that many roles in the performing arts require a certain level of singing, dancing, or stage combat ability. If you have training or experience in any of these areas, be sure to include them on your resume.
- Singing: Indicate your vocal range, provide examples of songs you can perform or any competitions you may have won.
- Dancing: Specify the styles of dance you are proficient in such as ballet, tap, jazz or contemporary.
- Stage Combat: Indicate whether you have training in unarmed combat, sword fighting, or stage fighting.
Juggling, Card Tricks, and Other Unique Skills
If you have any other talents that are relevant to the roles you’re pursuing, don’t be afraid to showcase them on your resume. Here are a few examples:
- Juggling: Highlight if you can juggle 3, 4 or 5 balls, clubs, or rings. You can even mention if you can juggle with fire or glow props.
- Card Tricks: Indicate which card tricks you can perform, for example – shuffles, flourishes, and deceptions.
- Accents/Dialects: Mention if you can speak in accents or dialects such as English, Irish or Southern American.
- Specialized Sports/Hobbies: If you are skilled in a certain sport, such as martial arts or gymnastics, include it on your resume. Similarly, mention any unique hobbies you have, such as stilt-walking or unicycling.
Organizing Your Skills on Your Acting Resume
When listing your special skills on your resume, be sure to organize them in a clear and concise manner. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Create a separate section for your skills and label it clearly.
- Highlight your most impressive skills, or those that are most relevant to the roles you’re pursuing.
- Always prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on showcasing the skills that make you a unique and versatile performer instead of listing a vast array of skills that are not relevant.
FAQ
How many special skills should I include on my acting resume?
Include between 7-10 special skills that showcase your versatility and are most relevant for the roles you’re pursuing.
Can I include special skills even if they are not relevant to the role?
It is not advisable to include a skill that is irrelevant to the role you’re applying for as it may dilute the importance of other relevant skills.
How do I learn new special skills?
There are a number of resources available depending on the skill you are interested in learning. You can sign up for classes, read books, watch online tutorials, or even learn from fellow actors. As a performer, there’s always room for growth and improvement, so don’t hesitate to broaden your skills!
Conclusion
Having special skills on your acting resume is essential for any performer looking to land that perfect role. By showcasing your unique talents and versatility, you can make yourself stand out in a crowded field. Use the tips above to organize your skills and to highlight the ones that are most relevant to the roles you’re pursuing. You’ve got this!