What do I need to put on my acting resume?

What do I need on an acting resume?

• I'm 13 and an aspiring actress. I know it's hard to get into the business but I think I would be good. I need advise on what acting agents/directors look for: 1) In a headshot. If I'm auditioning for a commercial or a film or anything, what type of headshot do they want? I have my school picture (The only good one that I've had in my life) that I could use but what captures their attention? 2) In a resume. I have no experience, but before I audition for anything I'm going to take an acting class at a respectable place. What else do I need to do to fill up my resume (or do I need to do nothing else?) There are no school plays, drama club or anything at my school or in my neighborhood so I guess I'm wondering: Would I be considered by a casting director with almost no experience on my resume?? -I DO play guitar (For 5 years so I'm good), cello, drums, and sing (Pretty well) Would that make a difference? SORRY FOR THE LONG QUESTION

• Answer:

  Well, seriously, you do need to have "real" acting experience to be realistically considered. Until/if you can get a portrait done, your school picture should be fine as far a picture goes. (don't use a wallet size LOL) An Acting class would at least be helpful. Check into Community Theater, most cities have at least something like that. I started at 8yrs old in our town's Community Junior Players. Or your high school when you get there, should at least have a school play... Singing experience is helpful as is any dance experience or ability. My schools almost always did musicals for their plays, so singing ability is a plus. Does your school have a debating team? or do you have speech classes. Any kind of experience or lessons in public speaking would be an asset. In an Open audition, almost no one is turned away...however the more experience you have , the better it is. All actors have to do a "first" play sometime in their life, you know!! If you are really good at it, then you would be considered on your merit rather than past experience. The director wouldn't have seen the productions and won't know if you were good or bad. But the idea that you have at least done some acting before is helpful, anyway. But also be prepared for the director to call out, "thank you!" very quickly. Auditions are a kind of stressful experience and an actor must be willing to go through rejection more than they go through success. Many times it's not the actor's ability, but the actor may not be what the director is looking for. Acting is a marvelous activity and has enriched my life with wonderful experiences. Good luck to you.