Guide
YOUR CASTING PROFILE
Your headshot is only one part of your professional materials.
Make sure your casting profile also includes accurate:
BASIC INFORMATION
- Professional name
- Height
- Location/market
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Relevant measurements
SPECIAL SKILLS
- Languages
- Accents/dialects
- Dance
- Singing
- Musical instruments
- Athletics
- Martial arts
- Stunts
- Driving
- Swimming
- Other professional skills
Only list skills you can actually perform.
Casting Networks specifically recommends detailed skills on your casting profile, and Backstage recommends showcasing bookable skills when relevant.
IDENTIFYING FEATURES
Depending on the role and casting platform, you may need to identify:
- Tattoos
- Piercings
- Scars
- Visible disabilities
- Other distinguishing characteristics
Only provide information that is professionally relevant and that you are comfortable sharing.
RESUME + TRAINING
Keep your résumé current.
Include:
CREDITS
- Film
- Television
- Theater
- Commercial
- Voiceover
- New media
TRAINING
- Acting
- Voice
- Dance
- Improvisation
- Dialects
- Movement
- Stunts
- Specialized training
EDUCATION
- Degrees
- Conservatories
- Relevant programs
Don't exaggerate your experience or skills.
COMP CARDS
A comp card is primarily used in modeling, commercial print, lifestyle, and visual talent markets.
It may include:
- Headshot
- Additional photos
- Name
- Height
- Measurements
- Clothing/shoe sizes
- Hair/eye color
- Relevant skills
- Agency/contact information
Actors do not always need a comp card.
Use one when the market, agency, or client calls for it.
SOCIAL MEDIA + CONTACT
Your professional casting presence should be easy to find.
Consider including:
- Professional email
- Website
- Professional Instagram
- IMDb
- Casting profiles
- Representation information
Your personal address should not be publicly displayed on your résumé or casting materials.
Keep your professional information consistent across platforms.
INTIMACY + BOUNDARIES
Know what you're agreeing to before accepting a role.
Casting materials or breakdowns may identify:
- Kissing
- Intimacy
- Simulated sex
- Nudity
- Partial nudity
- Stunts
- Physical contact
Read the breakdown carefully.
You can ask questions about expectations before agreeing to work.
Consent and professional boundaries matter.