Casting directors receive numerous inquiries from actors, actresses, and agents on a daily basis. To differentiate yourself from the competition, you need a powerful cover letter that features your strongest performances, accolades, and experience. This guide provides examples and expert tips to capture the most compelling aspects of your acting career.
Acting Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write an Acting Cover Letter
The key to writing a great acting cover letter is emphasizing your most impressive roles, performances, and accolades. Casting directors will be most interested in these details when determining whether or not to schedule you for an audition. It’s also important to highlight your unique approach to acting and how you’ve brought characters to life throughout your career. Below, we’ll walk you through each section of the acting cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
List all essential contact information in the header of your acting cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Be sure to address the casting director by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. This shows you’ve taken the time to familiarize yourself with the director’s work and displays your genuine passion for the opportunity to audition.
2. Introduction
Start your acting cover letter with a compelling introduction to convey your interest in the role. Grab the casting director’s attention by highlighting one or two of your strongest performances. If you achieved an award nomination, such as a Tony Award, mention it in the opening paragraph. This will help attract interest from production companies and encourage the casting director to learn more about your experience.
Example:
Throughout my acting career, I’ve been featured in numerous independent films across a wide range of genres. My performance in the lead role as Anna in Robert Grayson’s debut film, “Searching for Eurydice,” was highly regarded by critics for the emotional nuance I brought to the part. I am confident my experience within the independent film circuit will aid the success of your new film.
3. Body paragraphs
Feature your previous performances as an actor or actress in your body paragraphs. Mention one of the director’s past productions if you’re familiar with their work. But be careful not to allocate too many sentences to this, as it’s important to keep the reader’s focus on your achievements. Also, consider featuring a list of bullet points detailing notable roles and awards you’ve garnered throughout your acting career.
Example:
The critical acclaim of Saleem Roberts’ “Running from Truth” draws me to audition for a role in this new series. My dynamic acting style will allow me to deliver powerful performances for your production based on my past achievements:
- Received an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a drama series for emotionally charged performance as James Robinson in “Hades”
- Achieved recognition from critics for the role of Javert in the Lyric Theatre production of “Les Miserables,” which included a Tony Award nomination for best supporting actor
- Utilized method acting techniques to bring the role of Draco Malfoy to life in the Apollo Theatre production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
4. Acting skills and techniques
Although listing your skill sets isn’t the correct approach for an acting cover letter, there are some benefits to weaving certain details into your paragraphs. For instance, if you were seeking an audition for a role that requires a particular vocal range, emphasizing that you’re a Soprano or Alto could be important. Below, you’ll find a list of acting skills to consider featuring in your cover letter:
| Acting Skills and Techniques | |
|---|---|
| Acting | Alto |
| Baritone | Body language |
| Character acting | Contralto |
| Countertenor | Dancing |
| Drama | Facial expressions |
| Method acting | Mezzo-Soprano |
| Musical acting | Musical theater |
| Singing | Soprano |
| Tap dancing | Tenor |
5. Closing section
In the closing paragraph of your acting cover letter, include a call to action inviting the casting director to bring you in for an audition. Emphasize how your technology expertise and leadership background would be an asset to the organization. Be sure to thank the reader for their time and consideration in the last sentence.
Example:
I hope to schedule an audition to demonstrate how my experience as both a television and theater actor can benefit your production. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Edward Brown
Acting Cover Letter Tips
1. Feature your most prominent performances
Your previous performances as an actor should be the focal point of your cover letter. Emphasize the emotion and depth you brought to your roles. Mention the types of acting techniques you used to help bring characters to life. These details will help you make a lasting impression on the casting director and increase your odds of landing the audition.
2. Mention notable awards and accolades
In addition to mentioning your prior acting roles, be sure to feature any awards or nominations you’ve received in your career. This demonstrates that your performances have stood out to audiences. If you lack any notable awards, you might mention that a role received positive reviews from local critics.
3. Include the name of the theater and director
In some instances, it’s advantageous to include the name of the theater or director in your cover letter. For example, playing a leading role in “Rent” for a prestigious Broadway theater carries more weight than a lesser-known production company. Similarly, if you’ve worked under a director who is highly regarded, including their name can also work to your advantage.
Acting Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Stella Cortez
Actress | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA 12345
January 1, 2024
Carol Jackson
Director
Starlight Productions
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Jackson,
Throughout my acting career, I’ve been featured in numerous independent films across a wide range of genres. My performance in the lead role as Anna in Robert Grayson’s debut film, “Searching for Eurydice,” was highly regarded by critics for the emotional nuance I brought to the part. I am confident my experience within the independent film circuit will aid the success of your new film.
The impressive writing and directing style of your independent film, “The Song of Sorrow,” is what drives me to audition for your new production. My acting style and film experience make me an ideal fit for this project based on my career accomplishments:
- Received a nomination for best lead actress from the Independent Spirit Awards for performance as Anna in “Searching for Eurydice”
- Nominated for best supporting actress from the Independent Spirit Awards for the role of Harriot in Lisa Goldman’s production of “Last Light in the West”
- Achieved recognition for supporting role as Claire in Christine Morrison’s drama film, “My Night with Lya,” which aired on the Sundance Channel
I would like to schedule an audition to show further how my expertise as an independent film actress can benefit your new project. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stella Cortez
Acting Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I include an acting cover letter?-
Although your portfolio will always be the priority for casting directors, including a cover letter can be advantageous in many situations. This allows you to provide insights into your acting style and make your case for why you’re the ideal person for the role.
How do I make my acting cover letter stand out?-
To make your acting cover letter stand out, mention your most prestigious performances and awards. Be sure to also demonstrate your familiarity with the production company or director, as this shows you’re a serious acting professional who is passionate about the opportunity.
How long should my acting cover letter be?-
In most instances, it’s best to keep your cover letter concise and focused, limited to no more than three or four paragraphs. Use your page space wisely, emphasizing only your most prominent roles. This will keep the casting director’s eye on your most impressive qualifications and experience.
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