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Acting is an exciting field that plays a star role in entertaining audiences across various platforms. Whether it’s on stage, in films or on television, actors use their talent and creativity to bring stories to life. To land the acting roles you aspire to, you need an application package that showcases your skills and highlights your unique abilities.
Your resume gives a snapshot of your acting journey, but your cover letter is your opportunity to shine and show casting directors why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Our guide will help you write a cover letter that reflects your passion for acting and effectively communicates your career journey, ensuring you stand out and secure auditions.
Our guide includes:
- Sample cover letters tailored specifically for acting roles.
- Customizable cover letter templates designed to highlight your acting abilities.
- Expert advice on structuring each section of your cover letter to capture attention.
- Proven strategies to make your cover letter memorable to casting directors.
Looking for a quick cover letter solution? Our Cover Letter Builder is here to help. This tool streamlines the writing process, allowing you to create a professional application that showcases your talent and experience effortlessly. With prewritten phrases, a variety of templates and insights from industry professionals, crafting a compelling cover letter has never been easier.
Acting cover letter example
What makes this a great sample cover letter for an actor?
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Stylish template
This cover letter uses a neat and stylish template with a bit of color. This is a good choice for an acting cover letter because it allows the candidate to show off some creativity and individuality while still maintaining professionalism.
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Discusses the theater company
A cover letter is a great opportunity to discuss why you are interested in this particular role at this particular organization. In this case, the candidate discusses his specific interest in the theater company that he’s applying to.
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Prominent contact information
Every actor knows how important it is to get a callback. This cover letter makes that possible by displaying the candidate’s contact information at the top.
Related cover letter examples
Looking for a different cover letter? Check out our library of cover letter examples for more inspiration:
Browse other popular samples
Cover letter template for acting
Want a cover letter template that you can copy, paste and customize as much as you need? We’ve got you covered!
Jonah Simms
New York, NY 10011
555-555-5555
example@example.com
Aug. 30, 2024
Sarah Jones, Theater Director
American Immersion Theater
8600 Cross Rd.
New York, NY 10002
Dear Ms. Jones,
I am writing to express my interest in the actor position at American Immersion Theater, as advertised. With a solid foundation in acting, a diverse skill set and a passion for collaborative storytelling, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
I have embraced diverse roles and experiences throughout my career, consistently striving to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact. I served as a voice actor, engaging audiences through many projects. Whether introducing shows on air or delivering compelling commercials and advertisements, I played a pivotal role in over 18 productions annually. Moreover, cultivating a social media following of over 10K fans amplified project visibility and fostered greater audience engagement.
I have also had the privilege of contributing to 13 Broadway productions, where I have honed my ability to evoke emotions and captivate audiences. Witnessing tangible reactions ranging from laughter to standing ovations fueled my passion for storytelling.
Beyond my professional experiences, I bring a diverse skill set and a relentless pursuit of growth. As an avid traveler, I have immersed myself in various cultures and storytelling traditions, enriching my understanding of the human experience and broadening my artistic horizons. Moreover, I am particularly drawn to American Immersion Theater for its commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences. I am eager to leverage my direction, collaboration and storytelling skills to contribute to your vision and bring your immersive productions to life.
Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to the magic of American Immersion Theater. I am available at your convenience for an interview and look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your creative endeavors.
Sincerely,
Jonah Simms
Format your acting cover letter
To highlight your experience and achievements as an actor, your cover letter should be clear, concise and focused.
Maintaining a professional format in your cover letter is crucial to ensure that casting directors can easily assess your qualifications. Here are some formatting tips to help you create a standout cover letter for an acting position:
- Font style and size: Use professional and easily readable fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman. Aim for a font size between 10 and 12 points for clarity.
- Spacing: Maintain consistent spacing throughout your cover letter, with line spacing between 1.15 to 1.5 for readability.
- Margins and alignment: Keep your cover letter well-organized by aligning your text to the left and setting up 1-inch margins to present your qualifications clearly and professionally.
Select an acting cover letter template
Your cover letter serves as your initial introduction to potential employers, so select a cover letter template that adheres to industry standards and complements your personal style. An acting role typically calls for a clean and straightforward design with minimal embellishments.
Explore our collection of cover letter templates and choose one that effectively showcases your skills and experience. Then, select a resume template that complements your cover letter to present a cohesive and professional application package.
How to write a cover letter for acting
With 83% of hiring managers considering cover letters crucial, including one in your application is an opportunity you can’t miss. Your cover letter is a chance to provide context to your resume, showcase your qualifications and explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Fortunately, creating a cover letter doesn’t have to be hard. By following a few simple steps, you can craft a cover letter that effectively tells your career story without the stress!
Step 1
Review the acting job description
Tailoring your cover letter to each specific role is essential. Using a generic cover letter for multiple applications can show a lack of enthusiasm. Meanwhile, personalizing your cover letter demonstrates genuine interest in the role and shows how your skills align with the company’s needs.
Even more impactful is that many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to evaluate candidates. These systems look for keywords that match the job description. To create a cover letter that’s ATS-friendly, include terms from the job description. Tailoring each cover letter to match the unique requirements of each role enhances your application’s quality and positions you favorably with ATS.
Step 2
Include your contact information in the header
While it may seem basic, the contact information in your cover letter’s header is of the utmost importance. The goal of your cover letter is to encourage the hiring manager to contact you, after all. For this, they need easy access to accurate contact information.
Include:
- Your name
- City and state
- Phone number
- Email address
- Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn profile, if applicable
Ensure your email address is professional and matches the information on your resume.
Step 3
Address the hiring manager by name
Personalize the salutation of your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly. If the job listing doesn’t provide contact information for a casting director, take the time to research the company to identify the individuals responsible for casting. This demonstrates your commitment and initiative.
If you can’t find the name or details of the casting director, addressing the letter to the hiring team is a suitable alternative.
Step 4
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph
Begin your cover letter with an introductory paragraph that grabs attention and summarizes your qualifications. Whether you’re seeking your first or your hundredth role, this paragraph is where you quickly prove that you’re the right candidate.
Example opening paragraph for a beginner actor cover letter:
I am thrilled to submit my application for the [Role Name] in [Play/Film Title], as advertised on [where you found the listing]. As a passionate and dedicated newcomer to the acting world, with formal training in [Type of Training] and a genuine love for performance art, I am eager to bring my energy, dedication and fresh perspective to your project. Although I am at the beginning of my professional journey, my experiences in [relevant experience, such as school plays, local theater, workshops] have equipped me with a solid foundation in acting techniques and a deep commitment to developing my craft.
Example opening paragraph for an acting cover letter:
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Role Name] for your upcoming production of [Play/Film Title], advertised on [where you found the listing]. With over [X years] of professional acting experience, encompassing a wide range of characters in both theater and film, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my depth of experience, my passion for storytelling and my dedication to the craft to your esteemed production. My background includes standout roles such as [Role] in [Production] and [Role] in [Production], where I honed my ability to bring complex characters to life, engage audiences and collaborate effectively with directors and fellow actors.
Keep your introduction concise and focused, highlighting your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position in a few sentences.
Step 5
Explain why you’re the best candidate for the role
The body paragraphs of your acting cover letter are where you get to shine, sharing your qualifications and explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
- Specify relevant experience: Talk about your acting experiences, offering concrete examples of roles you’ve played, performances you’re proud of or ways you’ve contributed to the success of a production. Share stories that highlight your skills and dedication to the craft.
- Highlight transferable skills: Acting requires a mix of hard and soft skills, as well as the ability to adapt and learn. Share examples of when you’ve used your transferable skills to make a positive impact, whether it’s through connecting with an audience, collaborating with cast members or bringing a unique vision to a role.
- Address unique qualifications or experiences: If you have specialized training, such as in a specific acting method or voice work, or unique experiences that set you apart, like directing or scriptwriting, mention how these have prepared you for a role in acting.
Example body paragraphs for an acting cover letter:
During my time as an ensemble member at [Theater Company], I embraced the challenge of diverse roles, from Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary comedies, enhancing each performance with my dedication to character authenticity and dynamic stage presence. My commitment to collaborative rehearsal processes and my versatility in adapting to different directors’ visions contributed significantly to our productions’ success.
As an aspiring actor at [Company Name], I am eager to bring my passion for storytelling and my track record of compelling performances to your team. With a deep understanding of the emotional and physical aspects of acting, along with my continuous pursuit of improvement through workshops and classes, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your creative projects.
Step 6
Write your cover letter closing
Conclude your acting cover letter with a closing paragraph that:
- Expresses your excitement for the role.
- Shows your readiness to embrace the responsibilities of the position.
- Invites further discussion or consideration.
- Thanks the reader for the chance to apply.
Example closing paragraph for an acting cover letter:
I am thrilled at the prospect of joining [Production Crew] and contributing to the vibrant and inspiring work you produce. With a solid foundation in acting and a passion for bringing characters to life, I am confident in my ability to add value to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my talents and experiences align with your artistic goals. Thank you for considering my application for this exciting opportunity.
Step 7
Sign off appropriately
End your acting cover letter with a professional signoff, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Add a matching resume
Before writing your cover letter, ensure you have a strong resume ready. If not, take some time to craft a resume that highlights your acting credentials and experiences. Look at resume examples for inspiration on creating a well-formatted resume that stands out.
If you need help building a resume quickly, our AI Resume Builder is here to assist. This tool enables you to create a professional resume in just a few minutes, allowing you to focus on crafting your perfect cover letter.
To strengthen your application further, choose a resume template that matches your cover letter design, presenting a cohesive and professional appearance.
Key takeaways
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Explore acting cover letter examples
Start by looking at some acting cover letter examples to spark some inspiration. Seeing how other actors craft their cover letters can show you different ways to highlight your experiences and share your passion for performing arts.
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Highlight essential skills for an actor
Focus on showcasing your acting skills, including your range of roles, adaptability and any specialized training you have. It’s also important to talk about soft skills like teamwork, dedication and your ability to take direction and feedback.
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Select an appropriate acting cover letter template
Pick a cover letter template that reflects your creativity yet remains professional. If you’re unsure, a straightforward and clean template is always a safe choice, ensuring your personality shines through without overwhelming the reader.
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Keep your introductory paragraph concise
Kick off your letter with a bang by immediately capturing the reader’s interest. Introduce yourself and succinctly mention your passion for acting and your eagerness to contribute to the project or play.
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Compose detailed body paragraphs
In the body of your cover letter, dive into specific examples of your acting experiences. Discuss roles you’ve played, the success of your past productions and the feedback you’ve received. Use stories or examples that highlight your growth as an actor and your dedication to your craft.
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Ensure appropriate formatting
Your cover letter should look as professional as you aim to be. Stick to traditional fonts, margins and spacing, and thoroughly proofread your letter to avoid any mistakes. This attention to detail shows respect for the reader and underscores your professionalism.
Resources to help prepare for your interview
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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
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