Acting Cover Letter Sample and Tips from HR Pros

Acting may be one of the most exciting professions. However, to get a job as an actor, you will still need the good old set of a resume and cover letter. A resume will explain that you have all the necessary skills and experience for the project you are applying for. And a cover letter will serve as a professional introduction and a way to get the casting manager’s attention.

Today, we are looking into how to write a cover letter when applying for an acting job. Here’s what we'll cover:

• Why you need a cover letter when applying for a role
• What to include in your cover letter and in what succession
• Tips for writing an effective and memorable cover letter
• Cover letter example that you can use as a base for writing your own cover letter

And if you are looking for a step by step guide on writing an acting resume, check out our post - Acting Resume Sample and Tips from HR Pros.

Let’s get started.

Why do you need a cover letter?

A resume and headshot are an absolute must when applying for an acting role. However, they alone may not be enough for a successful application.

Casting directors get tens and even hundreds of similar-looking applications per day. And it’s important to have something on your side that will catch their eye. A personalized cover letter is a great way to make your application stand out, explain your motivation and provide extra space for making your case as the best candidate for the job.

If you want to include a cover letter with your application but are not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we unpack what your cover letter should and shouldn’t include.

What to include in your cover letter?

There are several important information points to include in your cover letter.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Contact details

First, at the top of the page, add your name, phone number and email. There is typically no need to add your address. However, make sure that the contact information you add here is complete and up-to-date so that you can be instantly contacted by the casting director. If you are represented by an agent, you should add their contact information here too, preceded by “represented by.”

Greeting

It’s always best to start your cover letter by addressing the casting director by name. If you don’t know their name, there are several ways to find it out. First, you can take another look at the job description or casting call and see if it mentions who is responsible for casting. Second, you can check the website of the production or project you are applying for and see if they have this information on their page. Social media can also be a helpful tool in your search.

Addressing the casting manager by name is a good way to get their attention and make your cover letter stand out.

Body of the letter

This is the main part of your cover letter. In it, there are several key points that you need to make.

First, you need to explain why you are writing and what position you are applying for. It’s good to include something memorable here too. For instance, mention one of your achievements or what inspired you to apply for this specific role.

In the next paragraph or two, expand on why you will be the best person for the role. You can mention the previous work you’ve done that has given you the experience and skill set necessary for this specific role.

Make sure to read the job description carefully. This way, you will be able to address the specific concerns the casting director may have.

Explain what has inspired you to apply and why you want this role. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your willingness to go the extra mile for it.

Complete your cover letter with a call to action. You can ask for a chance to show your acting skills in an audition or invite further questions on the part of the casting director.

Sign-off

Finally, you should add a sign-off at the end of your email. You can use any of the popular options such as:

• Kind regards
• Best regards
• Sincerely
• Thank you
• All the best and others

You can also have your own personalized sign-off. Make sure, however, to not make your letter sound too informal.

You can also repeat your contact details here: name, phone number, email and a link to your website or portfolio (if you have one).

Tips for writing an acting cover letter

There are several best practices for writing an acting cover letter.

First, make sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific role you are applying for. It’s a really bad idea to “mass produce” cover letters and send them to multiple prospects. The main job of the cover letter is to “hook” the caring director into reading more of your application. Without customized content, this will be impossible to do and the casting director may not even read your application till the end.

Second, keep your cover letter short and simple. Acting is a creative profession -but your cover letter should be practical and to the point. You should methodically make your case that you will be the best choice for this specific role. It’s best to avoid generalities, be as specific as possible and not let your letter drag on.

Use concrete references and examples from your previous acting work to illustrate your professional capabilities. If you mention that you are hardworking, back it up by an example from a role where you had to put in a lot of extra hours. If you write that you are a good drama actor, mention your best drama role or a favorable review that you have received.

Acting cover letter example

Summing things up

A cover letter should be a key part of your application for an acting job. Together with your resume, it should highlight your skills and abilities and emphasize why you would be the best candidate for this specific role.

Here are the main takeaways:

• Your cover letter should have the following key sections: contact details, introduction, main body and a sign-off.
• If possible, address the casting director by name. Take a look at the job description, the project’s website and social media to learn the name of the casting director.
• Keep your letter short and to the point. Focus on what makes you the best person for the job and avoid any generalities. Your cover letter shouldn’t be over a page long.
• Keep your cover letter specific and use examples from your previous jobs to illustrate your skill set.

Learn more about how to write a cover letter.

HR Specialist

Seun Ibukun

Seun Ibukun has spent several years working in media, comms and HR. He has multiple degrees in linguistics and loves to talk about literature, tech, and offer career advice. He`s currently hanging out in the tropics on the first leg of a world tour.