An acting cover letter serves as a direct and personal introduction to a casting director or agent. It accompanies your headshot and resume, providing a human element to your submission. While your resume lists experience and your headshot shows your look, the cover letter is your chance to establish a professional connection. It allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the project and articulate why you are a fitting candidate beyond a list of credits.
Research Before You Write
A generic cover letter is often dismissed, so undertake targeted research to tailor your application. The first step is to identify the specific casting director handling the project. Addressing them by name is far more impactful than a general salutation. If you cannot find a name in the casting call, look for the casting office handling the project and search their company website or professional networking sites.
Investigate the production company and the director attached to the project. Understanding their previous work provides insight into their style and the tone of the productions they create. This knowledge allows you to align your experience with their established aesthetic and shows you have a genuine interest in collaborating with their team. This research enables you to make specific connections between your skills and the project’s needs, framing your experience in the context of the production.
Essential Components to Include
Your Contact Information
Your letter must begin with your professional contact information, presented clearly at the top of the page. Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address. You should also include a link to your professional website or primary casting profile page, which acts as a central hub for your materials.
Casting Director’s Information
Below your information, include the contact details for the recipient. This includes the casting director’s full name, their title, the name of the casting company, and its address. This standard business letter format signals professionalism. Accuracy is important, as misspelling a name or company can leave a negative impression.
Clear Subject Line
For email submissions, the subject line can determine if your message gets opened. It must be clear, concise, and professional. The industry standard is to include the project title, the specific role you are submitting for, and your name. An effective example is: “Submission – [Project Name] – [Character Name] – [Your Name].”
Professional Salutation
Always address the letter to a specific person. A personalized salutation like “Dear Ms. Jones,” is more effective than a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.” Taking the time to find the correct name demonstrates initiative and respect. If you have a mutual connection, this is an appropriate place to mention it briefly.
Link to Your Headshot, Resume, and Demo Reel
In the body of your email, provide direct links to your essential marketing materials, including your headshot, resume, and demo reel. Do not include these as attachments unless specifically requested. Attachments can be flagged by email security or be cumbersome to download. Providing direct links makes it easy for the casting director to review your materials.
Structuring the Body of Your Letter
The body of your cover letter is where you make your case for the role and should be structured logically. The goal is to be persuasive without being overly lengthy, keeping the entire letter to a few short paragraphs. A concise and focused approach is more likely to be read in its entirety.
Your opening paragraph should immediately state your purpose for writing. Mention the specific role you are applying for and where you saw the casting notice. This direct approach helps the casting director quickly categorize your submission. You can also express genuine enthusiasm for the project by mentioning a specific element that attracted you to it.
The middle paragraphs are the core of your letter. This is where your research pays off, as you connect your specific experiences and skills to the character or production. Instead of repeating your resume, highlight a past role with a similar character arc or a required skill set. For example, if the role requires proficiency in a dialect or a physical skill like stage combat, mention your training or a project where you utilized that ability.
The closing of your letter should be professional and include a clear call to action. Politely state your availability for an audition or to provide a self-tape. Reiterate your interest in the project and thank the casting director for their time and consideration. The sign-off should be professional, such as “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.
Finding the Right Tone
The tone of your cover letter should balance confidence and professionalism. It is an opportunity to let your personality show, but it must be done within the context of a business communication. You want to come across as a serious artist who is easy to work with, not as a fan.
Your word choice should be confident but not arrogant. Avoid phrases that sound desperate or that focus on what the role could do for your career. Instead, frame your letter around what you can bring to the role and the production. This shows you are a collaborative artist focused on contributing to the project’s success.
Think of the letter as a conversation starter. It should be engaging and authentic, reflecting your genuine interest in the work. A letter that sounds robotic or is filled with generic platitudes will not stand out. Let your passion for the craft and the specific project come through in a professional and personable way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a polished, professional letter requires avoiding common pitfalls that can undermine your application. Be sure to avoid the following:
- Submitting a letter with spelling or grammar errors. Such mistakes suggest a lack of attention to detail, so always proofread your letter carefully before sending it.
- Writing a letter that is too long. Casting directors are busy, so keep your cover letter concise and to the point, ideally no more than a few short paragraphs.
- Simply repeating the information that is already on your resume. The cover letter should complement your resume by highlighting specific, relevant skills for the role.
- Focusing on what the role will do for you. Your letter should be about what you can offer the production and how your skills will help bring the director’s vision to life.