An acting cover letter accompanies your headshot and resume when submitting to casting directors, agents, or theater companies. Unlike a standard job application, it needs to communicate your type, training, and fit for a specific role or production in a few focused paragraphs. Whether you are responding to a casting call or reaching out to a creative and media company directly, a clear and well-targeted letter sets you apart from the stack. Browse our cover letter examples to see how professionals in other fields approach the same challenge.
What employers look for in an acting cover letter
Casting directors and artistic directors scan cover letters quickly. They want to confirm a few things before they look at your headshot or reel.
Training and education. A conservatory program, BFA, or MFA signals dedication and foundational technique. Mention workshops or intensives with recognized instructors if you lack a formal degree.
Credits and experience. List a handful of relevant roles across stage, film, TV, or commercial work. Choose credits that match the tone or genre of the production you are targeting.
Range and type. Briefly describe your casting type and the range you bring. Directors want to know if you fit the role before scheduling an audition.
Reliability and professionalism. Being easy to work with matters. Any mention of punctuality, collaboration, or flexibility with rehearsal schedules reassures a busy production team.
Special skills. Dialects, stage combat certification, dance training, musical instruments, or fluency in another language can tip the scales in your favor. Include them when they are relevant to the project.
How to write an acting cover letter that gets interviews
1. Open with the specific role and production
Name the role, the production, and where you found the listing. Casting directors handle dozens of submissions at once, so removing any guesswork helps. If someone referred you, mention that person by name in the first sentence.
2. Match your credits to the project
Do not list every role you have ever played. Select two or three credits that demonstrate why you are right for this particular part. If you are applying to a Shakespeare company, highlight your classical training. If it is a contemporary indie film, reference comparable screen work. For more guidance on aligning your background with the opportunity, read our guide on how to write a cover letter.
3. Show you know the company or director
Research the theater company's recent season, the director's past projects, or the production company's style. A single specific sentence about their work proves genuine interest and separates you from generic submissions. This matters just as much for artist cover letters and photographer cover letters as it does for actors.
4. Keep it short and professional
Three to four paragraphs is enough. Close by stating your availability, mentioning that your headshot and resume are attached, and expressing willingness to audition. Do not oversell or use superlatives about your own talent.
Cover letter example
Adapt names, metrics, and achievements to your own experience.
Subject: Application for the Acting position
Dear Ms. Harmon,
I am writing to submit myself for the role of Blanche DuBois in Lakewood Repertory Theatre's upcoming production of A Streetcar Named Desire, as listed on your website.
I hold a BFA in Acting from Carnegie Mellon University and have spent the past four years working in regional theater and independent film. Recent stage credits include Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Portland Stage Company and Masha in Three Sisters at Cleveland Play House. On screen, I played a recurring guest role on the CBS series Daybreak and appeared in the independent feature Half Light, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Your company's commitment to reimagining American classics with diverse casting is what drew me to this audition. After seeing your production of The Glass Menagerie last season, I was struck by the emotional specificity your ensemble brought to the material, and I would welcome the chance to contribute to that standard.
I am comfortable with dialect work, including Southern American and RP British, and I have completed stage combat certification through the SAFD. My headshot, resume, and reel link are attached for your review.
I am available for auditions at your convenience and can begin rehearsals as early as March 10. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Rachel Caldwell
Before you send your application
Review your letter against this checklist before hitting send:
- The specific role and production name appear in the opening paragraph.
- You have selected credits that match the genre, tone, or medium of the project.
- The letter is no longer than one page and contains three to four paragraphs.
- You mention your headshot, resume, and reel (if applicable) as attachments.
- Contact information, including your phone number and email, is included.
- You have proofread for typos, especially names of directors and production companies.
- The tone is confident but not arrogant.
Return to the creative and media hub to explore letters for related roles, or see our photographer cover letter guide for another example of presenting a visual portfolio alongside your application.
FAQ
Do I need an acting cover letter if I already have an agent?
Yes. When your agent submits you, they may include a brief pitch, but a cover letter you have written yourself adds a personal touch that agents often skip. It also shows initiative when you self-submit for projects outside your agent's network.
How do I write an acting cover letter with no professional credits?
Focus on training, student films, university productions, and workshop performances. Casting directors understand that everyone starts somewhere. Highlight transferable skills such as improvisation training, dance, or vocal range. Our no experience cover letter guide walks through this scenario in detail.
Should I include my physical stats in the cover letter?
No. Your headshot and resume already list your height, weight, hair color, and eye color. The cover letter should focus on your fit for the role and your relevant experience. Keep formatting questions in mind by reviewing our cover letter format guide.
How long should an acting cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, fitting on a single page. Casting directors and their assistants read hundreds of submissions per project. A concise letter that gets to the point quickly is far more effective than a lengthy one.
Can I use the same cover letter for every audition?
No. Each letter should reference the specific role, production, and company. Reusing a generic letter signals a lack of genuine interest and often leads to immediate rejection. If you are applying to many roles at once, start from a solid template and adjust the details for each submission.