Acting Cover Letter Examples—2024 Guide & Templates to Fill

Roll out the red carpet for the best acting cover letter guide out there! These examples and templates will help you land gigs that will fulfill your heart.

Aleksandra Makal
Aleksandra Makal
Career Expert
Acting Cover Letter Examples—2024 Guide & Templates to Fill

“Write a cover letter,” they said. “It’ll be worth it,” they said. Well, it certainly is worth it—take it from the most experienced career experts out there. But how to write one that will actually benefit you? One that will make the effort "worth it?"

Here’s a piece of good news: You’re about to see the best acting cover letter examples, and… learn how to write your own. So fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be an exciting ride.

In this guide you'll find:

  • Two acting cover letters: for experienced and beginner actors.
  • The steps of how to write a cover letter for acting jobs.
  • An actor cover letter template you can copy, fill in with your own information, and have ready in 15 minutes.

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Looking for a different cover letter example? See these:

Or see our extensive list of Cover Letter Examples for All Jobs

Before we move on to learning what to include on a cover letter, let’s take a look at two great cover letter examples:

1. Acting Cover Letter Examples

First, let’s see how Alice, a professional voice over actress, crafts an impressive acting cover letter. 

Alice is applying for a voice actor position at a video game production company. She hasn’t really done voice acting for video games before, but she has a lot of other relevant skills and experience that she perfectly leverages. Here’s how she does it:

Example #1: Acting Cover Letter to Casting Director

Alice Ferris

Professional Voice Actress

3574 Tator Patch Road

Chicago, IL 60610

312-944-2078

AliceFerris@gmail.com

Chicago, June 30, 2021

Elizabeth Lewis

Casting Director

Playergy

2296 Graystone Lakes

Chicago, IL 60634

Dear Ms. Lewis,

Kindly accept this application from a highly talented, motivated and enthusiastic professional voice actress who wishes to apply for the Voice Actor position with Playergy. I am a radio/online commercial professional with 7+ years of experience in the industry and can provide you with a host of voice acting skills.

In my current role as a freelance voice actress, I have recorded and edited 350+ voice over projects for radio and online commercials, less frequently television. I also have experience in audiobook narration (up to 10 hours long) and live broadcasting. I have worked many years to develop my high, sweet voice and I have mainly voiced rambunctious girls, squeaky teens, tough chicks, young mothers, and children. Highly proficient in Audacity, Camtasia Studio, and iMovie.

As a life-long fan of Playergy’s video games, I would enjoy the opportunity to put my skills and professional experience to work as a voice actress. I strongly believe that you will find my vocal talents indispensable to your success. 

When could we meet in person to discuss my candidacy with you in further detail?

Kind regards,

Alice Ferris

312-944-2078

AliceFerris@gmail.com

There you have it—a sample acting cover letter certain to win the casting director over. But what if you’re only just starting your journey as an actor and have no professional experience to show off?

Don’t worry. An acting cover letter with no experience just needs a different focus. So let’s take a look at Vicki’s sample. 

She’s a recent acting graduate that hasn’t yet worked professionally. As an ambitious drama student, she took part in various university projects that polished her skills and gave her something to show off in her application. Take a look at how she wows the casting manager:

Example #2: Acting Cover Letter for Beginners

Vicki Morrell

Actress

1116 Park Street

San Francisco, CA 94104

661-540-3057

v.morrell90@gmail.com

San Francisco, June 15, 2021

Jennifer Morse

Casting Director

NGB Studios

3122 Lowndes Hill Park Road

Los Angeles, CA 93550

Dear Ms. Morse,

I am writing to express my interest in a role for the new series ‘The Lynches’. As indicated on my resume, I am a recent Academy of Arts graduate with an MFA in Acting and I have been a drama student since middle school. 

During my time at the academy I have contributed to 8 short films, 1 student web series, and 5 plays ranging from drama to comedy. I have also took on numerous backstage roles, including running lights, crew, and box office. I take my career very seriously and have invested time, money, and energy into becoming a professional actress. Currently, I am working a play at the Guzman Theater, where I portray 3 different characters from Greek mythology. Please kindly accept the invitation to see the premiere, as I have attached 2 comp tickets. 

It would be an honor to be a part of an NGB Studios production, and I would welcome the opportunity to audition for you and discuss the roles further. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Kind regards,

Vicki Morrell

661-540-3057

v.morrell90@gmail.com

You now know what professional cover letters look like!

Now it’s time to write your own.

2. How to Write an Acting Cover Letter?

Here’s how to write a cover letter that gets you gigs:

1. Format Your Acting Cover Letter Like You Would a Formal Business Letter

Well-written screenplays are not only clean, but also structured in a way that pushes the story forward. You know what makes that possible?

Proper formatting.

So make sure to format your cover letter in a way that makes it easier for casting managers to digest, so it doesn’t land in the trash.

How to Format an Acting Cover Letter

  • Choose a font that’s clean, elegant and consistent with the font you used for your resume.
  • Left-align all your contents, don’t use justification.
  • Use the 3-paragraph arrangement: Introduction, Motivation, Call to Action.
  • Single space your document and set 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Fit your cover letter onto one page—it's the right cover letter length.

Expert Hint: If you don’t feel like playing with formatting, you can use ready-made Word cover letter templates or Google Docs cover letter templates.

2. Put Your Full Contact Details in the Cover Letter Header

If you want your name to be as recognizable as Jennifer Aniston or Leonardo DiCaprio, you better put it everywhere you can to make it start ringing a bell. Why don’t you start with including it in your cover letter heading section?

Your cover letter, your resume, and your headshot should all have a header that’s identical—just in case they get separated. Here’s an easy template that you can use:

Acting Cover Letter Sample: Header

[ Your Name] 

[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)

[ Home Address ] (Optional)

[ Telephone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

[ LinkedIn Profile ]

 

[ City ] + [ Date of Writing ]

 

[ Casting Manager’s Name ]

[ Casting Manager / Casting Director / Agent / Hiring Manager’s Job Title ]

[ Company Name ]

[ Company Street Address ]

[ City, State, Zip Code ]

Place your header in the top-left corner of your document, and now you’re ready to start writing your cover letter.

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3. Introduce Yourself and Identify the Role or Position You Are Interested In

Start your cover letter with addressing the casting director or agent by name. Why?

You want to make it personal—and that’s your main hook. Introduce yourself, state the role or job you’re applying for, and give them a brief summary of your experience and skills. Here’s a template for you to use:

Acting Cover Letter Example: Introduction

Dear [Casting Director’s / Agent’s / Hiring Manager’s Name]

As an [actor/actress/voice actor etc.] with [X]+ years of experience, I was thrilled to see you’re looking for new actors for the upcoming [Name of Studio] production. I’m especially interested in [Name of Role] as my recent work [A previous experience/role that proves you have the talent and skills to tackle the specific role]

Now remember—casting directors are the most powerful people in the industry. So make sure to always use a polite and professional greeting. 

If you know the casting manager’s gender, the best way to address your cover letter is by using either “Mr.” or “Ms.” Try not to use “Mrs.” unless you are 100% certain of the person’s marital status. For example:

  • Dear Mr. Daddario
  • Dear Ms. Winburn

If you know their first and last name, but are unsure of their gender, start with “Dear” followed by the full name:

  • Dear Marie Cortez
  • Dear Michael Mercado

Avoid greetings like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”, unless you’re a time-traveler actor from the Silent Era.

Expert Hint: If you’re represented by an agent, do not contact casting directors behind your agent's back. 

4. Portray Your Best Acting Skills & Experience

Do you have a handful of roles that you have taken as an actor? Finished a prestigious acting school or took a class with the most well-known director? Do a close-up of this action and use all your previous experience to show how gifted you really are.

Make them an offer they can’t refuse. Use the following cover letter tips and template for your motivational paragraph:

Cover Letter for Acting: Motivation

I obtained my [Degree Name] from [College Name] with a [X] GPA, where I developed a special interest in [Specific Acting Technique or Method]During my entire career as an [ Actor / Actress ] I have demonstrated consistent excellence in applying this [ Method / Technique ]. I think these accomplishments will put me in the picture:

  • [Acting Experience #1]. [Milestone #1]
  • [Acting Experience #2]. [Milestone #2]
  • [Acting Experience #3]. [Milestone #3]

Make yourself look like a superstar, and just wait for that phone to be ringing off the hook with callbacks and audition opportunities!

Expert Hint: Are cover letters really necessary? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the acting profession is pretty steady and the average pay isn’t that great. So, especially if you’re an applicant with no experience, you’re going to need a cover letter.

5. Show Them That You Admire Them

Hollywood and big egos go together, like Batman and Robin. That’s why you also have to sprinkle in a compliment or two to show them you are up-to-date with their work. 

Since an acting cover letter should be short and sweet, try to fit this section into two or three sentences. Try this sample:

Acting Cover Letter Template

It is really inspiring to me that, at [ Company / Studio / Agency Name ], you [ Be Honest and Give Something You Truly Admire About This Company ]. I would be honored to be considered for a role at [ Company Name ].

Put a smile on their faces and show real enthusiasm. Authenticity is scarce these days, but also highly appreciated.

Expert Hint: You don’t want your cover letter to look generic, that’s why personalizing your cover letter make it really stand out. Most recruiters first weed out those applications that look mass-produced, as they are not special, nor memorable.

6. Ask for an Audition When Ending Your Acting Cover Letter

Before you send your application, end your cover letter strong. Ask for a meeting or audition. Don’t be shy and show them what you’ve got. Just like this:

Acting Cover Letter to Agents: CTA

Can we set up a meeting, so I could audition for the part? I am available at your convenience.

Sincerely,

[Digital Version of Your Signature] (optional)

 

[Your First & Last Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

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Key Points

When writing a professional acting cover letter, remember to:

  • Format your acting cover letter properly.
  • Address your letter to a casting director or manager directly.
  • Back up your experiences with results or metrics, if possible.
  • Show motivation and enthusiasm for the part.
  • End with a solid call to action.

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Aleksandra Makal
Written byAleksandra Makal

Aleksandra is a career expert with a solid professional background in various industries. At ResumeLab, she shares her knowledge, insights and expertise with all applicants looking to make a career move with a perfect resume and cover letter that guarantee recognition and success.

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