Two Resumes, Two Different Purposes

Parents often ask me, “Why does my kid need two resumes? Isn’t one enough?” The short answer: no. Casting directors and talent reps are reading resumes with totally different eyes. If you hand them the same version, one of those audiences will be confused—or worse, unimpressed.

Representation Resumes: Show the Spark

When you’re reaching out to a manager or agent, your child’s resume is less about polished professionalism and more about showing potential. This is where community theater, school productions, choir solos, and every relevant acting class or workshop can shine.

A rep is essentially asking:

Does this child like to perform?
Have they been training?
Do they have energy worth developing?

This is the scrapbook version of the resume, dressed up neatly. It’s where you’re allowed to show the hustle.

And here’s where the cover letter becomes your secret weapon. That’s where you can drop details like:

“Recently pinned for a Disney pilot.”
“Directors always comment on his strong focus.”
“Teachers describe her as fearless and quick to take notes.”

These kinds of personal touches don’t belong on the resume itself, but they’re exactly what a rep wants to see when considering whether to sign your child.

Casting Resumes: Clean and Ruthless

Now, flip the script. Casting directors are not looking to be charmed by a child’s journey. They’re scanning for professional readiness.

This is where things get strict. A casting resume should include:

TV/Film credits only (legit theater if it supports screen work)
A short, relevant training list
Special skills that are real, useful, and believable

What you leave off is just as important:

Commercials (just write “List available upon request”)
Background work
Print jobs
School/church/community theater

That’s right—if you clutter this version, it can hurt your child more than help. Casting doesn’t want to dig through fluff to find what matters.

Using Industry Standards

You’ve probably seen me share “resume tip sheets” before, like these:

These graphics aren’t just pretty—they’re showing you how strict the industry really is. Formatting matters. Billing order matters. Even how you list training matters. A clean, industry-standard resume tells casting: “We know what we’re doing.”

The Parent Balancing Act

Think of it this way:

The representation resume is the “college essay.” It tells a story of personality and potential.
The casting resume is the “transcript.” It lists the facts cleanly, without extras.

Smart parents keep both versions updated and ready. They know when to hand casting the sharp, streamlined resume, and when to show a manager the fuller picture that proves their kid’s passion.

FAQ: Representation vs. Casting Resumes

Q: My child doesn’t have professional credits yet—what do I put on a casting resume?

A: Keep it short. List training, maybe one or two solid theater credits, and stop there. A thin, clean resume is better than one stuffed with fluff.

Q: Should I list commercials at all?

A: Not on a casting resume. Just write: “Commercials – List Available Upon Request.” On a rep resume, yes—you can include them to show experience.

Q: What about background work?

A: Never. Background/extra work is not a professional credit. Casting already knows how many kids have been “Student #4 in Cafeteria.”

Q: My child has a ton of theater—does any of it belong?

A: Yes, but strategically. Keep it on the rep resume to show experience. On a casting resume, only keep it if it’s legit theater or particularly impressive.

Q: Where do callbacks, pins, or holds go?

A: Not on the resume. Those belong in a cover letter to reps—they’re powerful signals of momentum but not industry credits.

Q: Can I list fun skills like ‘loves baking’ or ‘great at video games’?

A: Only if it’s specific and genuinely relevant. “Advanced skateboarder” works. “Loves Minecraft” doesn’t. Casting needs to know what your child can do on camera, not what they enjoy at home.

Final Takeaway

One resume is about possibility. The other is about professionalism.

Both matter. Both should exist in your files. And knowing when to use which can make the difference between being overlooked and being taken seriously.

Seeking Representation vs. Casting Resumes: What Parents Must Know