From horseback riding to improv, we share the special skills that actors can add to their Spotlight profile to show versatility and help casting directors find them for their next project.
We all know a killer headshot, credits and a showreel are integral for getting work, but the special skills section of your acting CV can also determine whether you get an audition or not. If the term ‘special’ is unclear, don’t worry – it’s just a list of skills you can do well and convincingly at an audition.
What Skills Should Be Included in Your Acting CV?
Accents, dialects, additional languages you speak or if you’re able to play a musical instrument are all things to consider adding to your CV. Other skills to add could include your singing voice type, styles of dance you can perform and if you have a driver’s licence. All of these are things casting directors can look for and find on your profile when they’re performing a casting search on Spotlight.
Prioritise quality over quantity and only include the ones you do well. If you rode a horse once or did a few ballet classes as a child, it has no place on your CV.
Adding lots of skills in the hope of getting the attention of casting directors might seem like a good idea, but if you don’t deliver in the audition room, it will be a waste of time that could hinder your career. As much as you may want a role, if you don’t match the criteria at a casting, it could damage your relationships with casting directors, so stick to what you know.
10 In-Demand Special Skills for Actors to Have on Their CV
1. A Range of Accents and Dialects
Having a range of accents and dialects listed as your special skills will open more doors, especially if you’re looking to work in film or do voice work. Be realistic and specific about which ones you include, as you want to be convincing at an audition.
There are almost 40 different accents and dialects across the UK. It’s unrealistic to be a master of all of them, so only include your native accent and the ones you are very confident doing. You can include more than one native accent to your Spotlight profile so, for example, if you have a Mancunian accent, you can add that as well as a Northern accent.
Include voice clips on your Spotlight profile to showcase your range so casting directors can hear what you sound like. If you’re looking to brush up on an accent or learn a new one, working with a professional dialect coach is a good way to improve and learn in this area.
2. Stage Combat/Fencing
Fencing and stage combat are common requirements for stage and screen productions, and many drama schools teach these disciplines. If you don’t have any experience or are a bit rusty with these skills, then it’s worth signing up for intensive courses, which are readily available throughout the UK and Ireland.
3. Horse Riding
For many actors, a part in a period drama is the ultimate dream, but knowing how to ride a horse is often required. This skill is difficult to blag and dangerous if you don’t have the experience, so only include it if you are a confident rider.
If horseback riding for actors is something you want to learn and develop, there are riding schools that offer courses specifically tailored for film and TV.
4. Dance Experience
If you’re a musical theatre performer, you will have studied a variety of styles during your training, so you’ll be able to include a wide range of skills to your CV. Period dramas, such as Bridgerton, focus more on acting skills and only require basic dance training, so if you only have a little dance experience, still include it, but be honest about what level you’re at.
5. Movement
Movement strengthens and frees the body, which helps create and bring characters to life. Popular techniques to study include the Alexander technique and mime.
6. Improvisation
Improvisation is a valuable skill that offers many benefits, including enhancing creativity and spontaneity. Many directors use improvisation – the popular sitcom Outnumbered is an example of a production that was part scripted and part improvised.
Read some tips about how to improvise well or listen to our podcast with an all-female improvised comedy troupe, Notflix.
7. Comedy
Casting directors will often look for comedians when hunting for funny talent. Spotlight member Daniel Rigby, who has stand-up experience, won a BAFTA for his portrayal of comedy legend Eric Morecambe, and Tina Fey’s stand-up career led to SNL and further acting roles.
Listen to ‘One Day’ actor Jonny Weldon on The Spotlight Podcast, talking about comedy courses and doing stand-up as a creative outlet.
8. Singing
When selecting special skills for your musical theatre resume, singing is non-negotiable. Include your type of vocal range and some voice clips on your profile for casting directors to listen to.
Well-known actors who haven’t come from musical theatre backgrounds but have still gone on to be commended for their singing roles in films and on stage include Cynthia Erivo and Andrew Garfield. If you can sing, be sure to include it on your profile.
9. Foreign Languages
Stage and screen productions often require actors who speak in a native accent or language to provide authenticity to a role. As well as adding them to your CV, let your agent know about any additional languages or accents in your repertoire.
Speaking additional languages could also increase your chances of being cast in productions outside of the UK. If you have any footage or audio clips of you performing in another language, ensure you add those to your Spotlight profile and add subtitles if you’re able to.
10. Musical Instruments
Playing a musical instrument can open many doors for performers, especially in musical theatre. Actor-musician roles require actors to sing and play an instrument, and musicals including Hadestown and Once utilise this concept.
Playing a musical instrument is also useful for film and TV, as casting directors look for actors with first-hand experience to create authentic characters.
Add your Special Skills to Your Spotlight Profile
Once a casting director has a breakdown with specific requirements, including special skills, they’ll contact agents and filter through Spotlight to source talent. As all of the skills you add to your Spotlight profile can be found by casting directors, it’s important to keep your profile up to date so you appear in their searches.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill to stand out in this ever-changing industry and as an actor, continuing your professional development can only be a benefit when it comes to your craft.
Be honest on your CV and if you are highly skilled in something, shout about it! You never know where it might lead.
You may also like:
