Should I Put My Stage Name on My Acting Résumé?

By Webmaster

  • Should I Put My Stage Name on My Acting Résumé?

    In the entertainment industry, your résumé is one of the most critical tools for landing roles. For actors using a stage name, a common question arises: “Should I put my stage name on my acting résumé?” The short answer is yes—but with some key considerations. Let’s dive into why your stage name belongs on your résumé and how to present it professionally.


    Why Your Stage Name Should Be on Your Résumé

    1. Consistency in Branding
      Your stage name is your professional identity in the entertainment world. Casting directors, agents, and producers will recognize you by that name, so it should appear prominently on all your materials, including your résumé, headshots, and online profiles. Consistency ensures there’s no confusion about who you are.
    2. First Impressions Matter
      Your résumé is often the first thing casting professionals see. Using your stage name upfront sets the tone for how you want to be perceived in the industry.
    3. Avoid Confusion
      If you’ve used your stage name in past credits, listing a different name on your résumé (such as your legal name) could create unnecessary confusion or even make you appear unprofessional.
    4. Protecting Your Privacy
      Many actors adopt stage names to separate their personal and professional lives. By using your stage name on your résumé, you maintain that boundary and safeguard your privacy.

    How to Format Your Résumé with a Stage Name

    If you use a stage name, here are some tips to ensure your résumé looks professional:

    1. Prominently Display Your Stage Name
      Place your stage name at the top of your résumé, usually in a larger, bold font. This is the name casting professionals will remember.Example:
      [Stage Name]
    2. Include Your Legal Name (If Necessary)
      In some cases, it might be helpful to include your legal name, especially if contracts or union paperwork require it. You can add your legal name in smaller text beneath your stage name.Example:
      [Stage Name]
      (Legal Name: [Your Legal Name])
    3. Match Your Headshot
      Ensure the name on your résumé matches the name on your headshot and any other materials you submit. Inconsistent names can create confusion and hurt your chances of being considered for a role.
    4. Use Your Stage Name for All Credits
      When listing your acting experience, use your stage name for any roles you’ve performed under that name. This reinforces your professional identity.

    What If You Don’t Have a Stage Name?

    If you haven’t adopted a stage name, your legal name will naturally be your default. However, if you’re considering creating a stage name, it’s a good idea to finalize it before submitting résumés to avoid confusion later.


    Special Considerations

    1. Union Membership
      If you’re a member of a union like SAG-AFTRA or Equity, check their guidelines on stage names. Your professional name must be unique within the union, so be sure it’s registered correctly.
    2. Credits in Multiple Names
      If you’ve performed under both your stage and legal names, you can clarify this on your résumé by adding a note like:
      (Credits under [Legal Name] appear as [Legal Name].)
    3. Digital Presence
      Ensure your stage name is consistent across your online platforms, including casting websites, social media, and personal websites.

    Final Thoughts

    Your stage name is more than just a moniker—it’s your professional identity. Including it prominently on your acting résumé is not only appropriate but essential for building your brand in the industry.

    Whether you’re just starting out or already have credits under your belt, presenting your stage name consistently and professionally ensures casting professionals know exactly who you are and can easily connect your résumé to your performances.

    Remember: your résumé is a reflection of your professionalism. Treat your stage name as an integral part of your brand, and use it confidently to help you stand out in a competitive industry.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • Who is the actor in the Jeep commercial?

    Who is the actor in the Jeep commercial? Inside the story of Hollywood legend Harrison Ford starring in Jeep’s Super Bowl “Owner’s Manual” ad (By Carmichael Phillip) A Legendary Face Delivers a Simple…

    Who Is the Bald Guy in the Farmers Commercials?

    Who Is the Bald Guy in the Farmers Commercials? Unveiling the actor behind the iconic “We know a thing or two…” campaign (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: That Familiar, Bald-Faced Trusted Voice If you’ve…

    Are Kevin Miles and Patrick Mahomes friends?

    Are Kevin Miles and Patrick Mahomes friends? A playful bromance born in State Farm commercials that has spilled into real‑life camaraderie (By Carmichael Phillip) An Unlikely Buddies: Jake and the MVP Kevin Miles,…

    Is Jason Momoa in the Mountain Dew commercial?

    Is Jason Momoa in the Mountain Dew commercial? Unpacking the viral rumor of Aquaman’s cameo in the Mountain Dew “Mountain Dude” campaign (By Carmichael Phillip) Intro: A Man in Green Sparks a Celebrity…

    Who Is the Guy in the Green Coat in the New Mountain Dew Commercial?

    Who Is the Guy in the Green Coat in the New Mountain Dew Commercial? Meet the Mountain Dude: Mountain Dew’s buzzy new mascot bringing fun, adventure, and fur. (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction to…

  • Ad

  • Whose tongue is in the Super Bowl commercial?

    Whose tongue is in the Super Bowl commercial? The quirky Coffee‑Mate spot with a singing, dancing tongue—here’s who brought it to life (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. A tongue steals the show As viewers…

    Why did they switch Jake from State Farm?

    Why did they switch Jake from State Farm? The real story behind the iconic character’s facelift—and what it reveals about branding, diversity, and marketing strategy (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. Who was the original…

    How much does Subway pay Patrick Mahomes?

    How much does Subway pay Patrick Mahomes? A look into the NFL superstar’s Subway deal and what it reveals about athlete marketing (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. Patrick Mahomes: Subway’s latest quarterback recruit Patrick…

  • Ad

  • Who was the Seal in the Super Bowl commercial?

    Who was the Seal in the Super Bowl commercial? The singer turns into a seal—here’s the wild story behind Mountain Dew’s biggest ad of the year (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. The surreal seal…

    Who is the guy in the Black Ops 6 commercial?

    Who is the guy in the Black Ops 6 commercial? The man stepping in so you can step out—meet The Replacer (By Carmichael Phillip)   1. Enter The Replacer: a Call of Duty…

    Who is the Guy in the Mac Commercial?

    Who is the Guy in the Mac Commercial? From Justin Long to the Newest Faces—Uncovering the Man Behind Apple’s Latest Mac Ads (By Carmichael Phillip) The Man Behind the Icon: Justin Long, “I’m…

    How Much Does State Farm Pay Patrick Mahomes?

    How Much Does State Farm Pay Patrick Mahomes? Breaking Down the Multi-Million Dollar Partnership Between the NFL Superstar and America’s Favorite Insurance Brand (By Carmichael Phillip) Image Source: State Farm / YouTube The…

    Who is the Guy in the Sierra Ads?

    Who is the Guy in the Sierra Ads? Unveiling the Outdoorsy Charmer Who’s Becoming the Unexpected Star of Sierra’s Commercials (By Carmichael Phillip) Image Source: Sierra / TJX Companies What is Sierra, and…

  • Ad

  • Who is the Guy in the Ultra Commercial?

    Who is the Guy in the Ultra Commercial? Unmasking the Chill, Charismatic Man Behind the Michelob Ultra Ads (By Carmichael Phillip) Image Source: Michelob ULTRA / YouTube The Rise of the Michelob ULTRA…

    Who are the 10 Most Popular Commercial Actors From Iconic Catchphrases to National Fame: The Faces You Know But Might Not Know By Name (By Carmichael Phillip) 1. Stephanie Courtney – The Woman…

    How much does Capital One Bank Guy make?

    How much does Capital One Bank Guy make? Behind the scenes of advertising pay: the Capital One “Bank Guy” salary revealed (By Carmichael Phillip) Who Is the Capital One Bank Guy? The clean-cut,…

  • Ad

  • Who is the big guy in the MT Dew commercial?

    Who is the big guy in the MT Dew commercial? Unearthing the towering figure behind the Mountain Dew “Mountain Dude” craze (By Carmichael Philip)** Introducing the “Mountain Dude” The towering, fur‑coated figure climbing cliffs, sipping…

    Who is the guy in the Hanes commercial?

    Who is the guy in the Hanes commercial? Unveiling the charismatic star of Hanes’ “Ball‑ance” underwear ads (By Carmichael Phillip) Meet Tony Cavalero, a.k.a. “Hans” The energetic actor featured in the popular Hanes “Ball‑ance” campaigns…

    Who is the guy in the Truly commercial?

    Who is the guy in the Truly commercial? Unmasking the face of your favorite hard seltzer ad (By Carmichael Phillip)   Meet Keegan‑Michael Key: The Star of Truly The charismatic face you keep seeing in Truly Hard Seltzer ads…

    Who is the Famous Infomercial Actor?

    Who is the Famous Infomercial Actor? The unforgettable faces behind the “As Seen on TV” revolution (By Carmichael Phillip) The King of Infomercials: Billy Mays When discussing famous infomercial actors, one name stands…

    Who is the Actress in the Vaseline Lotion Commercial?

    Who is the Actress in the Vaseline Lotion Commercial? Exploring the Faces Behind Vaseline’s Iconic Skincare Campaigns (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: A Glimpse into Vaseline’s Skincare Campaigns Vaseline, a brand synonymous with skin…

  • Ad