AN ACTOR'S RESUME - How to List TV Roles

Experienced and novice actors often need reminders or explanations when updating or creating a resume.  Most likely, your type of role will be listed on your contract, but if not, below are explanations regarding how to list television (and web series) credits on an acting resume.  

• Series Regular – If you are the main character on the show, much of the action is centered around you,  you are in most, if not all, episodes of the series, then lucky you, you are a series regular.  

Cast of Seinfeld:  Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards, Jerry Seinfeld     Credit: NBC

• Recurring – If your character (large or small) appears on multiple episodes of a series and you have lines, then you have a recurring role.  You could also list as a recurring guest star or                             a recurring co-star.       

Wayne Knight - Newman   Credit: NBC

• Guest Star –  A guest star is larger than a co-star role.  If your character is involved in the episode’s plot,  possibly the focus of the episode, and you are a "working actor" not a "name actor,"  you may be a guest star.   Name actors are typically able to negotiate a higher billing despite the size of their "guest star"  (or "co-star") role.    

Len Lesser - Uncle Leo   Credit: NBC

• Co-Star – If you are a character who, in general, has a small speaking role,  interacts with a series regular or recurring character,  helps move the story along, could be recurring but is most likely in only one episode, then you may be a co-star.  

Ping Wu - Ping the Delivery Boy  Credit: NBC

• Under 5 (U5) – An under 5 is a speaking role with fewer than five lines.   At times, a production may deem a non-speaking role as an under 5 if you are spoken to or if actions are directed toward your character by a series regular or other contracted actor.   Often, it is okay to list an under 5 as a co-star, but keep an eye on your credits at the end of the show.

Sam Whipple, Phone Guy #1.  Credit: Getty Images/NBC

• Extras - If you are a featured or general background actor or extra (fan in stadium, customer in store, student in class), it is typically recommended NOT to list it on your resume.   If you are a beginning actor, you may list extra work to show you have some on set experience, just be honest that you were an extra.

Macy's Extras - Seinfeld  Credit: NBC