Four Questions About Special Skills, Answered

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out” is a phrase we have all heard a million times. However, in the acting world, it’s an essential cliche to follow. Breaking into the acting industry is no easy feat. It’s a competitive industry that’s very subjective at times. So - what do you need to stand out from the thousands of other talented applicants? Listing special skills on your Casting Depot profile may be just the answer.

Here are four commonly asked questions from our community, answered.

Which skills should I include?
The Casting Depot platform is the only platform for every type of on-camera talent. Are you an expert in a certain field? List your expertise. Are you a theater actor? List your musical talent, dance ability and accents. Are you a TV/film actor? Languages, accents and basic stage combat are all useful skills to list when applying to a gig. Think about what makes you unique and list as many skills as you can. It doesn’t hurt.

Are there any skills that should not be included?
Some casting directors believe that your skills have the potential to show your personality. If these skills can be translated onto screen somehow, put them on your resume! These funky skills could include unicycle riding, being able to recite the alphabet backwards, or being the fastest person in the world to solve a rubik's cube. But don’t be ridiculous. Skills like reading, babysitting, or eating tacos waste valuable space on your profile.

Should I learn a new skill for a role?
The answer is 'yes'! Learning new skills will not only help you land the role you want, but can also play an essential role in your overall career. If a character knows how to play the guitar, it helps if you know how to play as well. Learning skills also helps you steer your own career. For instance - if you want to be on Broadway, learn different types of dance. Acting is a craft that you can continuously improve on.

Can I lie about a skill, even if I’m currently learning it?
Never lie about a skill you have. Be upfront and honest. If you are learning how to play the piano, you can say that you are learning. It’s very possible that a casting director will move you on to the next phase of casting because you have a certain attribute listed on your profile. It’d be incredibly awkward if you listed something that was dishonest - especially if you make it to the following interview stage in the casting process. Faking a skill not only wastes the casting director’s time, but also yours.

Aspiring actors often wonder how they can stand out from the pack when applying for roles. Skills are what separate you from others. Listing thos skills on your Casting Depot profile may be just what you need to make you stand out from the crowd.

Sign into your Casting Depot profile here to get started.