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Cover Letters
 

A cover letter is a short introduction that you include along with your headshot & resume. Cover letters are generally short 2-3 paragraph letters that give a short introducion& where you plan on going with your career. You do NOT have to write all your expereince on a cover letter. That information is already on your resume.

Having a cover letter in the proper format is important.  This not only makes it easier for the agent or casting director to read, it also shows them that you are a professional and take this business seriously.
 
 The following is a sample cover letter.  This letter is to be used to give you the correct format and placement of items on the letter. This is a basic cover letter.  You can add color, pictures, letterheads & more to your own letter.

 
 
   

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
YOUR CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

 

Alison Quartin (Agent Name)
c/o Abrams Artists Agency  (Agency Address)
420 Madison Ave, S1400
New York, NY  10017

Dear (1.  Agent Name),

     My name is (2.  Your Name).  I am a member of (Union Affiliations).   I am currently seeking representation
in the field of (3.  State Your Desired Field) and believe that we may be able to assist each other in growing &  I would like to set up and an appointment to meet with you to discuss this.

     My experience ranges from (4.  State Your Experience).  Or... One of my notable performances was the role of (State Your Role) in the production of (State The Production).  I have studied with acting coaches like (Name Of Instructors).  I am currently in the production of (Name of Production).  In this production, I play the role of (State Role)

     I would appreciate it if you would please call me at (5.  Phone Number) so that I may set up an appointment to meet with you.  I thank you for taking the time to read this and for reviewing my materials.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

(Sign Your Name Here)

(Type Your Name Here)

 
       
   

The blue colored sections above may be omitted due to your current status.  
For example, if you are not a union member, you do not have to include this section into your personal letter.

The red colored sections above mean that you can use either type of  wording for your letter.  Read description #4 below.

1.  This is where you will put the agents name.  Double check to make sure that you have the correct agent with the
correct office.  When you are typing numerous letters a day it is very easy to put the wrong name with the
wrong agency.  This not only looks bad but can leave a bad impression in an agents mind if you submit your materials
to them in the future.  MAKE SURE TO SPELL THE AGENTS NAME CORRECTLY.  DOUBLE CHECK!

         2.  This is where you would put your name.  If you are a union member, use your union name or your stage name.
If you are a non-union actor do not change your name each time you write.  Once you decide on a name, stick with it.
There is nothing more confusing than an actor who changes his/her name every week.  

3.  Field refers to what you want to pursue in regards to productions.  For example; film, television or theater.  
You may put any or all of these in your letter.  Just make sure that the agent you are writing to is an agent 
that works in that field. Do not send a letter seeking representation to a film agent if you are seeking television representation.

4.  In your experience section you do not have to write down everything that you have done.  That is 
what your resume is for.  Just write a few of your notable projects.  Include some of or your projects that will 
catch the agents attention. 

For example:  My experience in acting ranges from national television to Broadway Musicals. 

Or you can put down a specific project if you like. 

For example:
My experience in acting ranges from the role of the Phantom in the Broadway Musical Phantom of the 
Opera to numerous national television commercials . 

One is not better then the other. This is personal preference.

5.  Make sure you put down the correct phone number.  It is easy to hit the wrong key when typing a phone number.  
An agent will not go searching in the phone book for your phone number if they are given the wrong number.  BE CAREFUL!!!

CASTING DIRECTOR COVER LETTERS

A cover letter for a casting director is almost exactly the same as a letter to an agent but with one minor difference.
The beginning of your letter will change slightly.  To write a letter to a casting director you will include everything
from the letter above but you will change the first section.  It should read...
My name is (Your Name)  I am a member of  (Union).  I am currently seeking to further my career in the field
of (State Field)  Please accept this letter & headshot as submission of my materials for your records.  

Everything else on your letter to the casting director will be the same as the letter above with the
same rules for omitting the colored sections.

*MAKE SURE THAT THE CASTING DIRECTOR CASTS IN THE FIELD YOU ARE LOOKING FOR*
Dont send a headshot to a commercial casting director when they only hire extras for soap operas.