how to make a musical theatre resume

How to Format Your Musical Theater Resume

Learn how to format your musical theater resume and how to make it stand out amongst the rest. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

While creating a musical theater resume can often seem like an extravagant gesture, it’s really no different than creating a resume for an office job. Sure, the format and styling is different, but the concept is the same: you wouldn’t go to an interview without your resume.

If you’ve never seen a musical theater resume before, it’s a two-sided, one page resume: one side being your headshot , and the other being the text portion of your resume. We’re going to walk you through each portion of the resume so when you go to your next audition, you’re able to present a polished and professional product!

The Headshot

Most likely, the first thing anyone is going to see on your resume is your headshot. It will be pretty hard to miss, considering your headshot will occupy an entire side of your resume! That being said, your headshot is very important, and it’s crucial that it provides an accurate representation of yourself. So, in order to get that perfect shot, here are some headshot do’s and don’ts :

Find a photographer who understands lightning, portraits, and can really capture your personality on camera.
Trust your photographer’s instincts (outdoor vs. indoor shoots, smiling vs. serious, etc.).
Wear a color that complements your skin and brings out your eye color.
Think about the role(s) you are auditioning for. If you naturally audition for fun and playful characters, your headshot should reflect that!
Have 3 or 4 looks to choose from so you can decide which look you want to use based on your audition.
Print your headshot on an 8 x 10 piece of photo paper to ensure your resume will fit nicely on the other side.
Use an old headshot. Most headshots are good for 2 or 3 years, but if you’ve had any significant changes (hair cut, weight loss, etc.) then your photo should be updated.
Wear distracting clothing or jewelry. The focus should be on your face .
Go overboard with makeup and hair styling. You want to look like your everyday self!
Over-edit your photos (smoothing wrinkles, lightening skin, etc.).
Print your headshot on flimsy paper. Make sure you are using quality, sturdy photo paper.

Pro Tip : Print your headshot on matte photo paper to avoid fingerprints on the image.

The Written Resume

The written portion of your resume will be attached to the back of your headshot and will contain your:

Physical attributes (the most common attributes listed are: eye color, hair color, height, and weight)
Voice type and/or range
Previous roles and shows
Relevant experience
Special skills

Because everyone has a different background of experience, there isn’t one specific way to format your resume. This might seem like added pressure, but we promise that your resume will look fantastic as long as you follow these resume do’s and don’ts :

Print or attach your resume to the back of your headshot (both should be 8 x 10 ).
Include valid and professional contact information (email address and/or phone number).
Make your resume well-organized and easy to read.
Include training and education backgrounds, including where you’ve studied or who you’ve studied under.
Be prepared to demonstrate any skills you’ve listed.
Tell the truth!
Create a resume that exceeds one page.
Attach reviews or clippings to your resume. It will only make your resume look cluttered and confusing.
Make the font type smaller than 10 point.
Make up or exaggerate any skills, roles, or accomplishments.
Include your age . You can include your age range if you’d like, but age is usually irrelevant in casting.

Pro Tip : When possible, it’s a good idea to cater your resume to the role or role type you are auditioning for.

Examples of Musical Theater Resumes

To help you out even further, here are a few example resumes. The format of your resume will reflect your experience. However, you should make it your goal to fill up one page completely, so:

If you feel you’re lacking in experience, beef up your education, training, relevant experience, and special skills.
If you have too much experience, narrow it down to your most impressive shows and roles.

The following examples represent a two-sided resume: the headshot (left) being one side, and the written portion (right) being the other.

Pro Tip : You can create a resume easily with Google Slides, PowerPoint, or reuse one of the creative resume templates available online.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Musical Theater Resume

If you’re new to auditioning, you may have several questions about whether you should include certain aspects of your career or leave them out. You may wonder what to put on your resume if you’ve already listed your few credits and there’s a big white space underneath them. You can certainly talk about your training and education, but what if you don’t have much of that to speak of, either? Consider the following FAQs for help.

What Should Be On a Musical Theater Resume?

Include your education in the theater (if you have any) including any workshops and acting classes you’ve taken over the years. You can include your college degree regardless of whether it’s in theater or not. Backgrounds in literature, creative writing, or film production can often lend themselves to a basic understanding of theater and can be looked upon favorably by directors.

How Do I Write a Musical Theater Resume With No Experience?

If you’re struggling to format your resume, don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone you know in the theater world to ask for advice. Though acting has a reputation for being cutthroat and competitive, all actors have been where you are, and most will be more than happy to help you develop your resume or give you tips for your headshot.

It’s fine to have natural talent, and you may be a very good actor, but you may not get called in for an audition with a blank resume. Until you can put professional credits on your resume, you can always list high school productions, short films, and anything else you’ve starred in that may highlight your skills.

If you have absolutely no experience in the theater world, the first step would obviously be to seek out some kind of training — even if it’s just a workshop or two — and work on adding these certifications to your musical theater resume over time.

How Long Should a Musical Theater Resume Be?

Your resume should be one page long. Don’t make it longer than one page, or a casting director may not take a look at it. It’s ok if it’s a little shorter, especially if you have impressive roles and credits to boast of, or if you have extensive training in a certain area. If you’ve acted in front of the camera, go ahead and include these roles.

Don’t be tempted to forego the headshot and make a two-page written theater resume instead. Your headshot should be on one side, because — like it or not — your appearance is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle for a casting director who is sifting through piles of resumes to find the perfect actor for a role.

Can I Take My Own Headshots?

You can, but it’s probably not a good idea. Try to find a professional photographer who has worked with actors before, and pay him or her to take high-quality photos that will last for the next two or three years of your career. Prepare to pay professional rates for these headshots, and think of this as an investment in yourself and your future in musical theater.

Now that you’ve read all of the do’s and don’ts and seen a few examples, it’s time to get started on your own resume! We hope that these tips and tricks will help prepare you for some pretty awesome auditions. We know you’re going to crush it!

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7 Theatre Resume Examples [& Templates]

Best for candidates with 3+ years of experience

With your job experience and a stunning resume layout, recruiters will be ready to give your application the official stamp of approval.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Theatre Resume

Theatre Resumes A-M
Theatre Resumes N-Z

Whether you want to be a community performer, work backstage with lights and sound, or make it as a professional actor, there are many ways to apply your skills and ambition to the world of theatre.

However, landing a job in this industry isn’t easy. Acting roles are increasingly subjective, and with so many vying for the same role, it’s tough to get hiring managers to notice you among the crowd. That’s why you need a polished, professional resume and a cover letter generator based on the job description to put you in the spotlight.

Creating a stunning theatre resume is easier than you think. Our seven theatre resume samples and writing advice will help you land your next theatre job in 2024 . Lights, camera, action!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

Typical resumes use bulleted paragraphs to list work experience, but your credentials need to be in a sentence format. Make sure you include the show’s title, your role, where you performed, and the director (if their name is known among theatre circles).
Your contact information will also be different, as you need to include your height, weight, vocal type, and vocal range in addition to your email and phone number.
Being an actor doesn’t require a degree, but if you do have formal theatre education or certifications, list them in your education or training sections. You can also include awards, classes, or workshops—any education you’ve had regarding theatre is worth including on your theatre resume.

Theatre Actor Resume

Keep pulling more surprises by listing your awards (hint: best actor, most versatile performer, best-supporting actor, etc.), starting with the most recent one.

Community Theatre Resume

Using a resume checker or spell check system is a great way to ensure your resume is free of any typos, grammar inconsistencies, or punctuation errors.
Even if you haven’t done many shows, you can include other experience, such as TV shows, films, voiceovers, or audiobook narration. Anything that includes acting, singing, or dancing can be an asset.

Theatre Director Resume

Adding a section of special skills underscores your versatility and the overall value you’ll add to projects and the entire cast.

Musical Theatre Resume

You can also list any memberships you have, which can help if your director or producer recognizes your affiliation.
Your musical theatre resume doesn’t have to be boring! Including a pop of color, different fonts, and other formatting elements can help your resume look beautiful and get you noticed.

Professional Theatre Resume

Start by putting your experience in reverse-chronological order. Don’t include every show or role, though; only include the credits that apply to the role you’re seeking.
Focus on specific acting techniques, sports, or unique abilities that make you different from other performers.
For example, while juggling or hula hooping isn’t standard resume fare, they’re both fair game for a theatre resume! Just make sure you’re able to demonstrate mastery over those skills in case directors want to see them.

Technical Theatre Resume

This kind of resume requires more detail for each position, so focus on three to four tasks or achievements you completed during each position, especially if you can pair them with numbers.
If you have the space, we’d recommend adding a resume summary (also called a career summary). A resume summary allows you to show your skills and experience in two to three sentences, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of theatre.

Related resume guides

The College Audition Blog

Musical theatre, opera, music ed, acting, and more, putting together your musical theatre resume.

NOTE: Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance resumes are slightly different. There is a separate Vocal Performance post in the Vocal Performance category. Acting resumes are almost identical to this, you just drop off the singing oriented content areas. Otherwise, the rest is the same.

Your resume is your chance to show the faculty what you’ve been doing to prepare for a serious career in musical theatre. There are a couple of general rules to follow:

1) Don’t lie – REALLY!

2) Don’t exaggerate!

3) Be accurate. Double check for spelling errors and make sure you have the correct title and name of each organization/company/person

4) Don’t worry if it is short – you’re young, we don’t expect a 4 page resume

5) No more than 1 page. If you have more than one page, get rid of the small roles first, then the oldest roles, next.

What we are looking for

This varies and as in all other areas of this process, its not worth trying to figure out. For example, if you come in and sing incredibly but only have two items on your resume, we could be impressed and fascinated at how no one has noticed your talent until now. If we have a chance to get you, we will feel like we are the ones who discovered you. On the other side, if you sing, dance, and act terribly but have an impressive resume, we could possibly think you had a bad day OR we could think your resume is made up or that the companies you performed with are Pay-To-Sing programs or other low level theaters. We can read a lot into it, so don’t try to guess at what we want to see, just list the truth in an easy to read format.

There are some differences between professional and collegiate resumes. For instance, you never list years of productions on a professional resume, instead you list the director’s last name in the same position. But I like dates on collegiate resumes because it gives me some idea of how long you have been pursuing this, how your performing career has evolved, etc. While the training information is really useful on a collegiate resume, professionals are usually not as interested in who you’ve trained with unless you are just getting started out of undergrad. Professional casting directors are also not that interested in workshops and camps. However, for those of us on the other side of the table at collegiate auditions, it provides useful information.

Use the resume below as a guideline. To help you create your own, I’ve included a downloadable Word Document of the same resume that you can use to plug in your own info. If you have Film/Television experience, add that category under Theatre, same format except Show may become “PBS Kids Promo”, Company may become “WSKG” and in this case, year can be helpful. If you have recording experience, list is under a category of “Recordings”. If the recording was self produced for Grandma, Mom, Dad, and friends, leave it off. If you recorded it with your garage band and released it to iTunes, that shows business skill, list it as: Album Name (Role slot), Band (Show), Released on iTunes (Company), Year (Year). It could be a good conversation starter especially since Broadway has gone pop.

We’re really not as interested in community service, grades, or any of the other traditional resume info on your performance resume. If a school wants that information, it is usually listed in your academic file and we can easily access that as needed.

Sample Resume – Click here to view a PDF

Sample Resume – Click to download Word file

How to write a musical theatre resume

By BBC Maestro

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When you attend an audition, you’ll be expected to bring along a copy of your musical theatre resume (also known as a CV). Like any good professional resume, it gives the reader a snapshot of your skills, training and experience, but differs by focusing solely on your relevant theatrical and performance experience.

If you’re just starting out in the industry, you might feel concerned that your resume looks a little thin on detail. Don’t worry: there’s plenty you can do at even this early stage to create a decent musical theatre resume.

In this article, we’ll take you through how to make a theatre resume, whether you’re starting from scratch or want to refresh your existing copy.

What should I put on my resume for musical theatre?
What’s the best musical theatre resume format?

Musical theatre resume examples

What should i put on my resume for musical theatre .

A resume needs to give the reader, in your case an audition panel or casting director, a quick and clear insight into your relevant skills and experience. In brief, you need contact details, performance credits, performing arts training and any extra applicable information. If you already have a standard employment resume, ignore it and start again. Your musical theatre resume shouldn’t have your high school qualifications or any non-industry jobs listed. If you’ve picked up any potentially useful skills along the way (for example, you left college fluent in Spanish), these can be listed under the Special Skills section. As any busy casting director will tell you, a resume or CV needs to be short. Keep it to within one side of 8 x 10 paper (A4).

What’s the best musical theatre resume format?

You can download a musical theatre resume template or simply create your own. They are straightforward to put together, and usually follow the same format:

1. Headshot (usually attached) 2. Name and contact details 3. Professional snapshot 4. Professional summary 5. Credits 6. Training and qualifications 7. Special skills

Use a clear typeface and keep the layout nice and simple with obvious headers and no fancy colours. Save the CV as a PDF before you email it to anyone because this stops the layout from becoming misaligned. When you print your resume, use good-quality paper. Not only will it look better, but it’s more likely to survive being passed around on audition day.

This is a crucial part of your musical theatre resume. It shows the casting director and the audition panel what physical type of actor you are and acts as a useful aide memoire during the audition process. Always invest in professional headshots: the photographer will know how to capture your best side while making sure it’s an accurate representation of you.

Tips for musical theatre headshots

Choose a photographer with experience in professional headshots.
Keep your hair, jewellery and make-up simple and as neutral as possible.
Your clothes won’t be on show, but you’ll still need to think about them. Choose a plain colour that suits you, with a simple neckline and no distracting details.
Have a choice of 3-4 different photos which capture different moods. Pick the one that best suits the role you’re auditioning for.
Print it on good-quality photo paper.
Replace your headshot every 2-3 years or if there’s a significant physical change, like a new hairstyle.

Name and contact details

You’ll need the following pieces of essential information:

Your skillset: something like ‘Musical Theatre Performer’
Contact details – ideally, your agent’s. Steer away from putting your own address or mobile number
Website address, if you have one

Professional Snapshot

The standard musical theatre resume format includes the following in short bullet points:

Height and weight
Hair and eye colour
Voice type and vocal range (i.e., Soprano, B3 – C6)
Union affiliation

Professional summary

Like with a standard resume, write a short sentence or two about yourself, highlighting your key selling points. An example could be: ‘A passionate musical theatre performer with a trained soprano voice and a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts from [insert school or college]. Experienced in touring musical theatre with [insert show title]’ You don’t need much experience to flesh out these first sections. If you’re worried about a lot of blank space at this early stage, you can always add your headshot to the actual resume itself as well as attaching it. It can fill white space, and can make cross-referencing easier for audition panels.

Eventually, you’ll have a lovely Credits section that’s subdivided into theatre, film, TV, gaming and so on. Be selective with your credits, with just a few key examples under each section, which you can tailor depending on what sort of role you’re going for. When you’re starting out, it can be harder to know how to complete this resume section. It is fine to use workshops, high school and college productions and any other shows you’ve performed in. Working as an extra demonstrates you have experience and can take direction. The general rule is if you’re over 25 years old, use credits only from your work as an adult – unless you had a leading role in Matilda on Broadway. If you’re under 25, you can use any relevant experience from the past ten years.

The standard format for the Credits section is:

Production
Company/Director

Qualifications and training

This is any relevant formal training you have received or are currently studying, from your BA in Performing Arts to your weekly singing lessons. Even if you’re fresh out of university, you should be able to find plenty to go in this part of your resume. It can be easier to follow if you separate formal qualifications and professional training. Also remember to list any workshops you’ve attended. There’s no real right or wrong way to list your qualifications and training. The important information to include is:

Name of establishment and/or teacher
Name of course
Qualifications obtained (if relevant) plus the grade
Date / ongoing

If you’ve trained under someone prestigious or attended a weekend workshop at a top drama school, make sure that stands out. Casting directors will be looking out for names they recognise, and trusted people and places will help give weight to your resume.

Special skills

This is a useful section where you can showcase talents that could just give you the edge. If you’ve had combat training or can ride a horse, put it here. If you’re good at accents, fluent in five languages, or a decent guitarist, list these unique extra skills here. They may be a deciding factor. If you have a few, you can format them as brief bullet points. Imagine if it’s between you and one other actor, and you’re the only one who can play the piano…

There are plenty theatre resume templates online or you can create your own. The simpler the better, so you don’t need to be a graphics whizz to create something that looks professional. For example, here’s a musical theatre template that was created using Word. It’s simple and won’t win you any design awards, but the text is really clear and easy to read, and that’s what you’re aiming for.

Finally, if you’re feeling stuck with choosing the content for your theatre CV or resume, reach out to someone in the industry, such as a friend with more experience than you. If you have an agent, have a chat with them – they’ll have seen thousands of resumes during their career.

Find out more about starting out in musical theatre in Sir Tim Rice’s BBC Maestro course, Writing and Performing Musical Theatre . You’ll pick up all sorts of invaluable insights from the world-renowned lyricist, including the audition process.

See related courses

Sir Tim Rice

Writing and Performing Musical Theatre

Gary Barlow

Songwriting

Mark Ronson

Music Production

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10 Professional Theatre Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Professional Theatre plays a crucial role in creating and promoting artistic performances that engage and entertain audiences. When crafting your resume, highlight your experience in production management, acting, and scriptwriting to demonstrate your versatility. Emphasize your abilities in collaboration, creativity, and adaptability, which are vital in this dynamic field. Additionally, mentioning successful projects and any awards received can effectively illustrate the impact you’ve made in your artistic endeavors.

All resume examples in this guide

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Single Column

Resume Guide

Styling your professional theatre resume: layout and format, how to create the cornerstone experience section of your professional theatre resume, highlighting your hard and soft skills on your professional theatre resume, highlighting your educational and certification milestones on your professional theatre resume, choosing the right professional theatre resume summary or objective, additional professional theatre resume sections for a personalized touch, key takeaways.

Professional theatre professionals often struggle to consolidate their diverse and extensive experience into a concise, impactful resume. Our guide can assist by providing specific advice on how to effectively organize, highlight, and articulate your skills and experiences, thereby making your theatre-oriented resume stand out to prospective employers.

Dive into this guide to discover how to craft a compelling professional theatre resume:

Explore top-tier professional theatre resume samples, spotlighting industry-leading skills and experiences.
Uncover over ten tailored strategies to make your professional theatre resume resonate with the job description.
Illuminate your unique value as a professional theatre candidate, using your professional achievements as a guide.
Debunk the myth that education doesn't matter, and learn how to leverage your academic and certification credentials effectively.

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

While color can enhance your professional theatre resume by emphasizing key details like headlines, job titles, and degrees, moderation is key. Stick to a primary and a secondary color to maintain professionalism and avoid a cluttered appearance.

Essential sections for a standout junior ux designer resume:

The top section should combine your header—with accurate contact details—and a concise summary or objective that encapsulates your professional achievements.
An experience section that chronicles your career trajectory and how each role contributed to your professional development.
Highlight significant achievements that demonstrate the practical application of your skills, leading to tangible results.
Include industry-recognized certifications to underscore your technical proficiency or interpersonal skills.
Detail your educational background relevant to the field.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

Performance Experience: Previous roles played, types, and sizes of productions you've been involved in, showcasing range and versatility.
Training/Education: Any relevant acting classes, workshops, or degrees in theater or performing arts.
Special Skills: Unique abilities such as singing, dancing, acrobatics, playing musical instruments, etc.
Physical Characteristics: Height, weight, and other physical features that may be pertinent to certain roles.
Professionalism/Recommendations: Evidence of reliability, punctuality, teamwork, and positive references from previous directors or co-actors.
What is the Purpose of a Resume
Resume Layout

A meticulously crafted professional theatre resume experience section is a recruiter's delight. This segment not only responds to job criteria but also throws light on your technical expertise and character.

To craft an impactful experience section:

Highlight roles directly related to the position in question.
Pair each role or task with a metric that quantifies your achievements.
Chronicle your professional theatre career progression, illustrating your dedication and growth in the domain.
For each role, elucidate challenges faced, strategies employed, and the broader organizational impact.

Examine the following professional theatre samples to discern how seasoned professionals have articulated their experiences:

Designed and executed lighting plots for 20+ theatrical productions, enhancing the visual experience for audiences.
Managed a team of 10 technicians, coordinating their schedules and ensuring smooth execution of stage setup and strikes.
Collaborated with directors and set designers to create immersive and dynamic stage environments.
Coordinated auditions and callbacks, resulting in casting suitable actors for various roles in 15+ plays and musicals.
Supervised costume fittings and alterations for a diverse cast of performers, ensuring cohesive and accurate character representations.
Managed budgets and sourced materials, optimizing cost-efficiency without compromising production quality.
Directed and choreographed large-scale musical productions, overseeing all aspects from auditions to final performances.
Implemented innovative marketing strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in ticket sales and sold-out shows.
Led rehearsals and provided constructive feedback to actors, elevating performances and creating memorable experiences for audiences.
Managed a team of 15 stagehands, ensuring efficient load-in, scene changes, and load-out during 50+ theatrical productions.
Implemented safety protocols and training sessions, resulting in a 50% reduction in on-stage accidents and injuries.
Collaborated with production designers to solve technical challenges, achieving seamless and visually stunning sets.
Designed and constructed intricate set pieces using various materials, enhancing the overall visual impact of 30+ theatrical productions.
Managed scenic budgets and material sourcing, optimizing cost-efficiency while maintaining high production values.
Collaborated with directors and scenic artists to bring conceptual designs to life, resulting in immersive and captivating stage environments.
Produced and coordinated a series of successful site-specific theatre events in unconventional venues, attracting new audiences and generating positive media coverage.
Managed marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms, resulting in a 40% increase in ticket sales.
Negotiated contracts with performers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective solutions for production needs.
Designed and executed soundscapes and effects for 25+ theatrical productions, enhancing the auditory experience and supporting storytelling.
Collaborated with composers and musicians to create original scores, resulting in unique and memorable productions.
Managed sound equipment inventory and maintenance, ensuring optimal audio quality for every performance.
Coordinated the technical aspects of 30+ theatrical productions, overseeing lighting, sound, set, and costume departments.
Developed and implemented efficient production schedules, resulting in streamlined workflows and timely completion of projects.
Collaborated with artistic and technical teams to ensure artistic vision alignment and successful realization of creative concepts.
Assisted in stage management duties, including organizing rehearsals, cue execution, and prompt book supervision for 20+ theatre productions.
Coordinated communication between cast, crew, and creative team, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to production schedules.
Facilitated backstage operations during performances, troubleshooting issues and providing support to the production team.
Designed and executed projection designs for 15+ theatre productions, integrating multimedia elements to enhance visual storytelling.
Collaborated with scenic and lighting designers to create cohesive and immersive stage environments.
Managed projection equipment setup and operation, troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring seamless integration into productions.

Quantifying impact on your resume

Include the number of productions you have been part of to show your extensive experience in the theatre industry.
Specify the number of different roles you've played, indicating versatility and adaptability.
Detail the number of scripts you have worked on or contributed to, showcasing your collaborative and creative skills.
Mention the size of audiences you've performed for to demonstrate your comfort performing under pressure.
List the quantity of professional training hours or workshops attended, showing commitment to continuous learning.
Indicate the number of industry awards received or nominations, proving recognition from professional peers.
Cite the amount of revenue generated from productions you've been involved in as evidence of commercial success.
Report the number of languages you are proficient in, highlighting your potential for multi-lingual performances or international roles.

Building a professional theatre resume when experience is sparse

If you're light on relevant experience, consider highlighting:

Short-term roles or internships undertaken during your academic years.
Contractual roles, emphasizing their relevance and the outcomes achieved.
Alternative resume formats, such as functional or hybrid, that spotlight your skills.
Research roles, especially if they involved significant projects or if your contribution was pivotal to the project's success.
Resume Work Experience
Resume Keywords

The experience section is all about relevancy to the professional theatre role. Decide on items that will show your expertise and skills in the best possible light.

The skills section of your professional theatre resume should showcase your capabilities that align with job requirements.

Your hard skills , or technical skills, demonstrate your proficiency with technological innovations and specific software. On the other hand, your soft skills illustrate how you'd excel in the workplace environment with personal attributes like resilience, negotiation, and organization.

For a well-rounded professional theatre resume, it's essential to include both. Here's how to craft a standout skills section:

Prioritize skills listed at the top of the job advert.
Highlight unique skills you've honed over time.
Choose soft skills that resonate with the company or department culture.
Address essential job requirements by listing key skills for the professional theatre role that haven't been mentioned elsewhere in your resume.

Check out our sample skill list for professional theatre to get ideas on the most sought-after hard and soft skills in the industry.

Top skills for your Professional Theatre resume:

Lighting Design

Sound Design

Costume Design

Stage Management Software

Theatrical Makeup Techniques

Script Writing Software

Projection Mapping

Theatrical Rigging

Collaboration

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Emotional Intelligence

Critical Thinking

Targeting the needed job ad skills doesn't have to end with the skills section. You can talk about your related certifications, interests or additional experience via projects or volunteering, where you picked up those skills, too.

While skills alignment is increasingly prioritized, your educational background and certifications still play a pivotal role in establishing credibility.

To effectively present your academic and certification achievements:

Detail your educational journey, including the institution and duration.
Highlight recent and relevant certifications, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning.
Be concise; focus on the skills and knowledge gained rather than exhaustive details.
If a certification is in progress, mention the expected completion date.

Remember, authenticity is key. If a certification is pending, be transparent about it.

Best certifications to list on your resume

Postgraduate Certificate in Theatre (PGCT) - University of London
Theatre Safety Certification (TSC) - The Association of British Theatre Technicians

If you have basic certificates, place them in the skills or experience section. This saves space for high-demand industry certificates.

Deans List on Resume
Coursework on Resume

The top section of your resume is pivotal. It should encapsulate your alignment with the job, your unique skill set, and your professional expertise.

Both the resume summary and resume objective can serve this purpose:

Use the resume objective to spotlight your current achievements and future aspirations. Highlight how you envision your growth in the prospective role.
Opt for the resume summary to succinctly present your most relevant professional highlights. Aim for brevity, ideally within five sentences.

Ultimately, these sections offer a glimpse into your professional persona and the unique value you bring.

Resume summary and objective examples for a professional theatre resume

Accomplished Theatre Director with 10 years of experience in conceptualizing and producing avant-garde performances. Expertise in fostering creative collaboration among diverse artistic teams, with a track record of critically acclaimed productions. Won 'Best Director' at the National Theatre Awards in 2021.
Seasoned Actor turned Playwright, bringing over 15 years of on-stage experience to scriptwriting. Skilled in crafting narrative arcs that resonate with audiences, already having three successful plays produced at renowned festivals. Adept at intertwining humor and societal commentary to create compelling stories.
Former Communications Specialist transitioning into Theatre Management, leveraging 7 years of experience in event coordination and public relations. Proficient in budget management and contract negotiations, with a recent certification in Arts Administration to solidify transferable skills.
Ex-Teacher pivoting towards Drama Therapy, utilizing a decade’s expertise in education to inform therapeutic practice. Certified Drama Therapist with a deep understanding of the human psyche, aiming to bring emotional healing through the power of performance.
Eager graduate seeking an entry-level position in Stage Management, armed with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts. Committed to applying learned principles of organizational efficiency and problem-solving skills to ensure seamless theatre operations.
Recently certified Lighting Designer with no prior industry experience, yet passionate about creating captivating atmospheres on stage. Prepared to employ technical knowledge in lighting systems and software to enhance the audience's immersive experience.

To further personalize your professional theatre resume, consider adding sections that reflect your unique qualities and achievements.

Popular choices include:

Projects to showcase significant work achievements.
Languages to indicate proficiency levels.
Awards to celebrate industry recognitions.
Hobbies and Interests to share personal passions.
Format your professional theatre resume for clarity and coherence, ensuring it aligns with the role.
Highlight key sections (header, summary/objective, experience, skills, certifications) within your professional theatre resume.
Quantify achievements and align them with skills and job requirements.
Feature both technical and personal skills across your resume for a balanced portrayal.

Looking to build your own Professional Theatre resume?

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8 Theater Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Theater Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

How To Write a Theater Resume

Entry-Level
Senior-Level

Theater Director Resume Example

Technical Director Resume Example

Musical Theater Resume Example

Theater Technician Resume Example

Actor/Actress Resume Example

Theater Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Aliya Dimarco (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

An accomplished actress with seven years of professional experience in theater and television. A proven track record of achieving award nominations for performances in musicals and Shakespeare productions. Expertise in delivering innovative portrayals of characters with unique emotions and presence.

Physical Attributes

5’8” Height

Theater Experience

Television experience.

Nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress, Fantine, Tony Awards
Nominated for Best Performance by a Featured Actress, Velma Kelly, Tony Awards

Associations

Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Member, 2014 – Present

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Theater University of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA September 2010 – May 2014

Team Collaboration

Sarah Geller (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

A dynamic actress with eight years of experience delivering award-worthy performances in a wide variety of Broadway productions. Expertise in utilizing a method acting approach to adopt authentic character personas. Achieved recognition for leading roles in the Wizard of Oz, Moulin Rouge! and Rent.

5’7” Height
Brunette Hair
Best Performance by a Leading Actress, Satine, Tony Awards
Nominated for Best Performance by a Featured Actress, Maureen, Tony Awards
Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Member, 2013 – Present

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Theater Columbia University, New York, NY September 2009 – May 2013

Soprano Vocal Range
Method Acting

Raheem Sinclaire (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

An award-winning theater actor with ten years of experience in film, musical theater, and television. Achieved recognition for a featured role in the Broadway production of Hamilton . An active member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Actors’ Equity Association.

5’11” Height

Film & Television Experience

Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Aaron Burr, Tony Awards
Nominated for Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Javert, Tony Awards
Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Member, 2012 – Present
Actors’ Equity Association, Member, 2011 – Present

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Theater American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York, NY September 2007 – May 2011

Tenor Vocal Range
Meisner Technique

Theater resumes follow a distinct structure that makes them unique. It’s best to consider your theater resume an extension of your professional portfolio. The goal is to create a comprehensive marketing document that showcases your strongest performances and acting experience. Theater auditions are highly competitive, and you must display your accomplishments to stand out from other applicants. We’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your career experience into an accomplishment-driven theater resume.

1. Create a profile by summarizing your theater qualifications

To grab the attention of casting directors, craft a strong opening summary highlighting the most powerful aspects of your acting career. For example, you may want to provide some examples of your most prominent roles. You could also emphasize any significant awards or nominations you achieved. Below your profile, provide key physical attributes and your vocal range.

Professional Profile - Example #1

An accomplished actress with seven years of professional experience in theater and television. A proven track record of achieving award nominations for performances in both musicals and Shakespeare productions. Expertise in delivering innovative portrayals of characters with unique emotions and presence.

5 feet, 8 inches height

Professional Profile - Example #2

An award-winning theater actor with 10 years of experience in film, musical theater, and television. Achieved recognition for a featured role in the Broadway production of “Hamilton.”

An active Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and Actors’ Equity Association member.

5 feet, 11 inches height

2. Create a powerful list of your theater experience

Unlike traditional resumes, theater resumes don’t require bullet points in most instances. Instead, compile a list of your acting performances. Be sure to specify the character, theater organization, and date. You can also consider including the director of the play on your resume.

Theater circles are often smaller than one might think, and familiarity with a previous director might increase your chances of landing an audition.

Professional Experience - Example #1

Theater experience, film & television experience, professional experience - example #2, 3. include your theater education and certifications.

In addition to your education, highlight any awards or nominations you’ve received throughout your acting career. Tony awards, in particular, carry the most weight amongst the theater community. If you’re a member of a prominent association, such as SAG, create an additional section to showcase these memberships.

[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Theater
American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York, NY September 2007 – May 2011
[Award Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Best Performance by a Featured Actor, Fantine, Aaron Burr, Tony Awards

4. List your key theater skills and proficiencies

Theater resumes differ from other industries in that production companies rarely use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to identify candidates for auditions. In most cases, your portfolio will be reviewed by the director or production studio to evaluate your experience and performance. Although ATS systems won’t screen you, include key skills from the job posting to showcase your qualifications and areas of expertise for the director. Below are key skills you may encounter as you pursue auditions:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Acting	Alto
Baritone	Body language
Character acting	Contralto
Countertenor	Dancing
Drama	Facial expressions
Leadership	Method acting
Mezzo-soprano	Musical acting
Musical theater	Singing
Soprano	Tap dancing
Team collaboration	Tenor

How To Pick the Best Theater Resume Template

When selecting your theater resume template, the best option is to focus on structure and organization over visual appeal. Casting directors are primarily interested in your previous roles and awards, so avoid using flashy colors and graphics that might distract the reader from your content. Using a template that allows for a professional headshot is acceptable, but you can also provide this as a separate attachment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Theater Resume Examples and Advice

How do you align your resume with a job description -.

The median income for theater actors was $46,960 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . This industry is projected to grow by 8% over the next 10 years, much higher than average. Competition for roles in prominent theater productions will always be high, and tailoring your resume toward individual casting calls can give you an advantage.

For example, if you’re seeking an audition in a Shakespeare production, make a point to highlight your previous roles in his plays. If you’re pursuing a musical theater role that requires an advanced understanding of choreography, feature these details in your opening summary. By aligning your resume with the casting call, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing the interview.

What is the best theater resume format? -

Reverse chronological is the ideal format for theater resumes. This ensures your most recent roles and performances are featured at the top of your document for casting directors. A functional resume format isn’t the best choice, even if you’re trying to break into the industry. In this instance, you’d still be better off highlighting your acting experience from college and high school rather than prioritizing skill sets.

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Sending a matching cover letter to talent agents and casting directors can be a helpful tool in securing auditions. This allows you to highlight your unique approach to acting, your passion for your craft, and who you are as a professional. If you write a cover letter, tailor it to individual auditions and directors. For more insights, visit our acting cover letter guide .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Musical Theatre CV example

Build your CV on this template

You can sing, dance and act, you’re a triple threat! But it’s getting this all down onto paper that’s the tricky part.

Musical theatre can be very competitive, so if you want to stand out from the crowd, your application needs to be special.

To help you create something that will get the casting director’s attention, check out our detailed guide below, complete with a musical theatre CV example to inspire you.

Article contents

Musical Theatre CV example

CV templates

Before you start writing your CV, take a look at the example Musical Theatre CV above to give yourself a good idea of the style and format that works best in today’s job market.

Also, take note of the type of content that is included to impress recruiters, and how the most relevant information is made prominent, to ensure it gets noticed.

Build your CV now

Musical Theatre CV format and structure

In a highly competitive job market, recruiters and employers are often inundated with applications. If they can’t find what they’re looking for in your CV quickly, they may skip past your application and move on to the next one in their inbox

So, it’s crucial to structure and format your CV in a way that enables them to find your essential details with ease, even if they’re pressed for time.

Tips for formatting your Musical Theatre CV

Length: Two sides of A4 makes for the perfect CV length , though one page is okay for less experienced applicants. This forces you to make sure that every single sentence adds value to your CV and ensures you avoid unnecessary info.
Readability : To help recruiters quickly skim through your CV, it’s important to format your section headings with bold or a different colour font and break up lengthy paragraphs into short sharp bullet points. This enables them to easily identify important information and assess your suitability.
Design & format: When it comes to CV design, it’s best to keep things simple and sleek. While elaborate designs certainly command attention, it’s not always for the right reasons! Readability is key, so whatever you choose to do, make sure you prioritise readability above everything.
Photos: Headshot photos aren’t required in a CV by most employers, but some creative and artistic industries like to see them. If you decide to include one, make sure you look smart and professional in the picture.

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

When writing your CV , break up the content into the following key sections, to ensure it can be easily digested by busy recruiters and hiring managers:

Contact details – Always list these at the very top of your CV – you don’t want them to be missed!
Profile – An introductory paragraph, intended to grab recruiters attention and summarise your offering.
Work experience / career history – Working from your current role and working backwards, list your relevant work experience.
Education – Create a snappy summary of your education and qualifications.
Interest and hobbies – An optional section to document any hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Write your contact details in the top corner of your CV, so that they’re easy to find but don’t take up too much space.

You only need to list your basic details, such as:

Mobile number
Email address
Location – Don’t list your full address. Your town or city, such as ‘Norwich’ or ‘Coventry’ is perfect.
LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL – Remember to update these before listing them on an application.

Musical Theatre CV Profile

Grab the reader’s attention by kick-starting your CV with a powerful profile (or personal statement , if you’re a junior applicant).

This is a short introduction paragraph which summarises your skills, knowledge and experience.

It should paint you as the perfect match for the job description and entice recruiters to read through the rest of your CV.

How to write a good CV profile:

Make it short and sharp: It might be tempting to submit a page-long CV profile, but recruiters won’t have the time to read it. To ensure every word gets read, it’s best to include high-level information only; sticking to a length of 3-5 lines.
Tailor it: No matter how much time you put into your CV profile, it won’t impress if it’s irrelevant to the role you’re applying for. Before you start writing, make a list of the skills, knowledge and experience your target employer is looking for. Then, make sure to mention them in your CV profile and throughout the rest of your application.
Don’t add an objective: Leave your career objectives or goals out of your profile. You only have limited space to work with, so they’re best suited to your cover letter .
Avoid generic phrases: Cheesy clichès and generic phrases won’t impress recruiters, who read the same statements several times per day. Impress them with your skill-set, experience and accomplishments instead!

Example CV profile for a Musical Theatre Performer

What to include in your musical theatre cv profile.

Experience overview: Start with a brief summary of your relevant experience so far. How many years experience do you have? What type of companies have you worked for? What industries/sectors have you worked in? What are your specialisms?
Targeted skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Musical Theatre jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
Important qualifications: Be sure to outline your relevant Musical Theatre qualifications, so that anyone reading the CV can instantly see you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Create a core skills section underneath your profile to spotlight your most in-demand skills and grab the attention of readers.

This section should feature 2-3 columns of bullet points that emphasise your applicable skills for your target jobs. Before constructing this section, review the job description and compile a list of any specific skills, specialisms, or knowledge required.

Important skills for your Musical Theatre CV

Singing – Proficiency in vocal technique, including breath control, pitch accuracy, and range, to deliver powerful and emotive performances.

Dancing – Mastery of various dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary, to execute choreography with precision and expressiveness.

Acting – Portraying characters convincingly, conveying emotions, and effectively communicating the story onstage.

Stage Presence – Commanding the stage with confidence, charisma, and a captivating presence that engages and connects with the audience.

Musicality – Understanding and interpreting music, including rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and phrasing, to deliver nuanced and expressive performances.

Character Development – Developing well-rounded characters by exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships, enhancing the depth of their performances.

Vocal Range and Control – Navigating through various vocal registers and styles while maintaining control and accuracy, adapting to different musical genres and vocal demands.

Stamina and Endurance – Maintaining a level of physical fitness and resilience to sustain energy and perform at a high level throughout demanding and physically challenging musical theatre productions.

Stage Combat – Utilising knowledge of safe and effective stage combat techniques to perform fight scenes convincingly while ensuring the safety of oneself and others.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience

Next up is your work experience section, which is normally the longest part of your CV.

Start with your current (or most recent) job and work your way backwards through your experience.

Can’t fit all your roles? Allow more space for your recent career history and shorten down descriptions for your older roles.

Structuring each job

Your work experience section will be long, so it’s important to structure it in a way which helps recruiters to quickly and easily find the information they need.

Use the 3-step structure, shown in the below example, below to achieve this.

Start with a 1-2 sentence summary of your role as a whole, detailing what the goal of your position was, who you reported to or managed, and the type of organisation you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using bullet points.

Wherever you can, point out how you put your hard skills and knowledge to use – especially skills which are applicable to your target role.

Key achievements

Round up each role by listing 1-3 key achievements , accomplishments or results.

Wherever possible, quantify them using hard facts and figures, as this really helps to prove your value.

Sample job description for your Musical Theatre CV

Play the lead role of Éponine in the West End UK Tour production of Les Misérables, performing in over 100 shows to large audiences in 32 cities across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Memorise and perform solo songs, character scenes and dances
Coach and support understudies and swing performers to ensure preparation for any necessary cover due to injury, illness, or holiday
Work with local theatre teams and cast members to adapt to new venues
Maintain vocal and physical health during a strenuous touring schedule

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

At the bottom of your CV is your full education section. You can list your formal academic qualifications, such as:

GCSE’s

As well as any specific Musical Theatre qualifications that are essential to the jobs you are applying for. Note down the name of the qualification, the organisation at which you studied, and the date of completion.

Hobbies and interests

This section is entirely optional, so you’ll have to use your own judgement to figure out if it’s worth including.

If your hobbies and interests could make you appear more suitable for your dream job, then they are definitely worth adding.

Interests which are related to the industry, or hobbies like sports teams or volunteering, which display valuable transferable skills might be worth including.

When putting together your Musical Theatre CV, there are a few key points to remember.

Always tailor your CV to the target role, even if it means creating several versions for different roles.

Additionally, remember that the structure and format of your CV needs just as much attention as the content.

Good luck with your job search!

New York’s Top Training for Young Actors.

Broadway workshop, the art of the perfect theatrical resume.

Your resume needs some love…

It’s pretty weird for a kid to have a resume but in this business, you need one. The format for a theatrical resume is not like a professional non-theatrical resume. I’ve seen so many resumes from kids and teens that are pretty much a hot mess so I hope this helps. Below are some tips to make sure your resume looks as good as you! I have also included a sample resume for you to use.

Make sure your resume is clean and easy to read!
You should have a list format – the name of the show (CAPS), role you played, theater or company that produced that show. Do not use full sentences.
Make sure that your contact information is current and correct. If no one can reach you, then it’s all kind of pointless, isn’t it?
Less is more. You should list the credits you are most proud of first (especially if you have a lot of credits). The Middle School Christmas concert is not really necessary. When listing education, you do not need to list every workshop or class you’ve ever taken. And if you’ve been in 60 musicals, maybe list 10-15 of those projects. Keep it current!
Your resume should be printed on 8 x 10 paper and fit perfectly on the back of your 8 x 10 headshot. Normally, paper is 8.5 x 11. If you are going to print on 8.5 x 11 paper, then you will need to cut it down to the right size. It’s a real pain, so why not just buy 8 x 10 paper.
Your resume should ONLY be 1 page.
Do not add reviews or extra attachments to your resume. It just makes it look messy (and a little desperate).
Do not use those plastic sheets on your headshot/resume. Save them for your music book.
Do not put your address on your resume. You never know where these things end up and the last thing anyone needs is a photo of you and your home address attached to it.
Make sure you have the correct spelling of any teachers or directors you have worked with. I have seen my name spelled in insane ways on resumes. It makes me crazy.
Make sure the type point is at least 10 point. If you need to reduce it to less than that, you have too many things on your resume. Avoid using multiple fonts – don’t use more than 2 different fonts.
When you create your special skills list, make sure you can do those actual skills at any moment. If you need a half hour to warm up to do your duck impression, maybe it’s not that special. Only add acrobatics if you can do a back handspring or better. A cartwheel is not actually acrobatics. It’s a cartwheel.
Try to avoid embellishments on your resume. Industry professionals who are looking at your headshot and resume know that you are a young performer and they appreciate whatever you have on your resume. Be proud of your credits and avoid trying to make anything sound fancier than it actually is.
Commercials are often listed as Conflicts Available Upon Request. That basically that means if you have a deal with Coke, you can’t have a deal with Pepsi. If you don’t have any deals or you are not really auditioning for commercials then you can just remove that section.

I hope you have found this helpful. Take a look at the resume templet below and use it. I hope this has helped a bit as you put together your winning resume. Next week I’ll talk more about your headshots so stay tuned.

MARC TUMMINELLI – Broadway Workshop 10/27/17

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Career Blog

Theater Resume Writing Tips and Samples in 2024

As a theater professional, your resume is your critical calling card. It serves as your first impression to theater companies and hiring managers, showcasing your skills, experience, and potential value. Therefore, it is imperative that you know how to write an impressive theater resume.

In this article, we will explore the definition of theater resume writing, the importance of a good theater resume, the target audience for this article, and the objectives underlying its creation. The overall theme of this article is Theater Resume Writing Tips and Samples, and we aim to provide you with practical guidance and examples to help you create an effective and impressive theater resume.

Definition of Theater Resume Writing

Theater resume writing refers to the process of creating a well-written and well-designed resume that showcases your theater-specific experiences, skills, and accomplishments. This should include information on your education, training, performance experience, notable projects or roles, awards, and other theater-related achievements.

Your theater resume is essentially your theatrical portfolio that presents you as a competent, professional, and appealing candidate for potential employers.

The Importance of a Good Theater Resume

Your theater resume is critical to your success as a theater professional. It can make or break your chances of landing an audition or interview for a production or job. A well-crafted theater resume not only highlights your skills and experience but also demonstrates your commitment to the theater industry.

In contrast, a poorly written or designed theater resume can damage your credibility and make it difficult to break into the industry. Therefore, it is essential to invest time and effort in creating a compelling and attention-grabbing theater resume.

Target Audience

The target audience for this article is theater professionals who want to improve their chances of landing a job or audition by creating a strong theater resume. It could be actors, directors, playwrights, stage managers, costume designers, lighting designers, or any other theater-related professionals.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the theater industry or a newcomer seeking your place in the spotlight, this article will help you to craft a compelling theater resume that stands out and showcases your talents.

Objectives of this Article

The primary objectives of this article are to:

Introduce the concept of theater resume writing
Highlight the importance of creating a good theater resume
Provide theater professionals with practical guidance on what to include in their resumes
Offer tips and tricks for designing a visually appealing and professional-looking resume
Provide some theater resume samples to help you get started
Help you to understand what hiring managers look for in a theater resume
Ultimately, equip you with the tools and knowledge to build a compelling and effective theater resume.

By meeting these objectives, we hope to help you on your journey to success in the theater industry.

Understanding Theater Resumes

When it comes to applying for theater roles, having a strong resume can be just as important as your talent on stage. A well-crafted theater resume can make all the difference in securing the attention of directors and casting agents.

A. Basics of Theater Resumes

The basic structure of a theater resume is similar to that of a standard professional resume, with a few key differences. The first thing to include at the top of your resume is your name, followed by your contact information, such as a phone number and email address.

The main body of your theater resume should include your performance experience, education, and any relevant skills. Be sure to highlight any notable performances or roles you have played, as well as any training you have received in acting, singing, dancing, or other areas relevant to the role you are auditioning for.

B. Different Types of Theater Resumes

There are several different types of theater resumes, depending on your level of experience and the types of roles you are auditioning for. For example, a beginner’s resume may include more information about education and training, while an experienced performer’s resume may highlight past roles and accomplishments.

Some common types of theater resumes include:

Standard Theater Resume: This is the most common type of theater resume and includes all relevant performance experience, education, and skills.
Musical Theater Resume: If you are auditioning for a musical, it can be helpful to create a separate musical theater resume that highlights your singing and dancing abilities.
Theater Director Resume: If you are applying for a directing role, your resume should emphasize your experience in directing and any notable productions you have overseen.

C. Common Mistakes to Avoid

While a strong theater resume can open doors to new opportunities, making common mistakes can hurt your chances of being selected for a role. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when crafting your theater resume:

Overloading it with unnecessary information: Keep your resume concise and focused on your relevant experience and skills.
Failing to highlight your strengths: Make sure to emphasize your unique talents and skills that make you stand out as a performer.
Forgetting to proofread: A typo or grammatical error can make a negative impression on casting agents and directors. Always proofread your resume before submitting it.

By understanding the basics of theater resumes, the different types available, and common mistakes to avoid, you can increase your chances of impressing casting agents and securing the roles you desire.

Theater Resume Writing Tips

Your theater resume is your personal marketing tool that showcases your skills and experience as a performer. It is essential to create a resume that highlights your unique talents to catch the attention of the hiring manager. Here are some tips for effective theater resume writing.

A. Tailoring your Resume to the Job Posting

Tailoring your resume to each job posting is essential to increase your chances of being considered for the role. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experiences required. Ensure that your resume reflects the necessary skills and experience that will make you the ideal candidate for the job.

B. Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience

Your theater resume should highlight your relevant skills and experiences. This means including relevant details such as your acting abilities, exceptional writing skills, or stage managing experience. Consider the job requirements and skills before drafting your resume, and include any skills or experiences that match the job posting.

C. Using Action Verbs and Power Words

Power words and action verbs can make your resume stand out to the hiring manager. Use action verbs such as directed, performed, and produced to highlight your experiences. Power words such as motivated, inspired, and accomplished can also make a significant impact on the reader.

D. Formatting and Design

Your theater resume should be neat, organized, and easy to read. Ensure that it is formatted and designed professionally. Use an attractive font, ample white space, and bullet points to make your resume easy to navigate. Also, remember to include your contact information, education, and relevant job history.

E. Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading and editing are critical for creating an error-free theater resume. Ensure that you have thoroughly checked for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies. Consider enlisting a friend or colleague to review your resume and provide feedback.

Creating an effective theater resume requires customization to reflect your unique skills and experiences. Use the above tips to craft a resume that catches the attention of the hiring manager and highlights your qualifications for the job.

Theater Resume Layout

When it comes to putting together a theater resume, it’s important to keep in mind that the layout should be clear and easy to read. This way, the casting director or producer can quickly scan through your information and see if you’re a good fit for their production. Here are the key sections to include in your theater resume:

A. Contact Information

This section should include your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. It’s also a good idea to include links to your professional social media profiles, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, if you have them. Make sure the font is clear and easy to read.

B. Theatrical Experience

This is the most important section of your resume, as it showcases your past work in theater productions. List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent productions. For each production, include the show title, the role you played, the theater company or school that produced it, and any relevant dates. If you’ve worked on multiple productions for the same company or school, you can group those together to save space.

C. Education

List your education in a separate section, including your degree (if applicable), the name of the institution, and the dates attended. If you have any relevant coursework or special training in theater, such as acting classes or voice lessons, you can list those here as well.

D. Additional Skills and Achievements

If you have any special skills or achievements that are relevant to theater, such as proficiency in a foreign language or awards you’ve won, you can list them in this section. This can help make you stand out from other applicants.

E. Other Sections

In addition to the above sections, you can include other sections that are relevant to your theater experience. This could include a section on your directing or stage management experience, for example, or a section on your experience working with children or in musical theater. Just make sure that every section you include is relevant and adds value to your resume.

When it comes to creating a theater resume, it’s important to keep things clear, concise, and easy to read. By following these tips and organizing your information in a logical way, you’ll be able to put together a resume that stands out to casting directors and helps you get the roles you want.

Examples of Successful Theater Resumes

As you’ve seen in the previous sections, theater resumes are distinct from other professional resumes. To get a clearer idea of how a theater resume should look like, we’ll provide examples of different types of theater resumes.

A. Entry-Level Resume Sample

If you’re a beginner in the theater industry, an entry-level resume can highlight your potential and showcase your skills. Here’s how an entry-level resume should look like:

[Your Name]

Contact information.

Phone Number

Theatre Education

Degree/Major/Institution/Graduation year (e.g. BFA in Theatre Arts, New York University, 2020)

Theatre Experience

Production Title
Company/Theater
Improvisation
Script analysis
Accents and dialects

This entry-level resume sample is concise, professional, and easy-to-read.

B. Resume Sample for Experienced Actors

If you already have experience in the theater industry, your resume should emphasize your accomplishments and demonstrate your range of skills. Here’s how a resume sample for experienced actors should look like:

Accomplishments (e.g. positive reviews, awards, sold-out performances)

Film/TV Experience

This sample is more specific, organized, and personalized for experienced actors.

C. Technical Theater Resume Example

If you’re in the technical theater field, your resume should showcase your technical experience and knowledge. Here’s how a technical theater resume example should look like:

Role (e.g. Lighting Designer, Sound Technician, Costume Designer)
Technical Accomplishments
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Costume Design
Stage Management

This technical theater resume example highlights your specific skills and experience for the technical side of theatre shows.

These theater resume samples will give you an idea of how to customize your own resume to highlight your expertise and achievements in the industry.

Cover Letter Writing Tips for Theater Jobs

The cover letter is a crucial element of a job application for any theater job. It acts as a way to introduce yourself to the potential employer, showcase your relevant experience and qualifications, and set yourself apart from other applicants. Here are some tips for crafting an effective theater cover letter:

A. Importance of Cover Letters

While your theater resume is an important aspect of your job application, a cover letter is the opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for the arts. It allows you to express why you are drawn to the job and why you would be a good fit for the company. A well-crafted cover letter can also demonstrate your writing skills and attention to detail.

B. Tailoring Cover Letters to the Job Posting

One of the biggest mistakes job applicants make is using a generic cover letter for all their applications. It’s important to tailor your cover letter to the job posting by including specific details about the company and the position. Research the company’s mission and values, and incorporate them into your letter to show how you align with their goals. Additionally, highlight the skills and experience that match the requirements listed in the job posting.

C. Example of a Theater Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the theater director position at your esteemed theater company. With over 10 years of experience in theater production, I have developed a deep passion for bringing impactful and transformative stories to life on stage.

I am particularly drawn to your theater company’s mission of promoting diversity and inclusion through the arts. As someone who values the power of community and representation, it would be an honor to join your team and contribute to this important work.

In my most recent role as theater director at XYZ Theater Company, I successfully directed productions of “Hamlet” and “Sweeney Todd,” earning critical acclaim and high attendance rates. My innovative approach to staging and design created immersive experiences that engaged and moved audiences. Additionally, I have experience working with both amateur and professional actors, and have a talent for guiding performers to their best work.

As an avid collaborator, I excel at working with creative teams to bring productions to life. I am skilled at communicating my vision and collaborating with designers, technicians, and other staff members to collectively achieve the end goal.

Thank you for considering my application for the theater director position. I am confident that my skills, experience, and passion make me an excellent candidate for this role. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your theater company’s mission and values.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

A successful theater cover letter should convey your enthusiasm for the job, your qualifications and relevant experience, and your alignment with the company’s mission and values.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Creating a theater resume that stands out can be challenging, especially in a competitive industry. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your resume captures the attention of potential employers. In this section, we will discuss some tips on how to showcase your awards, special skills, and achievements, use social media to build your theater network, and stay aware of industry trends, emerging technologies, and new skills.

A. Showcasing Awards, Special Skills, and Achievements

It’s essential to highlight your accomplishments and achievements on your theater resume. Including any awards, certifications or recognitions from relevant associations can make your resume stand out. Also, consider including a “special skills” section to showcase your unique talents and abilities. This section should include your language proficiency, musical talents, dance styles, and other specialized skills that you can bring to the table.

When highlighting your achievements, make sure to quantify them where possible. For example, instead of saying “acted in several productions,” say “appeared in over 20 productions, including lead roles in X and Y productions.” This will give the casting director a better idea of the scope of your experience.

B. Using Social Media to Build your Theater Network

Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can help you build your theater network and get involved with local theater communities. Follow theater companies or artists that you admire, interact with them by commenting on their posts, and share your own work with your followers. Use relevant hashtags to join conversations about the industry, and participate in online acting challenges or competitions.

Social media can also be an excellent way to promote yourself and your work. Share photos and videos of your performances, and keep your followers up-to-date with your latest projects. However, remember to keep a professional image online, and be cautious about what you share.

C. Awareness of Industry Trends, Emerging Technologies, and New Skills

In the rapidly evolving theater industry, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, industry trends, and new skills. Attend industry events, workshops, and masterclasses to learn from experts and broaden your knowledge. Read industry publications, subscribe to theater blogs, and engage in conversations about theater-related topics online.

Being knowledgeable about the industry can set you apart from other candidates and make you a more attractive prospect for potential employers. Make sure to update your theater resume regularly to reflect any new skills, qualifications, or achievements you’ve acquired.

A well-crafted theater resume can make all the difference in landing your dream role. By showcasing your awards, special skills, and achievements, using social media to build your network, and staying aware of industry trends and emerging technologies, you can set yourself apart and increase your chances of success in the competitive world of theater.

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