Professional Performing Arts Resume Template & Samples

If your performing arts resume were a play, would it be a smash hit or a flop? Don't worry, we've got the script for success!

Our guide provides expert insights to help you craft a resume that'll have casting directors begging for an encore performance. Time to step into the spotlight!

This guide will show you: 

• A performing arts resume template better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a performing arts resume that will land you more auditions.
• Tips and samples of how to put skills and achievements on a professional performing arts resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for performing arts to get any job you want.

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Here you have other resume examples dedicated to arts:

• Artist Resume Sample
• Acting Resume Sample
• Dance Resume Sample
• Fashion Designer Resume Sample
• Film Resume Sample
• Model Resume Sample
• Music Resume Sample
• Theater Resume Sample
• Writer Resume Sample
• Resume Samples for All Professions

Performing Arts Resume Sample

Here’s how to write a performing arts resume that dances your way to success:

1. Create a Performing Arts Resume Format That Pleases The Eye

Compared to visual arts, a performing artist executes art through movement or voice, be it dancing, singing, or acting. So, you should include a list of credits and accomplishments on a performing arts resume that’ll convince the director to hire you for the gig.

By the way—

You’re walking in for an audition, and the casting director’s eyes are piercing through you. Like nobody, you understand the importance of the first impression. 

If you craft your resume format right, you’ll get closer to hear “You’re in.”

• Be specific. If you specialize in more than one discipline, choose between writing a dancer, singer, or acting resume, depending on the job you’re pursuing. Don’t mix everything up in one document.
• Keep your resume on one page. That’s another argument for dividing your resumes per discipline, not the industry.
• Design a clean and professional resume header with your personal information. On top of the contact details, your employer wants to know your height, hair, and eye color. If you’re going for a costume role, you may be required to tell them your weight and measurements, too.
• Mention any affiliations you belong to, e.g., SAG or TANYS.
• Put a face to your name with a performing arts resume headshot (8x10). Place it in the right upper corner. If you decide to add a couple to prove your abilities (strength, turns, or costume fit), keep them as separate attachments not to distract the reader.
• Create relevant resume sections like your performance summary, experience, education and training, and special skills.
• Most performing arts resumes are written in column or list forms. If the titles of your gigs are long, use the list form. And the other way round—go for columns if short.
• Either way, use the reverse-chronological resume format and sort your section items from more to less recent.
• Choose a ballet-classic resume font, like Arial or Verdana.

Figuring out the best file format for your resume? The answer is to Choose Between PDF And Word Resume Formats

2. Tell Your Story in a Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Talent shows.

They can give you childhood trauma or moments of glory. And it’s clear, you’re all in for the second scenario.

So deliver your elevator pitch with superior confidence. It can be either in the form of a resume summary or objective. Both land right below the resume header, so you can be sure they’ll be read.

If you have on-stage experience, write a compelling career summary that highlights your qualifications and proudest moments. 

But, if you’re only an aspiring performer, go for a career objective—it puts focus on the skills and dedication.

Find out what you shouldn’t put on your resume. Read about it in our guide: 15+ Things You Shouldn’t Include On Your Resume

3. Synchronize the Job Description With Your Performing Experience

Dancing in duets or groups ain’t easy. There’s no room for everyone at the front.

In your performing history, there’s no room for irrelevant experience. So give the employer what they want and match your resume to the job description.

• Create subsections to set the theater credits apart. Put your theater performances first, then film and commercial at the end.
• List your performances in the reverse-chronological order.
• Don’t go into too much detail about each. Give the name of the spectacle, venue, and director.

Did you work in a theater as a student? Make sure your relevant experience lands on your resume: How To Write A Student Resume

4. Make Room for Some Drama in the Education Section

Find speaking about your education as easy as shuffle-ball-change-heel move:

• If you have several years of experience as a performing artist, list your degree and the name of the school. Add the graduation date and that’s it.
• But if you show no experience on your resume, your education section is one of the deciding factors. Tell what you have or are still studying and add the relevant coursework.
• Graduating with Honors or making the Dean’s list will prove you’re engaged in getting your education. Write it down, too.
• Add any stage, professional, studio, and private training you took to grow your artistic capabilities. Name your coaches if they can give you bonus points.

Yoko Ono dropped out of college. See how she would include that on her resume: Tips To List Unfinished Studies On Your Resume

5. Show Off Your Special Talents and Skills

Life’s not a bed of roses if you’re a performing artist. Nonetheless, you wish to have so many thrown at your feet that’s enough to make a rose jam.

Let the artistic director learn about your skillset and give you such an opportunity.

• Stay relevant to the skills the director wishes you to have. If you’re going for a ballet dancer audition, making headstands won’t get you cast.
• Be sure to mention only those skills you know you have. Don’t pretend and make up lies on your resume.

Sample Performing Arts Resume Skills

• Acting
• Attention to detail
• Body language
• Charisma
• Creativity
• Dancing
• Dedication
• Flexibility
• Good memory
• Music and instruments
• Networking
• Physical strength
• Public speaking
• Resilience
• Self-discipline
• Singing
• Stamina
• Quick learning
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Language skills
• Organization skills
• Presentation skills
• Teamwork skills

Read why a mix of hard and soft skills should be on your resume playlist: Best Examples Of Hard And Soft Skills

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6. Strut Your Stuff in the Additional Sections

Try freestyle and give your original voice to your resume for performing arts in a couple of additional sections.

• Mention your foreign language speaking skills. You’ll meet directors and coaches whose native language isn’t English, and they’ll appreciate it if you keep up with their directions.
• The path to mastery means blood and sweat. If you upskill yourself and earn certifications or licenses alongside, make sure they land on your resume.
• Your skills should be peppered all over your resume. Do you have volunteering experience as an art teacher or a dancing coach? Let your employer know about it.
• Awards. You should definitely boast about your accomplishments on your resume.

If you still have some space, relevant hobbies & interests in performing arts resumes make a thought-out addition. See how you can write about: Your Relevant Hobbies And Interest On A Resume

7. Put Your Best Foot Forward in the Performing Arts Cover Letter

If you think writing a cover letter deserves a cut from the script—dramatic pause—you’re wrong. The audience won’t even see the lead actor on stage without the crew behind the curtain.

• Format your cover letter first. It should be clear, to the point, and one page.
• Then find out who’s the casting director and address them by name.
• Craft your cover letter introduction to knock out the reader with an opening line.
• The middle paragraphs of a cover letter are reserved for the meat—elaborate on your relevant experience, accomplishments, and special skills.
• In the end, ask the casting director when you can come for an audition.
• Close your cover letter with a formal sentiment.

Pro Tip: If you have a Broadway-worthy accomplishment in your career, add it to your cover letter in a postscript.

So, there you have it—

Fingers crossed for your next performance. You’ll do a fantastic job!

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Do you have other tips or thoughts about writing performing arts resume examples? How about a child’s or teenager performing arts resume—do you wish to learn more about them, too? Give us a shout in the comments section!

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Sources

• https://www.murraystate.edu/academics/CollegesDepartments/CollegeOfHumanitiesAndFineArts/GlobalLanguagesAndTheatreArts/Theatre/Programs/In%20and%20Out%20of%20Theatre%20Jobs.pdf
• https://careerservices.pace.edu//sites/default/files/files/pdf/theatre-resume-guidebook.pdf