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Table of contents

Popular performing arts resumes
Related resume examples
How to write a performing arts resume
Performing arts resume examples by experience level
Add a cover letter
Facts about the performing arts industry
Key takeaways for your performing arts resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

From aspiring actors to seasoned stage managers, costume designers and lighting technicians, professionals in the performing arts industry play a pivotal role in bringing captivating stories to life on the stage. A theatrical production is a transformative experience for both the audience and the artists involved. A skilled performing arts professional contributes to the magic of live performances, making each show a unique and memorable experience.

Just as a riveting performance needs a solid script and talented cast, a professional in the performing arts should begin their career journey with a compelling resume that sets the stage for success. We’re here to guide you through these initial steps.

This resume-writing guide will cover:

Examples of outstanding performing arts resumes.
Strategies for crafting a powerful performing arts resume.
Resume tips tailored for performing arts professionals at various career stages.
The significance of a well-crafted cover letter and how to ignite the creative writing process.
Key insights to elevate your performing arts resume writing.

Need a performing arts resume in a hurry? Explore our AI Resume Builder, where you can select a design that aligns with your artistic journey and leverage our AI resume tool to uncover the perfect words to narrate your artistic story.

Popular performing arts resumes

Getting your resume off the ground might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be all guesswork. Check out our resume examples for some inspiration to help get your performing arts resume job search-ready.

How to write a performing arts resume

Now that you’ve taken a look at some strong performing arts resumes, it’s time to write a resume that reflects your creativity and artistic flair.

Start by building a resume outline. Your resume outline should include:

Your contact information clearly visible in the header of your document.
A resume profile that describes your career and goals.
A skills section that highlights your hard and soft performing arts abilities.
Your work history, listed in reverse-chronological order.
An education section that summarizes your credentials.
Additional sections as needed to draw attention to other qualifications.

Now that you know what your resume should include, it’s time to start writing!

Step 1

Highlight your contact info

Your performing arts resume serves as your ticket to catching the eye of potential employers. While your experience and skills take center stage in convincing them to reach out, your contact details facilitate that first contact.

Your header should include:

Your name
Contact number
Professional email address
City and state of residence
For an added touch, integrate links to your LinkedIn profile, personal website or online portfolio seamlessly into your resume’s header.

The most important role of your header is the accuracy and accessibility of your information. Make sure you write a header that’s free of errors or typos — a quick double-check is always a good use of time. Let your contact details shine as the opening act to your impressive performing arts portfolio.

Step 2

Summarize your performing arts career

Your resume’s header may house your contact details, but the profile section is your spotlight moment — an opportunity to personally introduce yourself as a performing arts professional. This section should consist of a few captivating sentences that immediately capture the reader’s attention.

Tailor your resume profile based on your experience:

For seasoned performing arts professionals, opt for a professional summary. This concise paragraph should focus on describing the highlights of your career.

If you’re just getting started on your performing arts career journey, a resume objective is your best bet. This section emphasizes your career aspirations and passion for contributing to future productions and roles.

Both profile options share the same goal — introducing your artistic journey — but they cater to different strengths, allowing you to shine as a unique candidate.

Writing tip

Build a resume that aligns with the specific role you’re seeking. Start by exploring the job listing, identify keywords and seamlessly incorporate them into your resume. These keywords, highlighting your relevant qualifications, enhance your resume’s chances of passing through the applicant tracking system (ATS) screenings.

Sample performing arts professional summary:

Dynamic stage director with a rich history spanning over five years in the electrifying world of live performances. Adept at orchestrating seamless productions and dedicated to delivering captivating experiences for audiences. Proficient in navigating the nuances of theatrical productions, staying abreast of industry trends and embracing emerging technologies in the performing arts. Well-versed in stage management tools and experienced in fostering collaborative teamwork, achieving artistic goals and adapting to evolving audience preferences.

Sample performing arts resume objective:

An aspiring theatrical artist, eager to apply comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience to contribute to a vibrant performing arts team. Committed to delivering enchanting performances, dedicated to honing craft and proficient in the intricacies of theatrical productions. Excited to further develop skills while building positive connections with collaborators and achieving excellence in the world of live performances by providing unforgettable artistic experiences.

Step 3

Highlight your core skills

Skills are the heartbeat of your performing arts prowess. Your skills section is the canvas where you paint a vivid picture of your abilities and training.

A well-rounded performing arts resume requires a fusion of technical expertise and artistic finesse. Your training in things like videography, acting techniques or staging constitute your hard skills. These are essential to your career. Soft skills like communication and creativity are equally essential.

It’s not a matter of hard skills versus soft skills; it’s about crafting a resume that demonstrates your ability to navigate both dimensions of the performing arts world.

Writing tip

While technical proficiency is paramount in the performing arts, this industry thrives on human connection. Emphasize not only your artistic prowess but also your communication and passion for the craft.

Hard and soft skills for a performing arts resume:

Hard Skills

Stage direction
Script analysis
Set design
Lighting and sound management
Costume design

Soft Skills

Communication
Adaptability
Creative problem-solving
Collaboration
Time management

Step 4

Describe your performing arts career journey

Your work history section is the stage where you unveil your ability to bring skills to life in the real world of performances. This segment of your resume should spotlight your triumphs in past roles and your knack for embracing the diverse responsibilities inherent in a dynamic performing arts career.

Consider these strategies to elevate your work history:

Showcase measurable results. Bring your accomplishments to life with numerical data that showcases the breadth of your work and the value you’ve brought to each performance.
Highlight career growth. Present your past roles in reverse-chronological order, allowing readers to witness the evolution of your artistic journey from your most recent endeavors.
Infuse action words. Use dynamic verbs like “directed,” “innovated” or “orchestrated” to infuse energy into your resume, conveying a sense of competency and initiative.

Writing tip

Spotlight technical skills. In the performing arts, technical proficiency is key. If you utilize specialized software, equipment or techniques, ensure these technical skills shine as key qualifications.

Performing arts experience example:

Theatrical Production Coordinator, CenterStage Productions

New York, NY

April 2018 – Present

Collaborate seamlessly with a dynamic production team to streamline logistical tasks, ensuring a smooth workflow and adherence to industry standards.
Contribute to the enhancement of production procedures, resulting in a 20% increase in overall efficiency and reduced setup times in the past year.
Implement and maintain rigorous adherence to artistic and safety protocols, fostering a secure and creative working environment and contributing to a stellar record of successful productions.

Step 5

Showcase your performing arts education

As a performing arts professional, your educational background and specialized training are key chapters in your artistic journey. Describe these experiences in your education section to provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications.

Performing arts education entry example:

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts,

Dramatic Arts University

New York, NY | 2018

Certifications

Certified Stage Manager

Stagecraft Certification

Issue Date: August 2019

Step 6

Add additional sections to your performing arts resume

Crafting a standout performing arts resume allows for creativity in showcasing your unique qualifications. Consider incorporating additional sections that align with the role and enhance your candidacy:

Volunteer work: Volunteering is a great way to show your commitment to your personal values and your ability to contribute to your community.

Languages: Speaking multiple languages is a huge asset that demonstrates your communication skills and your ability to connect with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Creative projects: Highlight personal or collaborative artistic projects that demonstrate your passion and innovation in the performing arts.

Writing tip

Don’t miss the chance to highlight any workshops, courses or certifications that have contributed to your skill set. Certifications can have their dedicated section, while courses and workshops can find a place under the education section. Create specialized sections for any unique qualifications to ensure your resume is a comprehensive reflection of your artistic prowess.

Choose the right performing arts resume template

Selecting the perfect resume template is crucial for a resume that stands out in the performing arts industry. Opt for a design that complements both the role you’re pursuing and your artistic identity.

Explore various styles, from classic, simple designs to more expressive creative templates. Creative resume designs can effectively showcase your individuality as an artist. For performing arts professionals, a creative template is a fantastic choice, but a simple template is a safe bet for a conservative role.

If you’re looking for convenient options, explore our free templates for Microsoft Word or Google Docs to find the perfect canvas for your performing arts story.

Performing arts resume examples by experience level

The way that your resume is organized has a huge impact on the way it’s perceived by hiring and casting departments. The resume format you choose should suit your experience level as a candidate.

Performing arts beginners should try the functional resume format thanks to its focus on skills rather than boots-on-the-ground experience.
Midcareer performers with a few years of experience might be best suited by the combination resume format because it balances experience and skills in equal measure.
Performing arts pros with lots of experience should try the chronological resume format because it focuses on experience.

Let’s check out visual examples for each.

Functional resume format: Entry-level performing arts resume example

Resume experienced example professional dancer

Create your resume

What makes this a great entry-level performing arts resume?

It’s simple
This resume uses a neat layout that makes the candidate’s information easy to read without posing any distractions.
It emphasizes skills
This candidate has relatively little experience, so her resume is made extra effective by focusing on transferable skills rather than work history.
It includes certifications
Certifications demonstrate that this candidate knows how to apply her skills and training. The certifications section backs up this candidate’s incredible performing skills.

Combination resume format: Midcareer performing arts resume example

Create your resume

Why is this a standout midcareer performing arts resume?

Emphasizes soft skills
Knowledge of script formatting and character development are vital to a screenwriter’s career, but so are soft skills like creativity and attention to detail. This resume is effective because it lists both.
Balances experience and skills
As a midcareer candidate, this resume is strong thanks to its balanced mix of both work history and professional skills.
Uses numerical data
Numbers give this candidate’s experience a sense of legitimacy because they demonstrate the hard impact of the candidate’s accomplishments.

Chronological resume format: Experienced performing arts resume example

Resume entry level example circus perfomer

Create your resume

What sets this experienced performing arts resume apart?

It’s creative
A strong performing arts resume should demonstrate personality and artistic taste. This resume demonstrates the candidate’s unique creativity as an artist.
It uses active language
Words like “coordinate” and “develop” provide a sense of initiative and energy that passive resume boilerplate can’t compete with.
It’s specific
Naming specific productions and roles helps this candidate’s resume stand out.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

A great resume isn’t complete without a strong cover letter that seals the deal. Your cover letter is a great opportunity to communicate with potential employers and add context that helps demonstrate some of the important qualifications from your resume.

If writing a strong cover letter seems hard, our guide on writing an effective cover letter will help you get started. For a bit of inspiration, our collection of cover letter examples can help guide you on what to say.

Try our cover letter formatting guide for help writing a cover letter that fits all of the standard formatting rules.

For a professionally crafted cover letter in just minutes, try our Cover Letter Builder. It generates a fully customizable cover letter using your specific input and details for a cover letter that’s tailor-made to help you get the job.

Facts about the performing arts industry

Curious about your performing arts future?

Here are some insights into the performing arts field’s current trends and projected future:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 2.7 million Americans are employed across the entire fields of fine and performing arts.
Median salaries for various performing arts careers:
- Actors earn $17.94 per hour on average.
- Film and video editors and camera operators earn $30.01 per hour on average.
- Producers and directors earn an average of $41.02 per hour.

Employment for performing arts careers is on the rise, with film and video editors, camera operators, producers and directors growing at an estimated rate of 7%, faster than the average for the job market on the whole.

Key takeaways for your performing arts resume

Set the stage

Establish a strong foundation for your resume by delving into your experience within the performing arts industry. Utilize dynamic language, infusing data to spotlight the tangible impact of your creative endeavors.
Sweat the small stuff

In the performing arts, precision is paramount. A resume marred by typos diminishes your professional standing. Enlist a friend to review and catch any nuances, ensuring your resume reflects your meticulous attention to detail.
Spotlight vital soft skills

Beyond technical prowess, it’s your exceptional soft skills that steal the spotlight. Illuminate your communication, adaptability and teamwork talents, illustrating your holistic effectiveness in the realm of performing arts.
Display relevant artistic accolades

In performing arts, certifications serve as badges of artistic proficiency. Showcase any earned certifications to fortify your qualifications and underscore your dedication to ongoing artistic growth.
Infuse vibrancy into your presentation

Breathe life into your resume with enthusiasm. Go beyond professionalism, radiating positivity and a zeal for the performing arts. Create a resume that not only showcases your skills but also exudes your passion for the artistic journey.
Style matters

Design a resume that not only highlights your strengths but also resonates with your artistic identity and aligns seamlessly with the requirements of the performing arts role you’re pursuing.
Elevate your application with a persuasive artistic statement

Seize the opportunity to enhance your performing arts candidacy with a compelling cover letter. Transform it into a canvas to convey your enthusiasm, narrate your artistic journey and communicate your qualifications with finesse.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.