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Theatre Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

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You’ve been in every school theatre production for years and are ready to make a career of it, but you’re struggling to write a suitable theatre resume.

It’s okay to have this problem, and you’re not alone. In this article, you’ll get to see a few theatre resume examples so that you know what to include.

That way, you can increase the chances of landing an interview or audition. Gone are the days of being a struggling actor.

If you’re ready to land your dream role or work behind the scenes, keep reading. We have example resumes for actors, directors, and more.

Theatre Resume Examples

Whether you want to become an actor, director, or some other theatre professional, you’ll need a good resume. Like in other industries, you’ll want to consider the job you’re applying for as well as the role.

Then, you can review a few theatre resume examples to help write yours. Soon enough, you may land the leading role in your dream production. No matter your goals, look at a few resumes so that you know what to highlight.

Entry-Level Theatre Resume Example

Breaking into the theatre industry isn’t easy. And submitting the wrong resume could delay your big break significantly. Fortunately, you can take inspiration from an entry-level resume to help you get into your field.

Entry-Level Theatre Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

The resume is great because it highlights the applicant's education, including concentrations in theatre in both college and high school. The project section also showcases how they learned even more about theatre tech and singing.

  • Type of Resume: Entry-Level Theatre Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for entry-level theatre jobs
An image of Entry-Level Theatre Resume Example

Objective

[Character name] in [Production name]

Work Experience 1: Student Actor

  • Audition for plays and musicals at the beginning of each semester
  • Attend read-throughs, rehearsals, and dress rehearsals with the rest of the cast and crew
  • Learn lines outside of rehearsal time, be off book by the deadline
  • Work with costars and the theatre crew, and the director to ensure a quality production
  • Participate in public performances, showing up at the call time and working with the makeup and costume assistants to get ready

Work Experience 2: Student Stage Manager

  • Work with the theatre director to help choose the productions for the season and cast actors in appropriate roles
  • Conduct theatre rehearsals in the absence of the director, ensuring each day goes smoothly and that goals are met
  • Take attendance at rehearsals and before each performance to make sure the cast and crew is ready
  • Contact understudies when main actors are sick or unable to attend a performance
  • Run the backstage area during the show, keeping delays and other issues to a minimum

Project Experience

  • I took a theatre tech class where I learned about lighting, sound, and set design
  • I participated in community theatre programs during the summer
  • I took voice lessons to help with my speaking and singing

Skills

  • Ability to memorize things quickly
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Public speaking
  • Leadership

Education

  • State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, class of [graduation year]
  • Central High School, Theatre program, class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Actors’ Equity Association, member since [year]

Why This Resume Works

This performer may not have professional experience, but they use their resume to make the most of the experience they do have. Both jobs listed are student jobs, including on-stage and off-stage work, showcasing that the candidate knows how everything works.

In the project section, they also list how they learned even more about theatre tech and even singing. Meanwhile, they share how they have some essential skills, including the ability to memorize, which is crucial for an actor.

This theatre professional can also work with others, which is another vital qualification. The resume also highlights one’s education, including concentrations in theatre in both college and high school. Finally, the actor is a member of the union, which can help them get more jobs.

You should model your resume after this one if you primarily have theatre experience as a student. It can take time to get a theatre job, but a good entry-level resume can help you shorten the time you spend job hunting.

Musical Theatre Resume Example

Working in musical theatre is similar to working on a play. However, the addition of music opens you up to more roles, such as that of a singer or music director. Those added responsibilities also require more skills to highlight on your resume.

Consider what this type of resume might look like.

Musical Theatre Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume works because it showcases the performer’s knowledge of both theatre and music. Another excellent aspect of this resume is the mention of voice type.

  • Type of Resume: Musical Theatre Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for musical theatre roles
An image of Musical Theatre Resume Example

Objective

[Voice type role] in [name of the musical]

Work Experience 1: Student Actor

  • Audition for musical theatre productions at the beginning of the semester or season
  • Memorize lines and lyrics for assigned parts, getting off book by the director’s deadline
  • Attend rehearsals and run-throughs, show up on time, and stay until given the okay to leave
  • Get to the performance before the call time to ensure plenty of time for costuming and makeup
  • Work with costars to prepare individual scenes and the entire musical production

Work Experience 2: Church Singer

  • Sing in the church choir, fulfilling the part of [soprano, alto, tenor, bass] and providing support to the other singers
  • Take on solo lines when necessary, standing in front of the choir and using good breath support to project
  • Work with the music director to choose suitable repertoire for each weekly service, including special repertoire for holidays and events
  • Help the other singers get dressed in their robes before a service and return the robes after the service
  • Conduct church choir rehearsals when the director is absent to ensure progress is made

Project Experience

  • I took private voice lessons to work on my vocal range and better understand my voice type
  • I helped transpose a vocal solo to meet the vocal range of one of my fellow singers
  • I worked with the director to acquire more accurate costumes for the latest musical

Skills

  • Public speaking
  • Teamwork
  • Good singing voice and projection
  • Time management
  • Ability to lead

Education

  • State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Theatre and a minor in Music, Vocal Performance, class of [graduation year]
  • Local Youth Theatre Program, [attendance years]

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Musical Theatre Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it showcases the performer’s knowledge of both theatre and music. The first work experience is as an actor, including in musicals. Meanwhile, the second job listed specifically involves singing.

Another excellent aspect of this resume is the mention of voice type. While you may want to specify the role you want, you can also list your voice (soprano, mezzo, tenor, bass, etc.) to open yourself up to more roles.

All of the projects also relate back to theatre and music and showcase how the applicant can work with others. Other skills they list also help a performer, from public speaking to being able to project their voice well.

You can model your resume after this example when working as an actor. Consider how you can combine your music and acting experiences to showcase your background.

Theatre Technician Resume Example

As important as actors are, they wouldn’t be able to do what they do without a supportive crew. If you prefer working behind the scenes, you’ll want to adjust your resume accordingly. Consider an example or two to decide what to include.

Theatre Technician Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume highlights one’s experience behind the curtain in the theatre world. The objective is clear, including the production or company this person wants to work for.

  • Type of Resume: Theatre Technician Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for theatre technician roles
An image of Theatre Technician Resume Example

Objective

Theatre technician for [production name or theatre company name]

Work Experience 1: Lighting Technician

  • Work the lighting controls during all tech rehearsals and performances, ensuring a smooth transition between lighting settings
  • Meet with the director to coordinate lighting controls for each scene of the production
  • Coordinate lighting and sound changes with the sound technician to allow for a smooth change
  • Switch out lighting covers with different colored covers to provide the necessary lighting for the production
  • Ensure the lighting makes the actors look good but without blinding the performers

Work Experience 2: Stage Manager

  • Work with the director to plan stage entrances and exits for each scene
  • Keep the backstage area clear and make sure everything runs smoothly during a rehearsal or performance
  • Take attendance of the cast and crew before each rehearsal and performance to ensure no one is late or missing
  • Have a script ready during rehearsals to feed actors their lines when requested, particularly after they go off book
  • Contact actors and crew who are running late, and contact their understudies as necessary

Project Experience

  • I helped design the set and lighting and sound for my school’s theatre program
  • I wrote a play and directed it with the help of my school’s theatre director
  • I worked with the director to obtain funding to upgrade our theatre’s lighting and sound systems

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Working with others
  • Organizational skills
  • Leadership

Education

  • State University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in theatre tech, class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations

  • Theatre Tech Certificate, completed in [completion year]

Why This Resume Works

This resume highlights one’s experience behind the curtain in the theatre world. The objective is clear, including the production or company this person wants to work for. Next, they share two jobs they’ve had on the technical side, including lighting and stage management.

On their resume, this applicant also covers a few relevant projects, from playwriting to directing. Even if that’s not the job they’re applying for, it shows they understand what goes into a successful theatre production.

A good theatre tech also has some essential skills, such as organization and an attention to detail. This resume includes both of those talents as well as other vital abilities. Their education section even highlights how they concentrated on theatre tech as a student.

You should use this resume as a template if you want to work behind the scenes. It gives a few good examples of jobs and skills to list.

Theatre Director Resume Example

As you go throughout your theatre career, you may want to become a director. Even early on, some theatre professionals know directing is their dream. Now, some directors may use a portfolio, but it never hurts to draft a resume in case you need it, especially if you want to work in an educational setting.

Theatre Director Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

This resume works because it shows how the candidate has either directed theatre productions or helped with directing. This resume showcases the applicant’s experience working in education.

  • Type of Resume: Theatre Director Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for theatre director roles
An image of Theatre Director Resume Example

Objective

Theatre director for [theatre company/school]

Work Experience 1: Stage Manager

  • Assist the director with choosing plays, casting actors, and running rehearsals and performances
  • Conduct rehearsals in the absence of the director to ensure continuous progress and preparation for performance
  • Keep contact information for the cast and crew, and use the list when someone is running late or otherwise absent
  • Manage a clean, organized backstage area during rehearsals and performances to facilitate entrances and exits
  • Coordinate lighting, sound, costuming, and makeup with members of the theatre tech crew

Work Experience 2: Theatre Teacher

  • Teach acting and theatre tech classes to students in grades 7-12, ensuring students meet the learning outcomes
  • Select student theatre productions based on the theatre program size and interested acting students
  • Schedule rehearsals and performances on campus and around the city to help attract new students
  • Market upcoming public performances via the school website and social media platforms
  • Assign tasks to cast and crew members to ensure the production runs smoothly

Project Experience

  • I worked with my own theatre director while a student to ensure our productions went well
  • I created marketing materials for my last theatre production to help draw in a bigger audience
  • I helped the director with blocking and taught it to the actors while the director had to go to a meeting

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Feeling empathetic
  • Marketing

Education

  • State University, Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in theatre, class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations: LIST

  • Actors’ Equity Association, member since [year]
  • State Teaching Certificate

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows how the candidate has either directed theatre productions or helped with directing. They’ve worked as a stage manager, who works very closely with the director throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

While not everyone has done so, this resume showcases the applicant’s experience working in education. Theatre teachers are often the directors, so this can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Meanwhile, the person has learned how to promote their productions via marketing. They also have time management and leadership skills, both of which are vital for directors. Especially when applying for teaching jobs, it’s important to show one’s education and license.

You should use this resume as an example whether you want to direct school theatre programs or professional productions. Be sure to tailor the objective and your work experience to best match the role.

Movie Theatre Resume Example

Many people go into theatre as performers or crew members. However, maybe you want to work the retail side and get a job at a movie theatre. You’ll want to consider a resume that’s better suited for this career path.

Movie Theatre Resume Example

Why We Suggest this Resume

Unlike other theatre careers, a movie theatre job relies heavily on customer service. This resume covers that requirement, from the work experience to the skills and certification sections.

  • Type of Resume: Movie Theatre Resume Example
  • Best For: Those applying for movie theatre jobs
An image of Movie Theatre Resume Example

Objective

Movie theatre associate for [movie theatre name]

Work Experience 1: Retail Sales Associate

  • Greet customers upon entering the store, ask customers if they need help with anything
  • Help customers find the items they’re looking for and offer alternatives if their first choice is unavailable
  • Open and close the store, following the store’s opening and closing procedures to ensure a secure environment
  • Work with colleagues to make the store a positive place for workers and customers alike
  • Promote sales and discounts to customers to help increase revenue

Work Experience 2: Food Service Cashier

  • Take customer orders and process payment via cash, card, or digital payments
  • Help package to-go orders, ensuring order accuracy to minimize customer complaints
  • Restock the drink bar with lids, straws, napkins, and other items
  • Coordinate schedules and availability with colleagues and managers to help staff the restaurant
  • Offer upsells, such as drink and side upgrades, to help increase average order revenue

Project Experience

  • I worked with my manager to upgrade our cash register system to something more modern and user-friendly
  • I developed to-go menus to help customers decide what to order without having to search the overhead menu
  • I helped clean the floors at the end of the day to ensure the environment would be clean for the next day

Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Customer service
  • Organization
  • Time management

Education

  • Central High School, class of [graduation year]

Licenses & Accreditations

  • National Customer Service Association – Certified Customer Service Professional

Why This Resume Works

Unlike other theatre careers, a movie theatre job relies heavily on customer service. This resume covers that requirement, from the work experience to the skills and certification sections.

The applicant in question has worked in both retail and food service. Working at a movie theatre often requires both skills, especially if you’ll have to rotate between the ticket counter and snack counter. Having a job in both industries sets this applicant apart.

This resume also lists projects and skills necessary for working in customer service. The applicant has taken the initiative to improve their work environment for themselves and customers, from cleanliness to a better cash register.

You’ll want to use this resume as your template if you want to work in a more customer-facing position. Whether you want to work in a movie theatre or work the ticket desk at a traditional theatre, highlighting your customer service is vital.

Common Skills & Action Verbs To Include on a Theatre Resume

No matter what you want your career to look like, you should use the right wording when writing your theatre resume. You could apply for the same position as someone with the same background as you.

However, if they use more attractive language, such as adaptability skills, their resume will catch the eye of the hiring manager or director. Don’t let that happen to you. Instead, you can make a good resume great with a few word swaps.

As you write your next resume draft, consider what skills and action verbs to use. Then, your resume can be the one that a director picks to move to the next stage of the hiring process.

Common Skills for Theatre Resumes

  • Communication
  • Acting
  • Creativity
  • Foreign language
  • Improv
  • Singing
  • Dance
  • Public speaking
  • Stage management
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Stage combat
  • Leadership
  • Organizational skills
  • Flexibility
  • Fast learner
  • Memorization
  • Makeup
  • Costuming
  • Technical skills

Common Action Verbs for Theatre Resumes

  • Coordinated
  • Participated
  • Led
  • Marketed
  • Improved
  • Assisted
  • Developed
  • Taught
  • Prepared
  • Selected
  • Auditioned
  • Cast
  • Educated
  • Planned
  • Shared

Tips for Writing a Better Theatre Resume

Unlike more traditional jobs, writing a better theatre resume takes some creativity. You should consider what type of theatre job you want. Then, keep the following tips in mind to help your next resume stand out.

1. Tailor the List of Credits

When applying for acting jobs, in particular, you’ll want to think about what credits to include. You could list every role you’ve ever played. However, consider whether some roles are relevant to the job.

If you’re applying for a lead role, for example, list other lead roles you’ve performed. You can also think about the type of role, such as whether you’d be playing a villain. In that case, you should list other villain or antagonist roles.

New professionals may need to list a variety of credits from their schooling. However, as with any job, be sure to highlight the roles that most relate to the one in question. If you audition for different roles regularly, create a resume for each one so that you don’t have to edit your main resume all of the time.

2. Include Contact Information

Another good thing you can do is to add your contact information. At the very least, include your name and email address. However, it can also help to list your phone number and physical address.

If you have an agent or manager, list their contact information as well. That way, you can increase the chances of hearing back about getting an audition.

Whether it’s your contact information or your agent’s, make sure it’s up to date. Change the resume any time you move or get a new phone number.

3. Ask for References

Before you submit your resume for a job, ask a few people to be references. Asking ahead of time means your references can prepare. Then, they can give better answers to any questions a director or hiring manager may ask.

Including references from past directors, stage managers, and other professionals is ideal. They can speak to you as a worker and performer. Also, be sure to stick to people you have a good relationship with who will have more good things to say about you.

You can even swap out references for different jobs. Think about who worked with you when you played a lead versus a villain, for example.

4. Add a Headshot

Especially if you want to become an actor, you should include a headshot with your resume. A good headshot gives the director an idea of your appearance. That can help them decide whether to cast you in a particular role.

It also doesn’t hurt to share your height and weight on your resume. Of course, it’s not fun to get rejected due to your appearance. However, that’s the nature of performing, and you could save yourself from wasting time on auditions that will go nowhere.

When you first start, you can use a headshot that you take with your smartphone and a tripod. As you advance, you may want to get a professional headshot from a photographer. And just like your resume, update your headshot whenever your look changes significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still unsure of what to include on your theatre resume, here are a couple of queries you should consider.

What are the basic acting skills?

Basic acting skills include being able to take direction, work with others, and memorize your lines and blocking. It also helps to know how to sing if you want to work in musical theatre. Time management is also crucial for theatre professionals.

What is a good example of a theatre resume objective?

The best theatre resume objective depends on the job. However, you can customize the objective for each job or role you apply for. Specify the character and production names that you want to play.

Similar Resume Types To Reference

You can get some good ideas from a few basic theatre resume examples. However, you might want to review similar types of resumes for more ideas.

  • Acting Resume: If you want to perform on stage, look at some example resumes to help you land your next acting role.
  • Dance Resume: When working in musical theatre, you may start off as a background dancer and singer, in which case a dance resume could inspire your own.
  • Designer Resume: Costume designers and set designers are vital to any theatre production, so consider what to put on your resume if you want this type of job.

Wrapping Up

Working in theatre can be a great way to express yourself and share your passion with others. But to land your dream gig, you’ll need a suitable theatre resume. Luckily, you can review a few examples for inspiration.

That way, whether you want to act, direct, or do something else, you can make your resume unique to the job. If you’re successful, you may just land the leading role. But the wrong resume could deny you the opportunity to audition.

Are you looking to work in theatre? What do you think about these resumes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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