In the competitive world of entertainment, your musical theater resume is one of your most important tools in leaving a good impression.

Whether you are a seasoned performer seeking new opportunities or a recent graduate hoping to make your mark, a polished and effective application is key to catching the eye of casting directors, agents, and producers.

This article will walk you through creating a standout document, including examples of resumes of different types of roles, and provide insights into the sections to include.

Musical theater resume examples

Lead role performer musical theater resume

Lead role performer musical theater resume template

Lead Performer Resume
Use template Download PDF

Lead role performer musical theater resume sample | Plain text

Anna Marie Johnson
New York, NY
Email: annamarie.johnson@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Objective

Passionate and versatile lead performer with experience in both classical and contemporary musical theater. Adept at portraying complex characters through song and dance, with a strong focus on storytelling and vocal delivery. Seeking a challenging lead role in an upcoming production where I can contribute my diverse skill set.

Experience

Lead Performer (Jasmine)

Aladdin – Broadway, New York, NY

June 2022 – Present

  • Play the role of Jasmine in the Broadway production of Aladdin, receiving critical acclaim for the portrayal of a strong, independent character.
  • Highlight musical moments including “A Whole New World” and “These Palace Walls.”
  • Collaborate with the creative team to deliver an innovative, dynamic performance that captured the essence of the character.
  • Work with the choreography team to perfect complex dance numbers while maintaining vocal strength throughout 8-show weeks.

Lead Performer (Catherine)

Pippin – National Tour, Various Locations

January 2020 – May 2022

  • Portrayed the role of Catherine in Pippin, bringing depth and emotion to her journey with the Leading Player.
  • Worked with the director and musical team to seamlessly integrate the narrative with the live band, elevating audience engagement.
  • Assisted in promotional events and interviews to increase visibility and excitement for the national tour.

Lead Performer (Mary Poppins)

Mary Poppins – West End Production, London, UK

September 2017 – December 2019

  • Played Mary Poppins, earning rave reviews for the role’s signature elegance and warmth.
  • Maintained an intense vocal and physical regimen to deliver the character’s charm and grace in all 8 performances per week.
  • Helped create choreography for “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Feed the Birds,” and other memorable numbers.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater

The Juilliard School, New York, NY

Graduated: May 2017

High School Diploma (Performing Arts Focus)

LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, New York, NY

Graduated: June 2013

Certifications

  • CPR and First Aid Certified, March 2023
  • Vocal Performance Masterclass Certification, January 2021
  • Advanced Dance Certification, July 2016

Skills

  • Vocal Range: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano
  • Acting: Strong dramatic and comedic abilities, extensive experience in character development
  • Dance: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary
  • Languages: Fluent in English and conversational Spanish
  • Special Skills: Stage combat, improvisation, circus arts (aerial silks)

Why this sample theatre resume is effective?

  • Anna’s opening statement focuses on her passion and versatility, highlighting her dedication while emphasizing her performance strengths.
  • The document breaks down her roles in various productions, showcasing not only accomplishments in resume but also involvement in specific songs and dances that make her stand out.
  • Certifications on resume, especially in vocal performance and dance, provide evidence of her commitment to her craft.
How to format a resume for musical theater?
  • Opt for plain fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Use a size between 10 and 12 points for readability.
  • Keep margins at 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides.
  • Add extra space between sections of resume for clarity.
  • Avoid lengthy paragraphs. Utilize bullet points for easier reading.
  • Aim for a one-page resume, especially if you are early in your career.
  • Include strong resume action verbs like "performed," "starred," "sang," "choreographed," "directed," "produced," etc..
  • While you can apply color for emphasis, keep it minimal.
  • Check your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors.
  • Customize your paper for each audition or position by incorporating keywords in resume.
  • For musical theater resumes, it’s common to provide a headshot, typically attached separately.

If you're worried about missing important details, trying a free resume builder online can guarantee everything is mentioned.

Resume Trick offers a variety of free resume templates and examples tailored to different industries and positions.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Dance and ensemble performer musical theater resume

Dance and ensemble performer musical theater resume example

Michael Davis
Los Angeles, CA
Email: michael.davis@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 654-3210

Objective

Energetic and dedicated ensemble performer with a passion for dance and musical theater. Skilled in various dance styles and an excellent team player, seeking opportunities in Broadway or national tour productions to showcase versatility in both dance and performance.

Experience

Ensemble Performer (Swing)

The Book of Mormon – Broadway, New York, NY

October 2020 – Present

  • Perform in the ensemble while covering lead roles, including Elder Price and Elder Cunningham.
  • Demonstrate quick learning of choreography and blocking as a swing performer, ensuring smooth performances.
  • Contribute to seamless transitions in ensemble numbers such as "I Believe" and "Hasa Diga Eebowai."
  • Maintain strong vocal performance, particularly in high-energy group numbers.

Dance Captain & Ensemble Performer

Chicago – National Tour, Various Locations

January 2018 – September 2020

  • Led daily warm-ups and rehearsals as dance captain while performing in the ensemble.
  • Collaborated with the choreographer to ensure high-performance standards for key dance numbers like "All That Jazz" and "Razzle Dazzle."
  • Ensured consistent performance quality across cities during the national tour.

Ensemble Dancer

West Side Story – Regional Production, Los Angeles, CA

June 2016 – December 2017

  • Performed dynamic dance sequences in "America" and "Dance at the Gym."
  • Worked collaboratively with cast members to enhance the narrative and emotion of the story.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), CA

Graduated: May 2016

Certifications

  • First Aid and CPR Certified, August 2021
  • Certified Dance Instructor, February 2019

Skills

  • Dance Styles: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop
  • Vocal Range: Tenor
  • Choreography: Expert in teaching and rehearsing dance routines
  • Special Skills: Tumbling, aerial silks, dance improvisation

Languages

  • Spanish – Fluent
  • French – Conversational

Awards

  • Best Ensemble Performance, The Book of Mormon Broadway, 2022
  • Excellence in Dance Choreography, Chicago National Tour, 2019

Volunteering

Dance Instructor

Youth Arts Program, Los Angeles, CA

January 2020 – Present

  • Teach dance to underprivileged youth, focusing on confidence-building and self-expression through movement.
  • Organize end-of-term performances for community events.

Why this sample musical theater resume works?

How to choose between summary and objective?

Choose a musical theater resume summary if:

  • You have several years of experience in theater.
  • You want to highlight key achievements and skills upfront.
  • You need to quickly showcase your expertise to casting directors.

Example of musical theater resume summary:

"Versatile and dynamic lead performer with over 10 years of experience in Broadway and national tour productions. Proven ability to bring depth and emotion to roles while excelling in vocal performance, dance, and character interpretation. Adept at collaborating with directors, choreographers, and fellow actors to create compelling theatrical experiences."

Choose musical theater resume objective if:

  • You are a newcomer or a recent graduate.
  • You are transitioning into a new type of role (e.g., moving from ensemble to lead ones).
  • You want to express your enthusiasm for a specific opportunity.

Example of musical theater resume objective:

"Passionate musical theater performer with a strong foundation in acting, singing, and dance. Seeking an ensemble or supporting role in a Broadway or regional production where I can apply my training and grow as a performer."

How to put education on a theatrical resume?

List your academic history in reverse chronological order.

Format:

  • Degree or Program (if applicable)
  • Institution Name
  • Graduation Year (or Expected Date)
  • Honors or Recognitions (if relevant)

Optional details:

Musical theater director resume

Musical theater director resume template

Musical Director Resume
Use template Download PDF

Musical theater director resume sample | Plain text

Samantha Bennett
Chicago, IL
Email: samantha.bennett@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 321-7654

Objective

Experienced and highly skilled musical director with a passion for conducting, arranging, and leading rehearsals. Bringing over 11 years of expertise in directing orchestras and vocal performances in musical theater. Seeking a role with a major theater production where I can contribute to the musical vision and enhance performance quality.

Professional Experience

Musical Director

The Phantom of the Opera – National Tour

Various Locations | January 2021 – Present

  • Conduct and rehearse a 30-piece orchestra, ensuring synchronization between instrumentalists and vocalists.
  • Collaborate with directors, choreographers, and designers to maintain artistic integrity and enhance musical storytelling.
  • Lead vocal coaching sessions to refine character interpretations and improve singers’ vocal techniques.
  • Arrange and transcribe customized orchestration for select performances, ensuring musical flexibility across venues.

Assistant Musical Director

Les Misérables – Broadway

New York, NY | June 2017 – December 2020

  • Supported the musical director in rehearsals and live performances, ensuring a polished and consistent production.
  • Conducted performances as a substitute conductor, maintaining tempo and expressive dynamics throughout the show.
  • Partnered with sound designers to fine-tune live vocal mixing and instrumentation balance.

Resident Music Supervisor & Vocal Coach

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago, IL | August 2014 – May 2017

  • Directed musical productions, collaborating with directors to ensure historically and stylistically accurate musical interpretations.
  • Trained actors and singers in proper vocal technique, breathing, and projection for both contemporary and classical musical theater.

Education

Master of Music in Conducting

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | May 2017

Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music, Bloomington, IN | May 2014

Additional Training

  • Advanced Conducting Techniques – Eastman School of Music (July 2018)
  • Music Theory and Composition – Berklee College of Music (May 2016)
  • Orchestral Arranging Masterclass – Juilliard School (September 2015)

Skills

  • Orchestration and score arranging
  • Vocal coaching and performance direction
  • Advanced music theory and harmonization
  • Transcription and adaptation of scores

Instrumental Proficiency

  • Piano (Advanced)
  • Clarinet (Intermediate)
  • Trombone (Intermediate)

Recognitions

  • Guest Conductor – National Symphony Orchestra Broadway Series (Kennedy Center, 2022)
  • Outstanding Music Arrangement – Broadway World Awards (Les Misérables, 2019)

Guest Speaking

  • "The Art of Conducting for Musical Theater" – Masterclass at Juilliard School (2021)
  • "Behind the Baton: Orchestration for Modern Theater" – Guest Speaker at Berklee College of Music (2019)

Strong sides of this musical theater performance resume example:

  • Organized into distinct sections, making it easy for employers to quickly scan qualifications.
  • Clearly articulates expertise, passion, and career goals.
  • Provides specific duties and achievements for each role, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and technical skill.
How to list experience on a resume for musical theater?

Place your most recent occupation first. Each position should contain the following:

  • Job Title
  • Production Name
  • Company or Theater
  • Location
  • Dates of Employment

Under each role, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities. Use quantifiable results where possible.

What skills to mention on a theater resume?
  • Hard skills are measurable, teachable, and job-specific abilities that can be learned through training, education, or experience. They are quantifiable and required to perform tasks.
  • Soft skills are personal and social qualities that influence how you interact with others and handle various work situations. These are less measurable but crucial for teamwork and leadership in a theater setting.

Hard skills:

  • Orchestration and conducting
  • Vocal coaching and technique training
  • Music theory and composition
  • Score reading and transcription
  • Instrument proficiency (piano, clarinet, trombone, etc.)
  • Sound engineering and live mixing knowledge
  • Rehearsal direction and stage leadership
  • Arranging and adapting music for performance
  • Sight-reading and ear training
  • Microphone techniques for live theater

Soft skills:

  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Time management
  • Creativity
  • Problem-solving
  • Patience
  • Teaching and mentoring
  • Attention to detail

Conclusion

Creating an impactful musical theater resume is essential for standing out in a highly competitive industry. By showcasing your background in a well-organized and professional way, you can grab the attention of casting directors and producers.

Use these simple resume templates as a guide to craft your own personalized application that highlights your unique talents and passion for the craft!

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume