Creating a compelling theater resume is a crucial step in landing your next audition or role.

A professional resume showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the craft, helping casting directors and producers quickly assess your suitability for a role.

In this article, we'll explore the key elements of a successful application, along with tips to make yours stand out in the competitive world of theater.

Theater resume examples

School theater actor resume sample

School theater actor resume template

Theater Actor Resume
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Resume for school theater actor | Plain text

Name: Loretta Kincaid
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: lorettakincaid@gmail.com

Summary

Aspiring actor with a passion for stage performance and a strong background in school theater productions. Eager to expand my skills and gain professional acting experience.

Education

Los Angeles High School – Los Angeles, CA

Graduation: June 2026

  • Theater Arts Certificate
  • Relevant Coursework: Acting 101, Stagecraft, Voice and Movement

Experience

Lead Role: Juliet – Romeo and Juliet

Los Angeles High School Theater, CA

November 2024 – January 2025

  • Portrayed the iconic role of Juliet, earning praise for emotional range and delivery of key soliloquies.
  • Worked closely with the director to interpret the character’s transformation throughout the play.
  • Collaborated with fellow actors in blocking rehearsals, ensuring fluid scene transitions and chemistry.
  • Participated in promotional efforts, including interviews and photo shoots for the production’s marketing materials.

Supporting Role: Hermione Granger – Harry Potter: A Theatrical Journey

Los Angeles High School Theater, CA

April – May 2024

  • Played Hermione Granger, adapting the role for a unique, student-written production.
  • Contributed to the adaptation of the script, ensuring it aligned with both the original source material and the vision of the director.
  • Developed character-driven movement and vocal delivery in rehearsal, integrating both physicality and emotion.
  • Assisted in the choreography for group scenes, ensuring the cast’s coordination in key moments.

Skills

  • Strong emotional range and ability to convey complex characters
  • Proficient in classical and contemporary acting techniques
  • Experienced in stage combat and physical theater
  • Excellent voice control for both projection and subtle delivery

Volunteer Work

Acting Coach

Los Angeles High School, CA

September 2024 – June 2025

  • Volunteered to coach underclassmen in acting techniques, providing guidance on character work and stage presence.
  • Assisted in rehearsals, offering constructive feedback to help peers improve their performances.

Strong sides of this theater resume example:

  • Clear and concise education section highlights relevant coursework and certifications.
  • Specific examples of roles and contributions to productions demonstrate a strong foundation in acting.
  • Volunteer work shows a commitment to improving skills and giving back to the theater community.
How to properly format a resume for a theater?
  • Font. Select a classic option such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Ensure the size is between 10 and 12 points for legibility.
  • Length. Limit your resume to one page unless you have extensive experience. Two pages are acceptable for more advanced careers.
  • Margins. Keep at 1 inch to maintain an organized, balanced look.
  • Spacing. Employ single spacing for content, but increase the space between sections to 1.15 to improve readability.
  • Bold and Italics. Utilize bold for section titles or notable achievements but don't overuse. Italics should be reserved for emphasis only.
  • Consistency. Keep the formatting uniform throughout, from font to spacing, ensuring a clean, professional presentation.

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Professional theater choreographer resume example

Sample professional theater choreographer resume

Name: Michael Smith
Location: New York, NY
Phone: (555) 987-6543
Email: michaelchoreographer@gmail.com

Summary

Experienced choreographer with over 5 years of professional work in various productions, specializing in jazz, contemporary, and musical theater choreography. Proven ability to create visually dynamic and engaging dances for diverse productions.

Experience

Choreographer – Chicago

Broadway, New York, NY

May 2022 – Present

  • Choreograph dynamic dance sequences for iconic numbers, including "All That Jazz" and "Razzle Dazzle," integrating jazz and vaudeville styles.
  • Collaborate closely with the director, lighting, and costume departments to ensure that the choreography aligned with the overall aesthetic and tone of the production.
  • Rehearse the cast daily to perfect complex routines and ensure smooth integration of choreography with the musical numbers.
  • Provide individual coaching for lead dancers to ensure emotional depth in their movements, helping to elevate their performance.

Associate Choreographer – The Lion King

Minskoff Theatre, New York, NY

November 2020 – April 2022

  • Assisted the lead choreographer in conceptualizing large ensemble dance sequences for a Broadway production with a global cultural focus.
  • Designed choreography for a key number incorporating traditional African dance forms, aligning with the show’s thematic elements.
  • Led rehearsals for the ensemble, ensuring precision and cohesion in movement, and made adjustments to choreography based on feedback from the director.
  • Collaborated with the creative team to incorporate unique set pieces and puppetry into the dance movements, maintaining the show’s visual integrity.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography

University of the Arts – Philadelphia, PA

Graduation: May 2019

Skills

  • Expertise in various dance styles, including jazz, contemporary, and musical theater
  • Excellent leadership and team management skills
  • Strong understanding of staging and blocking for dance
  • Ability to adapt choreography to suit different actors and performers

Professional Development

Choreography Workshop Participant

New York Dance Institute, NY

March 2021

  • Participated in a 3-day intensive workshop focusing on modern choreography techniques.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to refine movement sequences and gained insight into new trends in the industry.

Solid reasons why this example of a theater resume will impress HR:

  • Strong focus on key achievements and collaboration with directors, showcasing leadership and creativity.
  • Inclusion of both Broadway and off-Broadway experience emphasizes versatility in different environments.
  • Specific skills related to choreography and dance styles are clearly listed, demonstrating expertise.
Should I choose a theater resume objective or summary?

A resume summary is perfect for individuals with substantial experience in the industry.

  • This part briefly highlights your core strengths, key accomplishments, and what you contribute to productions.

Theater resume summary sample:

Seasoned actor with over 10 years of experience in theater, specializing in both dramatic and comedic roles. Adept at captivating audiences and collaborating with directors to deliver outstanding performances.

A resume objective is more suitable for those entering the field or transitioning to a different area within theater.

Theater resume objective example:

Enthusiastic actor eager to apply my strong stage presence and passion for the craft to a professional theater company. Seeking opportunities to grow through challenging roles.

Musical theater singer resume sample

Musical theater singer resume template

Musical Theater Singer Resume
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Resume for musical theater singer | Text version

Name: Emily Johnson
Location: Chicago, IL
Phone: (555) 345-6789
Email: emilyjohnson@gmail.com

Summary

Versatile musical theater singer with a strong classical vocal background and experience in stage performances. Passionate about bringing emotion and depth to each musical number.

Experience

Lead Singer: Christine Daaé – The Phantom of the Opera

Chicago Theater, IL

September 2021 – Present

  • Play the leading role of Christine Daaé, captivating audiences with a wide vocal range and deep emotional delivery.
  • Perform complex operatic pieces, ensuring that both the vocal and emotional aspects of the character were authentically portrayed.
  • Collaborate with the orchestra and conductor to ensure that vocal performances were in harmony with the live music.
  • Work with the costume and lighting departments to create a seamless visual and auditory experience for the audience during key scenes.

Lead Singer: Maria – West Side Story

Steppenwolf Theater, Chicago, IL

March – August 2020

  • Played Maria, showcasing vocal ability in both solo and ensemble numbers, including "I Feel Pretty" and "Tonight."
  • Worked with the vocal coach to perfect challenging harmonies and high notes in ensemble pieces.
  • Rehearsed choreography alongside musical numbers, ensuring seamless transitions between singing and dancing.
  • Participated in the rehearsal process with directors and fellow cast members to refine emotional expression and performance delivery.

Education

Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance

University of Chicago

Graduation: May 2019

  • Relevant Coursework: Voice Pedagogy, Musical Theater Techniques, Opera Performance

Skills

  • Exceptional vocal range, from classical to contemporary
  • Proficient in harmonies and ensemble singing
  • Strong ability to convey emotion through song
  • Excellent breath control and vocal technique

Additional Projects

Solo Concert Performance

Chicago Civic Opera House, IL

November 2024

  • Produced and performed a solo concert, featuring Broadway and classical pieces.
  • Collaborated with a live orchestra to arrange songs and showcase vocal versatility to a packed house.

This sample theater resume is effective for several reasons:

  • A balance between classical training and musical theater experience highlights a versatile vocal range.
  • Detailed experience in leading roles such as Christine Daaé helps emphasize professionalism.
  • Education section showcases relevant vocal performance coursework, establishing credibility in the field.
How to showcase your theater resume skills?

The skills section is crucial for demonstrating your proficiency in the theater arts as well as your ability to collaborate effectively.

  • Hard skills are technical competencies acquired through formal training or experience.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal attributes that enable you to work well with others and thrive in various environments.

Theater resume hard skills examples:

  • Stage combat
  • Voice control
  • Dance techniques
  • Script analysis
  • Lighting design
  • Directorial experience
  • Stage management
  • Choreography
  • Costume design
  • Set construction

Sample of soft skills for theater resume:

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Leadership
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Positive attitude

Theater designer resume example

Sample theater designer resume

Name: David Lee
Location: Seattle, WA
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: davidlee@gmail.com

Summary

Creative set designer with a keen eye for detail and a history of designing sets that enhance storytelling. Skilled in traditional and modern design techniques for various theater productions, from small community theater to large-scale performances.

Experience

Set Designer – Hamilton

Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA

May 2023 – Present

  • Design elaborate sets that captured the historical essence of the production while integrating modern elements and minimalist designs.
  • Collaborate with the director and creative team to conceptualize visual elements that supported the narrative and overall atmosphere.
  • Oversee the construction and installation of set pieces, ensuring accuracy and safety during the rehearsal process.
  • Work with lighting and costume departments to enhance the visual experience so each scene reflected the historical period and dramatic intensity of the show.

Set Designer – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Seattle Repertory Theatre, WA

June – November 2021

  • Created whimsical, nature-inspired set pieces that mirrored the fantasy elements of Shakespeare’s play, incorporating moving parts for magical effects.
  • Collaborated with the director to bring out the dreamlike atmosphere of the play through innovative use of space and color.
  • Worked closely with lighting and costume designers to create a unified aesthetic for the production.
  • Managed a team of assistants to build and paint set pieces, ensuring they were completed on time and met design specifications.

Education

Berklee College of Music – Boston, MA

Graduation: May 2020

Skills

  • Expertise in both traditional and digital design tools (AutoCAD, SketchUp)
  • Strong knowledge of set construction and technical specifications
  • Collaborative skills, working across departments
  • Understanding of historical and modern design aesthetics

Certifications

Certified Scenic Designer

Theatrical Design Institute, Seattle, WA

Completed: March 2021

  • Gained certification in scenic design techniques, focusing on both traditional and contemporary methods.

Why is this theater resume sample effective?

  • Education and professional experience sections provide a comprehensive overview of practical skills and formal training.
  • Clearly defined skills, such as scenic painting and lighting design, are presented, ensuring an understanding of technical aspects.
  • Additional block on design philosophy and project management highlights a unique skill set.
What academic credentials should I add to my theater resume?

The education section demonstrates your foundational knowledge and formal preparation for the industry. It proves to employers your dedication to learning and refining your craft.

What to include:

  • Degree or certification
  • Institution
  • Graduation date
  • Relevant coursework
  • Any honors or distinctions

Theater director resume sample

Theater director resume template

Theater Director Resume
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Resume for theater director | Sample text

Name: James Williams
Location: San Francisco, CA
Phone: (555) 456-7890
Email: sarahwilliams@gmail.com

Summary

Dynamic theater director with experience in leading diverse productions. Known for innovative approaches to classic plays and strong leadership skills that bring out the best performances in actors.

Experience

Director – Macbeth

American Conservatory Theater, San Francisco, CA

March 2025 – June 2025

  • Directed a modern, gritty adaptation of Macbeth with a focus on psychological drama and intense character exploration.
  • Collaborated with the production team to ensure the design, lighting, and sound aligned with the show’s themes of power and guilt.
  • Led actor workshops to help performers explore the emotional depth of their roles, emphasizing the internal struggles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
  • Conducted multiple auditions, ensuring diverse talent was cast for every role, bringing new perspectives to the classic text.

Assistant Director – A Streetcar Named Desire

Berkeley Repertory Theatre, San Francisco, CA

January 2025 – March 2025

  • Assisted in the staging and direction of a production that incorporated modern techniques to heighten the psychological intensity of the play.
  • Worked closely with the director to shape actor performances, providing feedback during rehearsals.
  • Coordinated with the design team to ensure the set, costumes, and lighting reflected the gritty realism of New Orleans in the 1940s.
  • Organized and facilitated post-rehearsal discussions with the cast to refine character choices and deepen emotional expression.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Graduation: June 2024

  • Relevant Coursework: Directing, Playwriting, Production Management, Theater History

Skills

  • Expertise in acting techniques and performance coaching
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills
  • Deep knowledge of theater history and text analysis
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines

Additional Experience

Artistic Director

San Francisco Theater Company, San Francisco, CA

June 2019 – Present

  • Spearheaded the artistic vision for the company, overseeing all creative aspects of productions.
  • Curated a season of performances that showcased diverse voices and perspectives in theater.
  • Managed a team of directors, designers, and actors to ensure smooth production processes.
  • Organized and led community engagement programs to promote theater education and outreach.

This example of a theater resume is strong for several reasons:

  • Extensive professional experience in directing a range of theater productions underlines leadership and creative vision.
  • Specialization in managing large productions and collaborations with diverse teams is clearly showcased.
  • The document emphasizes ongoing professional development through workshops and classes to stay current with industry trends.
How to organize the experience section in a theater resume?
  • Use reverse chronological order: Start with your most recent role and move backward in time. Include the dates for each entry (e.g., May 2023 - August 2023).
  • Be clear and specific: For all jobs, mention the character played, the production company, and the location.
  • Highlight notable accomplishments: Focus on any roles or shows that stand out, and mention any awards or recognition received (e.g., “Critically praised for the portrayal of Hamlet”).

If you have many minor roles, consider grouping them under a single header.

Conclusion

A strong theater resume can make all the difference when trying to secure an audition or role in the industry.

By carefully highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and passion for the craft, you can leave a lasting impression on casting professionals.

Follow the tips provided in this article, and take the next step toward advancing your theater career with a resume that truly reflects your talents.

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