One specific CV challenge in the performing arts is differentiating yourself in a dense market of talented performers. Discover how our guide can provide you with the tools to craft a compelling personal narrative and strategic career highlights that resonate with casting directors and agents.
What information should you include in your performing arts CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche performing arts role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Resume examples for performing arts
Explore additional performing arts cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Head of Performing Arts
- Structured Presentation for Immediate Understanding - Isaac Scott's CV is exceptionally well-organized, with a clear header followed by sections like 'Summary', 'Experience', and 'Education' which logically flow. This structure ensures that the reader can easily navigate through the document and quickly grasp key points about his professional background in drama and performing arts.
- Impressive Career Progression and Leadership Roles - The CV outlines a clear trajectory of career growth, moving from roles such as Drama Teacher to Drama and Performing Arts Coordinator. This progression highlights Isaac's development over time into leadership positions, demonstrating his ability to take on increased responsibilities and make impactful changes within educational settings.
- Substantial Industry-Specific Achievements - The CV is packed with achievements that are specific to the performing arts industry, such as winning best school production at a drama festival and coaching students to national victories. These accomplishments not only underline Isaac’s effectiveness in the field but also contribute to wider school recognition and success, showcasing significant impact.
Senior Performing Arts Producer
- Comprehensive Program Development and Leadership - Mia Ward has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities through her role at The Old Vic, where she not only directed productions but also developed a comprehensive performance curriculum that significantly boosted enrollment and engagement. This highlights her capability to create and manage programs from the ground up, catering to the specific needs of her students and enhancing the institution's offering.
- Interdisciplinary Approach and Curriculum Integration - The CV showcases Mia’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, evident by her successful integration of dance into theatre curricula. This approach has improved students' overall artistic capabilities, as seen from her achievements in boosting students' proficiency by 30%. Her ability to blend different art forms suggests a nuanced understanding of artistic education and a commitment to fostering a holistic creative development environment.
- Strong Foundation in Arts Education with Real-World Impact - Through various achievements, Mia illustrates her initiatives' impact on business outcomes, such as expanding a youth theatre program by 50%, which increased funding and participation. Her work not only uplifts individual students but also generates broader community and institutional benefits, making her an invaluable asset in theatre and performing arts education.
Assistant Director of Performing Arts
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is impeccably structured, utilizing clear headers for each section like experience, education, skills, and achievements. This organization aids in easy navigation, ensuring that the information is digestible and that the reader can quickly identify key strengths and experience.
- Diverse Career Path in Arts and Media - Sophia Brooks' career trajectory showcases significant growth within the arts and media sectors, moving from an Arts & Media Coordinator to the Assistant Director of Career Development. This progression reflects an increasing level of responsibility and expertise in career advising tailored to the arts field.
- Impactful Achievements - The CV notably highlights achievements such as a 40% increase in online resource utilization and a 25% rise in student engagement. These metrics not only quantify success but also signify the direct impact of her initiatives on improving educational resources and student involvement.
Performing Arts Department Head
- Career Trajectory - Ava Phillips' career demonstrates clear growth and progression within the field of performing arts, particularly in music education. Starting as a Music Teacher and advancing to Department Lead and Head of Performing Arts, each role showcases an increase in responsibility and influence, reflecting her commitment to and passion for music education.
- Adaptability and Cross-Functional Experience - The CV illustrates Ava's ability to adapt and lead across different educational environments. Her experience in integrating technology, securing funding, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects highlights her versatility and capability to drive change and innovation in various settings.
- Achievements and Their Business Relevance - The outlined achievements provide clear evidence of Ava's impact on the schools she has worked with. By quantifying the improvements in student participation, examination performance, and departmental satisfaction rates, the CV effectively communicates her contributions to enhancing educational outcomes and creating thriving music programs.
By Role
Performing Arts Teacher
- Emphasizes interdisciplinary teaching focus - The CV effectively highlights how Lily Cooper integrates arts with academic studies, promoting a holistic approach to education. This demonstrates her ability to enrich the educational experience and aligns with her passion for interdisciplinary learning, a crucial skill for fostering well-rounded student development.
- Shows upward career trajectory in arts education - Lily Cooper's career path shows a clear progression from an Arts Administrative Assistant to a Performing Arts Coordinator, reflecting her growing responsibilities and leadership in the field. This trajectory is marked by her increased influence on curriculum development and student engagement, showcasing her growth within the performing arts sector.
- Utilizes community outreach for increased engagement - The CV highlights Lily's innovative use of community outreach programs that resulted in a significant 40% increase in public performance attendance. This showcases her ability to leverage external engagement strategies to boost participation and enhance cultural interactions in the local community, an important aspect of arts education.
Performing Arts Coordinator
- Structured Presentation and Conciseness - The CV is organized in a coherent manner, presenting information clearly and concisely. Sections such as experience, education, and skills are well-defined, making it easy to navigate and understand the professional trajectory and qualifications of Mia Ward. Each job role is accompanied by precise bullet points that directly highlight key achievements and responsibilities.
- Strong Leadership and Soft Skills - Mia Ward exemplifies excellent leadership qualities through her experience in directing student projects and effectively managing departmental budgets. Her ability to mentor students and foster collaboration with various departments underscores her proficiency in soft skills, particularly in communication and team dynamics, which are essential for success in teaching and management roles.
- Achievements with Significant Impact - The CV includes a robust list of noteworthy achievements that indicate Mia Ward's capability to influence educational and artistic outcomes positively. Highlights include leading regional award-winning projects and improving student performance metrics, which demonstrate her impact not just through numerical success but also in fostering academic and creative growth.
Performing Arts Director
- Structured Professional Journey - The CV adeptly chronicles Emily Cox's career progression from a Theatre Technician to a Technical Director, indicating not only a natural trajectory of growth but also a consistent dedication to advancing her field. This progression is marked by increasingly sophisticated roles and responsibilities, illustrating a thorough understanding and application of theatre innovation.
- Leadership in Technical Production - Emily's experience at the Royal Shakespeare Company highlights her leadership skills, particularly in managing a diverse technical team and developing educational programs that increased student participation by 150%. Such involvement and guidance demonstrate her capabilities in fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking environment.
- Commitment to Sustainability - The significant emphasis on eco-friendly solutions showcases Emily Cox's commitment to sustainable practices in theatre production. Her implementation of cost-effective, environmentally conscious design solutions not only reduced costs by 20% but also maintained artistic integrity, underscoring her ability to innovate responsibly within the industry.
Performing Arts Therapist
- Comprehensive and Structured Content Presentation - The CV's presentation is orderly and informative, featuring clearly defined sections such as experience, education, and skills, ensuring potential employers can quickly assess the candidate's qualifications and accomplishments. Each experience entry includes well-structured bullet points, offering conciseness and clarity that highlight key responsibilities and achievements.
- Illustration of Career Progression and Versatility - Poppy Griffiths's career trajectory demonstrates substantial growth from roles like Expressive Arts Facilitator to a Creative Therapist. This upward progression reflects not just promotion and recognition of her skills but also an increasing depth of responsibility and complexity in her roles, indicative of significant trust and leadership capability.
- Unique Industry-Specific Contributions and Innovation - The CV underscores Poppy's unique contributions to art therapy, showcasing her innovation in integrating arts with therapeutic interventions, such as her pilot project combining music and art therapy. This innovative approach is particularly relevant to the therapeutic arts field, reflecting her capability to merge creativity with clinically effective therapy solutions.
Performing Arts Administrator
- Clarity and Structured Presentation - The CV is methodically organized, offering concise sections for education, experience, skills, and achievements. This structure allows for easy navigation, highlighting key qualifications and making it simple for a potential employer to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role in finance and HR within the performing arts sector.
- Career Progression and Consistency in Industry - Harper Webb's career trajectory showcases progressive growth, moving from an Administrative Manager to an Assistant Manager role. The consistent focus on finance and HR across reputable organizations like the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre exemplifies Harper's commitment to the industry and a natural progression towards leadership positions.
- Achievements Matched with Quantifiable Business Outcomes - The CV excellently ties specific achievements to measurable business outcomes, such as a 30% increase in ticket sales and a 20% reduction in production costs. These details not only highlight Harper's effectiveness in past roles but also underscore their ability to contribute positively to any future organization.
Performing Arts Technician
- Structured Content Presentation - The CV is well-structured, beginning with a succinct summary that sets the stage for the candidate’s qualifications and career achievements. Each section is clearly demarcated, with bullet points that concisely detail the responsibilities and accomplishments, ensuring easy readability and quick access to key information.
- Diverse Career Trajectory - Chloe Bell's career path shows significant progression through various roles, indicating a deepening expertise across multiple facets of the performing arts. Starting as a Set Designer and evolving into a Performing Arts Technician, while also including drama instruction, highlights her ability to adapt and thrive within different industry aspects.
- Strong Interpersonal and Leadership Skills - The CV underscores the candidate's soft skills, such as enhancing student engagement and promoting interpersonal growth through role-play sessions. Additionally, leading workshops, a mentoring program, and collaborating with other professionals highlights Chloe’s capacity for leadership and teamwork, vital for success in this field.
Performing Arts Stage Manager
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV provides information clearly and efficiently, emphasizing important details with section headers and bullet points. This structured format ensures easy navigation and quick comprehension of Harper Webb's qualifications and experience.
- Continuous Career Advancement - Harper’s career trajectory illustrates a clear path of progression, from Assistant Stage Manager to Senior Stage Manager within reputable organizations. This growth demonstrates their ability to adapt and excel within their field, acquiring more complex responsibilities over time.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV highlights specialized competencies like event coordination, technical leadership, and contract facilitation, relevant specifically to the stage management industry. These elements underscore a deep understanding and effective application of industry-specific tools and methodologies.
Performing Arts Production Manager
- Structured and Well-Organized Presentation - The CV offers a clean, cohesive structure, allowing each section to fluently communicate the candidate's qualifications and experiences. It maintains concise wording, effectively using bullet points to clearly articulate responsibilities and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Joshua Patel’s career showcases consistent upward growth in production management within cultural and music event settings. Transitioning from Production Coordinator to Deputy Production Manager, it's clear he has developed and refined his skills, demonstrating advancements in both leadership roles and responsibilities.
- Impactful Achievements with Concrete Metrics - Achievements noted in the CV emphasize concrete business impact, such as enhancing operational efficiency by 25% and reducing production costs by 15%. These quantifiable results underscore his proficiency in delivering substantial value to his employers and ensuring successful event outcomes.
Performing Arts Programme Leader
- Well-Structured and Engaging Presentation - The CV is neatly organized with clear headings and bullet points, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify the relevant information. Each section is concise and to the point, ensuring clarity and efficient communication of the candidate's profile.
- Progressive Career Path in Performing Arts - Ella Bennett’s career trajectory shows a steady progression in the performing arts education field, moving from Arts Activity Leader to Theatre Teacher, and then to Performing Arts Coordinator. This upward movement reflects her growing expertise and leadership within her industry.
- Innovative Program Development and Community Impact - The candidate has effectively developed programs that incorporate unique methodologies like mentorship schemes, resulting in increased participation and improved leadership skills. These achievements highlight her ability to implement programs that not only engage but also have a lasting impact on the participants and the community.
Performing Arts Lecturer
- Comprehensive career progression - The CV effectively presents a clear and logical career trajectory, illustrating Eva Fisher's transition from a Drama Teacher to a Senior Performing Arts Lecturer. This upward movement showcases her continuous growth within the performing arts education sector, underscoring her capacity for taking on greater responsibilities and leadership roles.
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary and innovative methods - Eva Fisher's experience is rife with industry-specific elements, such as the implementation of Technology Enhanced Learning and the facilitation of industry workshops. These initiatives highlight her innovative approach to curriculum design and her ability to adapt modern tools for the enhancement of student learning and engagement in the arts.
- Notable achievements with practical impact - The achievements section is particularly effective in demonstrating Eva Fisher's real-world impact in education. With accomplishments like enhancing student attendance by 20% and winning a Digital Learning Innovation Award, the CV succinctly illustrates her ability to drive meaningful change, benefiting both students and the educational institutions she has served.
Performing Arts Marketing Manager
- Content presentation is clear and well-structured - The CV is meticulously organized, starting with a crisp header that contains all essential contact information, followed by a compelling summary. Each section, from experience to skills, is neatly laid out, offering a structured and succinct overview that facilitates quick consumption by potential employers.
- Displays a progressive career trajectory - Isabella Watson's career growth is notable, starting as a Marketing Coordinator and advancing to a Marketing Manager. Her steady rise indicates a deepening expertise and increasing responsibility, highlighting her commitment to professional development within the marketing domain.
- Emphasizes industry-specific methodologies and tools - The CV underscores Isabella's prowess in digital marketing techniques, such as social media campaigns and email marketing strategies. Furthermore, her course in Digital Marketing Strategy and her analytical use of marketing budgets reflect an adaptive understanding of current market tools and methodologies.
Performing Arts Outreach Officer
- Clear and Effective Content Presentation - The CV is neatly structured, starting with a direct summary that clearly outlines Scarlett Murphy's expertise and achievements in the performing arts sector. Each section is well-organized with concise but informative bullet points that make it easy for readers to quickly understand her professional qualifications and career highlights.
- Impressive Career Progression - Scarlett demonstrates a strong career trajectory, moving from a drama teacher at Bitterne Park School to an Assistant Performing Arts Director at Mountbatten School, culminating in her current role as Performing Arts Coordinator. This progression showcases her increasing responsibilities and leadership capabilities in the realm of performing arts education and management.
- Engagement and Community Building Skills - Her achievements are not just numerical but have a substantial impact on community engagement. For instance, the increase in student participation and the exponential growth of the audience for performances highlight her skill in building community interest and involvement in performing arts.
Performing Arts Education Officer
- Content Presentation and Clarity - The CV is well-structured and succinct, presenting Florence's information in a clear and organized manner. Each section flows logically, enhancing readability and ensuring that key details stand out. The bullet points under each job position effectively summarize her responsibilities and achievements, avoiding unnecessary jargon while communicating her impact in the education sector.
- Career Growth and Expertise in Performing Arts - Florence's career trajectory reflects significant growth within the performing arts education sector. Her progression from a Music Instructor to Drama Teacher demonstrates upward mobility and a commitment to expanding her skill set in different facets of arts education. This growth trajectory underscores her ability to handle more complex curriculum development and student engagement initiatives.
- Achievements and Their Tangible Impact - The CV meticulously details Florence's accomplishments, showcasing the tangible impact of her efforts. By citing specific metrics, such as a 30% increase in arts engagement and successful grant funding, it effectively conveys her ability to drive notable results. These achievements not only highlight her proficiency in securing resources but also demonstrate her capacity to enhance educational environments and student outcomes.
Performing Arts Workshop Leader
- Clear and Engaging Content Presentation - Elsie Murray's CV is organized in a clear and concise manner, with structured sections that allow for easy navigation through her qualifications, experiences, and achievements. The use of bullet points provides detailed insights into her roles and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.
- Continuous Career Progression in Child Development and Arts - Elsie's career trajectory showcases steady growth from a Junior Activity Coordinator to a Children's Programming Coordinator. This progression highlights her expanding responsibilities within the performing arts and child development fields, demonstrating her ability to take on more complex roles over time.
- Focus on Community Impact and Engagement - Through initiatives like pioneering an inclusive arts festival and boosting after-school program engagement, Elsie has made significant strides in enriching community engagement and inclusivity. Her achievements are not just about numbers but the broader impact on fostering a supportive and creative environment for children.
Performing Arts Operations Manager
- Clarity and Structure in Presentation - Charlotte Powell's CV is exemplary in its clarity and structure, presenting her qualifications and experience in a concise manner that immediately communicates her expertise to potential employers. The clean layout and organized sections make for easy navigation, allowing readers to quickly identify key aspects of her professional history.
- Dynamic Career Progression - Powell demonstrates a significant upward trajectory in her career, transitioning from Account Manager to Operations Manager. Her growth is marked by increasingly complex roles, indicating her ability to adapt and thrive in different capacities across the children's activities and fitness sectors.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV effectively highlights Powell's achievements with concrete business impacts, such as a 40% increase in client retention and a 10% reduction in operational costs. These metrics not only illustrate her ability to implement effective strategies but also underline her contributions towards improving organizational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Performing Arts Company Manager
- Strong Career Trajectory and Growth - The CV illustrates a clear and impressive career progression from a Business Analyst to Senior Business Manager within the visual and performing arts sector. It shows continuous growth, taking on increasingly complex roles, which suggests a consistent track record of effectiveness and leadership that aligns well with strategic business management in the arts.
- Unique Industry-Specific Elements - The CV demonstrates deep expertise in fiscal management, particularly in arts and education institutions. This includes practical tools and methodologies such as cost-saving measures and financial software upgrades, which are critical for enhancing budget efficiency and resource allocation in these sectors.
- Achievements and Business Relevance - The CV highlights significant accomplishments that have directly impacted the financial health of prestigious institutions. Achievements such as increasing budget efficiency by 40% and optimizing resource expenditure by 15% not only offer quantitative proof of proficiency but also underline the candidate’s strategic impact on organizational sustainability and growth.
Structuring and formatting your performing arts CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your performing arts CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:
- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
PRO TIP
Incorporate a touch of colour in headers or section breaks, but keep it professional and ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.
The top sections on a performing arts CV
- Personal Details provide quick access to your contact information.
- Performance Experience shows the depth of your stage work.
- Training and Education displays formal qualifications and development.
- Skills and Abilities highlight your unique performance talents.
- Reviews and Testimonials offer credibility through others’ words.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your most prominent performances by naming the production and your role, ensuring that your most recent and relevant experiences in the performing arts are at the forefront.
- Include a detailed skills section that showcases your versatility, including vocal range, dance styles mastered, and any instruments you play, which are critical in the performing arts industry.
- Provide a section for formal training and education, including acting workshops, drama schools attended, or voice coaches, to demonstrate a commitment to professional development within the arts.
- Emphasise any unique talents or performance styles you specialise in, such as physical theatre, mime, or avant-garde performance art, to stand out to casting directors.
- Add a professional headshot and any relevant multimedia materials, such as a link to a showreel, as visuals are powerful in the performing arts and help to create a memorable CV.
Recommended reads:
Our checklist for the must-have information in your performing arts CV header
Right at the very top of your performing arts CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for performing arts:
- "Classical Ballet Dancer | Lead Role in Swan Lake | RAD Certified | 7 Years Experience"
- "Theatre Director | Recently Directed 'Hamlet' | Contemporary & Classic Drama | MA in Directing | 10+ Yrs Exp."
- "Opera Singer | Tenor in 'La Traviata' | Vocal Coach | Languages: IT, FR, DE | 5 Years Professional"
- "Musical Theatre Performer | 'Les Misérables' Ensemble | Triple Threat | West End Experience | 12 Years in Industry"
- "Contemporary Choreographer | 'Re:Birth' latest work | Collaborative Projects | MA Choreography | 8 Yrs Professional"
- "Stage Manager | 'Phantom of the Opera' Production | Technical Direction | BTEC Qualified | 15 Years Expertise"
Opting between a performing arts CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your performing arts CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a performing arts job:
- With over a decade of experience on prestigious national stages, this classically trained Shakespearian actor has honed a robust repertoire of dramatic and comedic roles. Notable for a lead performance that garnered critical acclaim at the Royal National Theatre, they possess a commanding stage presence and a dedication to theatrical excellence.
- A veteran choreographer, boasting 15 years of creating groundbreaking dance performances for acclaimed companies such as The Royal Ballet. Skilled in various dance techniques, from ballet to contemporary, they have received numerous accolades for innovative choreography in international dance festivals.
- Award-winning journalist transitioning into playwriting brings a vast experience in crafting compelling narratives. With five years of writing for a major daily newspaper, they aim to meld investigative rigor with dramatic storytelling to create impactful theatrical works that resonate with contemporary audiences.
- A professional orchestral musician with 20 years in symphonies across Europe pivots to musical theatre. They bring unparalleled expertise in musical interpretation, deep understanding of ensemble collaboration, and a proven track record of acclaimed solo performances at venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic.
- Despite a background in software development, personal dedication to the arts has led to a proficient self-taught practice in stage design. Eager to integrate technological innovation with stagecraft, aiming to contribute to the creation of immersive and dynamic stage environments that enhance storytelling.
- Recent drama school graduate with a passion for both avant-garde and commercial theatre, seeks to apply intensive training and a fresh perspective on acting to invigorate performances. Dedicated to lifelong learning and collaboration, this emerging actor is ready to bring dedication and energy to every rehearsal and performance.
Narrating the details of your performing arts CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your performing arts CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Detail your most prominent roles first, focusing on those that are closest to the position you're applying for, highlighting your versatility and range as a performer.
- Include key performances and projects, specifying the name of the production, your role, the venue, and the director or choreographer to establish credibility.
- Note any standout skills that are pertinent to the role such as singing, dance styles, combat training, or instrument proficiency to demonstrate your multifaceted abilities.
- Quantify your experience where possible, such as the number of performances, audience size, or length of a tour to give context to your level of experience.
- Mention any awards or recognitions received in relation to your performances to showcase your excellence in the field.
- Include positive reviews or quotes from reputable sources or industry professionals that comment on your specific contributions to a project.
- Reference any original works, collaborations, or developments you've contributed to, especially if they demonstrate creativity and thought leadership within your craft.
- Highlight your adaptability by mentioning varied performance contexts, such as theatre, television, film, or live events, showing your ability to transition between different mediums.
- Emphasise rehearsal and performance contributions by describing leadership or mentorship roles, teamwork, and any additional duties you undertook beyond performance.
Work Experience
Theatre Production Manager
The Public Theater
03/2016-08/2019
- Conceived and executed three major performing arts productions each year, managing budgets upwards of $50,000 and delivering performances that sold out consistently.
- Collaborated with a diverse team of directors, choreographers, and designers to create visually compelling and critically acclaimed theatrical experiences.
- Implemented innovative audience engagement strategies, resulting in a 25% increase in subscription sales over a two-year period.
Work Experience
Performing Arts Program Director
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
06/2013-05/2016
- Orchestrated an interdisciplinary festival featuring over 30 performing artists, dramatically enhancing the cultural offerings of the institution.
- Spearheaded educational outreach programs that connected with local schools, bringing performing arts awareness to over 2,000 students annually.
- Leveraged grant-writing expertise to secure over $100,000 in funding for community-focused performing arts initiatives.
Work Experience
Performing Arts Technical Director
The Armory
09/2012-12/2015
- Introduced cutting-edge technology in stage design, enhancing the visual impact of performances and garnering positive media coverage.
- Cultivated partnerships with local businesses, securing in-kind donations valued at $30,000 to support season programming.
- Developed and administered artist-in-residence programs that supported 15 emerging artists, providing vital opportunities for professional growth.
Work Experience
Theater Operations Manager
Broadway Across America
11/2014-06/2018
- Negotiated talent agreements and organized logistics for international theatrical tours, reaching an audience of over 100,000 across 10 countries.
- Supervised a team of 20, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations of the theater, including scheduling, maintenance, and customer service.
- Launched a successful social media marketing campaign that increased online ticket sales by 40% within the first year of implementation.
Work Experience
Artistic Director
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
01/2010-08/2013
- Designed comprehensive training programs for actors and stage crew, raising the performance quality and earning recognition in local arts awards.
- Initiated a collaborative project with the local symphony orchestra, resulting in a sold-out performance that blended classical music with contemporary dance.
- Managed casting processes and talent development, successfully attracting high-caliber artists and consistently receiving favorable reviews for casting decisions.
Work Experience
Performing Arts Manager
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
07/2019-Ongoing
- Oversee the development and implementation of innovative online streaming services for live performances, generating an additional revenue stream during the pandemic.
- Cultivate strong relationships with prominent agents and agencies to attract and retain top-tier talent for leading roles and productions.
- Coordinate with marketing teams to execute promotional campaigns that increased brand visibility and resulted in a 30% boost in audience attendance post-pandemic.
Work Experience
Theater Production Coordinator
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
05/2011-10/2014
- Managed complex production schedules and coordinated between multiple departments to ensure on-time delivery of 4-6 productions annually.
- Directed successful fundraising campaigns that exceeded financial targets by 15%, enabling the expansion of program offerings.
- Oversaw the renovation of performance spaces, incorporating state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems that enhanced production quality.
Work Experience
Production Manager for Performing Arts
Second City
02/2009-05/2012
- Facilitated workshops and master classes for cast and crew, improving skill levels and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Developed and executed a strategic plan to expand the educational programming, doubling the number of workshops offered annually.
- Implemented cost-saving measures in set construction without compromising quality, reducing production costs by approximately 20%.
Work Experience
Theater Technical Director
Yale Repertory Theatre
04/2017-02/2021
- Designed and supervised the installation of innovative set pieces for 20+ productions, resulting in rave reviews for set design and innovation.
- Negotiated contracts and managed relationships with suppliers, securing high-quality materials while maintaining strict budget control.
- Implemented a mentorship program for young designers, enhancing the skillset of the next generation in the performing arts community.
Work Experience
Performing Arts Operations Manager
American Repertory Theater
09/2009-12/2013
- Orchestrated and coordinated multiple stage productions simultaneously, seamlessly managing behind-the-scenes activities to ensure flawless performances.
- Streamlined ticketing processes by adopting new software, improving customer experience and increasing advance ticket sales by 35%.
- Cultivated donor relations which resulted in a 50% increase in annual contributions, directly benefiting the theater's endowment fund.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Key performing arts CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your performing arts CV:
HARD SKILLS
Dance Technique
Vocal Training
Acting and Improvisation
Musical Proficiency
Movement Coordination
Script Analysis
Stage Combat Skills
Choreography
Directing
Stage Management
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Emotional Intelligence
Teamwork
Adaptability
Persistence
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Communication
Resilience
Attention to Detail
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
CV education and certificates: your academic background as proof of your skill set
A common misconception about your performing arts CV education is that you only need it, if you have less professional experience. That is completely false. The CV education section serves to back up your technical (and sometimes personal) capabilities, fill in gaps in your work history, and show you have the initial industry background and know-how. When creating your education section:
- List your degrees in the reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent (and relevant) ones first;
- Include your degree and university names, start and graduation dates. It's optional to also denote you received a "First-Class Honours" for diplomas that are more relevant to the role;
- Curate your relevant university coursework, projects, or thesis work if you happen to have less professional expertise and need to integrate more job keywords and skills.
Your professional qualifications don't need to stop at your academic background. It's advisable to also select up to three of your most noteworthy (and relevant) industry certificates and feature them in a dedicated section. Once more, include the certificate name, the institution that issued it out, and the date you obtained it on. You could feature both hard skills and soft skills certificates, as in the examples below:
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your performing arts CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
