Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for performing arts
Explore additional performing arts cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Head of Performing Arts
- The cover letter succinctly highlights over 7 years of experience in drama education, showcasing expertise and long-term commitment to the field.
- Specific achievements, such as a 95% pupil engagement and a 96% parental approval rate, provide measurable evidence of success and impact.
- Listing skills such as curriculum development and performance directing aligns well with the role, reinforcing suitability for a leadership position in performing arts education.
- Incorporating significant achievements, like winning Best School Production and leading a national drama competition victory, strengthens credibility and showcases potential for contributing to future successes.
Senior Performing Arts Producer
- Experience and Success in Directing and Choreography: The candidate has a proven track record with roles such as Senior Theatre Director and Choreographer at The Old Vic, indicating high competence in directing productions and fostering creativity.
- Educational Background: Degrees in Theatre Studies and Performing Arts from notable institutions underscore the candidate's solid academic foundation, supporting their expertise in the field.
- Programme Expansion and Curriculum Development: Successfully expanded a youth theatre programme by 50% and developed curricula that significantly boosted enrolment and student accomplishments, showcasing leadership and innovation.
- Interdisciplinary Skills and Certification: The candidate's ability to integrate dance and theatre, along with a course on Advanced Theatre Directing, highlights their versatility and commitment to professional development.
Assistant Director of Performing Arts
- The cover letter effectively highlights "Advanced Career Development Strategies" as a relevant certification, demonstrating dedication to professional growth in career development.
- Emphasises collaboration with faculty and local employers, showcasing strong networking and relationship-building skills crucial for the role.
- Illustrates experience in developing and facilitating impactful workshops, aligning with the role's requirement for strategic student engagement.
- Notes proficiency in digital resource creation, which is significant for enhancing student support services and online resource utilisation.
Performing Arts Department Head
- Emphasising leadership experience and team mentorship skills as demonstrated through the supervision and development of a music department team, crucial for a Head of Performing Arts role.
- Highlighting success in curriculum development and its direct impact on student performance, reflecting the candidate's ability to contribute to and enhance educational programmes.
- Showcasing achievements in securing funding and building partnerships with prestigious bodies such as the Portsmouth Philharmonic Orchestra, underlining the candidate's resourcefulness and networking abilities.
- Demonstrating a strong track record in increasing student engagement and participation through inclusive events and innovative digital music suite installations, aligning with the role's focus on fostering musical talents.
By Role
Performing Arts Teacher
- Specific Achievements: Clearly communicates tangible results, such as increasing student participation by 30%, which showcases the candidate's ability to drive engagement and success in their role.
- Relevant Experience: Highlights tailored experiences as a Performing Arts Coordinator and Drama Teacher, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set ideal for roles centred around education and youth engagement.
- Integration of Education and Practical Skills: Combines educational background with real-world application, such as a Master of Education in Drama and successful programme implementation at Theatr Clwyd.
- Commitment to Community and Learning: Emphasises passion for community engagement and interdisciplinary learning, aligning with the values and objectives a hiring organisation may prioritise.
Performing Arts Coordinator
- Emphasising curriculum innovation: Highlighting the implementation of an innovative curriculum for stage and screen which led to improved student performance showcases the candidate's ability to drive educational progress in performing arts.
- Highlighting industry collaborations: Showcasing partnerships with theatre companies and organising workshops with professionals adds value by demonstrating the candidate's commitment to bridging education with industry experiences.
- Demonstrating technical proficiency: Mentioning proficiency in Adobe Suite and digital media tools reflects the candidate's capability to integrate modern technology into a classroom, enhancing both teaching and learning experiences.
- Underscoring student achievements: Citing awards and recognitions, such as a regional award for a student theatre production, underlines the candidate's effectiveness in mentoring and fostering student success in performing arts.
Performing Arts Director
- Highlighting Certifications: The cover letter effectively mentions the "Advanced Lighting Design Certification" and "Theatrical Sound Design Masterclass", emphasising specialised training and expertise that are crucial for a Technical Director role in theatre.
- Emphasising Skills Related to the Role: It showcases key skills such as technical direction, lighting design, sound design, and creative collaboration, aligning directly with the responsibilities of a Technical Director.
- Underscoring Experience with Leading Companies: Citing experience with prestigious organisations like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre lends credibility and shows familiarity with high-level theatre production settings.
- Addressing Innovative Practices: Discussing the implementation of eco-friendly design solutions and pioneering new educational programmes demonstrates a commitment to innovation, which is essential for leading successfully in theatre innovation.
Performing Arts Therapist
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The candidate's extensive experience across different therapeutic and arts roles is showcased through specific achievements, like increasing client satisfaction and improving treatment outcomes.
- Specific Interventions and Assessment Skills: The cover letter emphasises the applicant’s ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop tailored intervention plans, which are vital skills for a Creative Therapist.
- Impact of Creative Approaches: Achievements such as reducing anxiety levels and enhancing communication through innovative arts therapies demonstrate the candidate’s effectiveness in employing creativity within therapeutic practices.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The candidate's experience in coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to optimise therapy plans underscores their ability to work collaboratively, a crucial aspect for roles involving diverse stakeholder interaction.
Performing Arts Administrator
- The cover letter highlights Harper Webb's 5+ years of experience in finance and HR within the performing arts sector, which is crucial for roles that require expertise in these fields.
- The inclusion of specific achievements, such as the 20% cost saving in productions and the 30% increase in ticket sales, provides concrete evidence of Harper's ability to positively impact financial and operational efficiency.
- The letter effectively mentions Harper's educational background with an MBA from the University of Birmingham, enhancing credibility for a managerial position in finance and HR.
- The cover letter demonstrates strong cross-functional collaboration skills, from financing to marketing, a vital aspect for effectively managing finance and HR in a performing arts environment.
Performing Arts Technician
- Highlighting Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases key achievements, such as a 25% increase in student engagement and a 30% improvement in production efficiency, which are both directly relevant to the role of Performing Arts Technician and demonstrate the candidate's impact on projects.
- Specialised Certifications: The inclusion of courses like "Advanced Stage Management" and "Costume Design Techniques," from reputable institutions, emphasises specialised skills and continuous professional development, vital for roles involving stage management and costume design.
- Comprehensive Relevant Experience: The candidate's experience is detailed with quantifiable results in stage management, set design, and collaboration with creative teams; critical for a role that demands technical proficiency and effective teamwork within theatre environments.
- Passion and Community Focus: The cover letter reflects a passion for theatre innovation and community engagement, illustrating a holistic approach not only in technical skills but in contributing positively to the community and the arts sector.
Performing Arts Stage Manager
- Emphasise significant leadership skills and achievements, such as managing cross-functional teams and improving production efficiency by 40%.
- Highlight budget management and financial accuracy skills, showcasing a noteworthy 98% accuracy in cost predictions.
- Include specific examples of skill development and mentorship, such as improving student stage managers' competence by 30%.
- Showcase impactful collaboration and communication strategies that have led to a 15% rise in audience engagement and resolved production conflicts by 50%.
Performing Arts Production Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Skills: The cover letter effectively showcases skills such as event production, project scheduling, and resource allocation, aligning with the requirements for a Deputy Production Manager in cultural events and orchestras.
- Emphasising Certifications: The inclusion of the "IOSH Managing Safely" certificate demonstrates proficiency in health and safety management, which is crucial for ensuring 100% safety compliance in large-scale events.
- Showcasing Achievements: Mentioning achievements like "Record Event Attendance" and "Operational Cost Reduction" illustrates the candidate's ability to deliver outstanding results and contribute to organisational success.
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter succinctly highlights extensive experience in leading large-scale productions, which is directly applicable to managing orchestras and cultural events, thereby ensuring a well-rounded application.
Performing Arts Programme Leader
- Highlight Specific Achievements: Emphasise the 25% increase in participation at Brighton Youth Theatre and the successful organisation of community events, showcasing effective programme management and community engagement skills.
- Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail the role and responsibilities such as developing curricula and managing budgets in similar positions to align with the requirements and expectations of the role.
- Leadership and Team Development: Illustrate the proficiency in training and supervising staff, as demonstrated by overseeing a team of 12 counsellors and implementing a mentorship programme, to exhibit leadership capabilities.
- Educational Background Alignment: Include educational credentials relevant to the role, such as the Master of Arts in Theatre Studies, to underscore a strong foundation in the performing arts domain.
Performing Arts Lecturer
- Emphasising her 8+ years of experience in performing arts education is crucial for establishing credibility and expertise in the role of a Lecturer in Performing Arts.
- Highlighting her curriculum overhaul project at Newcastle College shows her ability to lead significant change and improve both student engagement and satisfaction scores, which is essential for curriculum design roles.
- Mentioning the Digital Learning Innovation Award adds substantial value, showcasing her capability in incorporating technology within educational frameworks, a vital skill in modern education environments.
- Detailing her experience with industry workshops and interdisciplinary projects points to her commitment to enriching student learning with practical and diverse experiences, aligning with the role's focus on student engagement.
Performing Arts Marketing Manager
- Emphasising measurable achievements, such as a 30% increase in ticket sales, underlines effectiveness in using marketing strategies to drive concrete results.
- Showcasing leadership and collaboration skills, such as partnering with local organisations and managing internal communications, highlights the ability to effectively lead and work within teams.
- Pointing out specialised skills and courses, such as Digital Marketing Strategy and Graphic Design Essentials, shows ongoing professional development and relevance in specialised marketing strategies.
- Mentioning passions related to the role, like Performing Arts and Cultural Diversity, portrays an authentic connection to the sector and implies motivation and personal interest in the job.
Performing Arts Outreach Officer
- Emphasising specific achievements like increasing student participation by 35% and audience growth by 20% demonstrates measurable success in engagement strategies and public relations skills relevant to the Performing Arts Coordinator role.
- Highlighting experience in managing budgets and reducing costs by 15% reflects strong financial management skills, an essential aspect for production oversight and organisational sustainability in the performing arts sector.
- Recognising awards for educational excellence showcases a commitment to instructional excellence, a key component of the Performing Arts Coordinator position, as it emphasises the ability to enhance student learning outcomes effectively.
- Including language skills, such as proficiency in Spanish alongside English, underlines cultural adaptability and the ability to engage with a diverse community, essential for roles involving community engagement and event planning.
Performing Arts Education Officer
- Highlight of Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases over 8 years of experience in performing arts education, making it clear that the candidate has extensive and relevant expertise for the role.
- Impact of Curriculum Development: By emphasizing a 30% increase in student participation due to innovative curriculum design, the letter demonstrates measurable impact, which is significant for prospective employers.
- Integration and Collaboration: Mentioning collaborations with educators to integrate drama into other subjects highlights interdisciplinary skills, which is valuable in educational roles.
- Achievements and Recognition: The prominent mention of securing a £5,000 grant showcases the candidate's ability to secure resources, indicating strong project management and resource development skills.
Performing Arts Workshop Leader
- Highlighting specific achievements, such as developing child-centric workshops and increasing after-school program engagement, which demonstrate direct impact and measurable outcomes relevant to the role.
- Emphasising experience in diverse roles, such as Children's Programming Coordinator and Performing Arts Educator, showcasing a breadth of skills and leadership in various settings.
- Mentioning certifications related to child safety, like the Paediatric First Aid Course and Safeguarding Children Certification, underscores the candidate's commitment to child welfare, essential for roles involving children.
- Incorporating a summary of experiences and aspirations aligns the applicant’s background with the responsibilities of the role, making a clear connection to the employer's needs.
Performing Arts Operations Manager
- Highlighting strategic planning and community engagement skills, which are crucial for successfully managing and expanding operations in children's activities.
- Emphasising leadership and team management abilities, particularly in fostering a collaborative work culture and improving employee satisfaction scores.
- Showcasing process optimisation and cost reduction achievements, underscoring a capability in resource allocation and operational efficiency.
- Demonstrating a background in performing arts along with advanced education in Operations Management, which combines sector-specific expertise with managerial acumen.
Performing Arts Company Manager
- Specialised Skill Sets: The cover letter effectively showcases specialised skills such as fiscal management, budget planning, and policy development, which are critical for an Executive Business Manager role.
- Concrete Achievements: Providing specific achievements, such as a 40% increase in budget efficiency and a 25% reduction in reporting time, helps to demonstrate the applicant's tangible impact in previous roles.
- Relevance of Experience: Highlighting relevant experiences across various educational institutions establishes the candidate's credibility and understanding of complex financial operations, which is essential for managing business within the arts sector.
- Professional Development: Mentioning advanced courses and certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant qualification highlights the candidate's commitment to continuous professional development and strategic management expertise.
Performing Arts cover letter example
Oliver Smith
Manchester, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I have long admired the innovative approach your organization takes towards performing arts and its commitment to integrating modern technology in traditionally artistic practices. It's invigorating to see a company that matches my passion for merging digital and live performance artistry.
One of my most notable achievements was leading a team of more than 20 at London Theatre Company, where I orchestrated over 150 live theatre events annually. By implementing strategic marketing initiatives and applying innovative audience engagement techniques, I was able to increase ticket sales by 40% over a two-year period. This experience honed my abilities in arts marketing and strategic partnership building, which I bring with exceptional dedication to every project.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your company's goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed team and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Oliver Smith, Performing Arts Expert
Reasons this cover letter is successful:
- Demonstrate admiration and understanding of the organization’s mission or innovative practices to show genuine interest and research conducted on the company.
- Highlight leadership and project management skills by providing a specific example of a past achievement, such as leading a team and managing numerous events, which aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
- Focus on quantitative accomplishments, such as a significant increase in ticket sales, to provide evidence of success and valuable contributions in similar roles.
- Express enthusiasm for the role and the potential impact you can make, paired with an invitation to discuss further, suggesting confidence and eagerness for the opportunity.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial tool in making your application personal and engaging.
Here are three reasons why they matter:
- Personalisation: Unlike a CV, a cover letter allows you to show your enthusiasm for the role, giving a more personal insight.
- Addresses details about your career: Whether you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment, your cover letter offers a space to explain these in a constructive way.
- Meeting the job requirements: Your cover letter should be unique and tailored, clearly showing how your skills align with the role requirements.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
A great cover letter can set you apart when applying for jobs in the UK.
Follow these tips to ensure you make a strong impression:
- Research thoroughly: Spend time delving into the company’s website, social media, and industry news to understand their projects, awards, and future plans. The more specific your knowledge, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Reflect their values: Every UK company has its own set of values that guides their culture. Once you’ve identified them, make sure your cover letter reflects how your values and work ethic align with theirs. If they’re known for integrity, emphasise your commitment to ethical practices.
- Tailor your skills: Focus on aligning your most relevant skills with the job description. Look for key terms and priorities mentioned in the advert, and make sure to provide examples of how you excel in those areas.
How to format a performing arts cover letter
Keep in mind that your cover letter is intended for the recruiters' eyes only, not for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that aligns your job application with role requirements. That's why it's essential to concentrate on the quality of the content and presentation to make a memorable first impression.
Don’t forget to include:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Greeting
- Introductory paragraph
- Body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
Now for some formatting tips and tricks: choose modern fonts such as Rubik, Volkhov, or Raleway instead of traditional ones like Arial. Keep your cover letter single-spaced with margins of around 1-inch (2.5 cm). To maintain a professional and consistent look, ensure that both your CV and cover letter use the same font style.
Lastly, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its formatting and prevent any edits once it's sent, ensuring your design and layout remain intact for the recruiters.
How to write your performing arts cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your performing arts cover letter intro
While your cover letter should remain professional, adding a touch of personality or humour can make you stand out.
Hiring managers sift through countless applications, day in and day out. Anything unique or personable that grabs their attention could give you a competitive edge.
But do your homework first to ensure a dash of creativity would be appropriate and suitable to the company culture.
Cover Letter Intro
Having long admired the National Theatre for its commitment to challenging conventions and celebrating diverse narratives, I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute to its dynamic productions team and further the impact of transformative storytelling.
RIGHT
How to write your performing arts cover letter body
As you reach the body of your cover letter, you might wonder what to write in it.
Our advice? Don’t just copy your CV—choose your greatest achievement and tell its story.
Focus on how you got there using hard and soft skills, describe your involvement, and quantify the results with concrete outcomes.
Remember, recruiters aren’t looking for an epic tale of your career—they want something concise, relevant, and directly addressing their needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as Artistic Director at the renowned West End Theatre Group, I successfully led a large-scale production of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' which not only sold out all its performances but also increased our annual attendance figures by a remarkable 35%. This achievement was the result of a strategic marketing campaign that I designed, focusing on engaging younger audiences through innovative social media initiatives and partnerships with local schools.
In addition to this, my role required meticulous project management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of over 50 cast and crew members. By fostering an environment of creativity and open communication, I ensured that all team members were motivated and aligned towards a shared vision. The production was praised for its artistic ingenuity and earned several accolades, including the prestigious 'Best Revival of a Play' award at the London Theatre Awards.
This experience has not only honed my leadership and organisational abilities but also reinforced my understanding of the intricate balance between creative direction and audience engagement, skills I am eager to bring to the esteemed Royal Performing Arts Company.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you very much for considering my application for the Performing Arts role at your esteemed venue. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of bringing my passion and skills in performing arts to your organisation, and am eager to contribute to your team's success. I sincerely hope to discuss my application with you in more detail during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule a meeting. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
