One significant CV challenge in the musical theatre industry is crafting a resume that effectively showcases your diverse range of skills, from singing and acting to dance and stage combat. Our guide offers detailed strategies and examples to help you highlight your multifaceted talents in a way that resonates with casting directors and gets you noticed.
Structure, write, and edit your musical theatre CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for musical theatre
Explore additional musical theatre cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry Level Musical Theatre Actor
- Strong Educational Foundation - The CV effectively uses the education section to establish credibility, detailing advanced degrees in Musical Theatre from prestigious institutions. This background provides a strong academic foundation that supports Ella Bennett’s current role as an Assistant Professor and highlights her dedication to further education in her field.
- Consistent Career Growth - Ella Bennett’s career trajectory exhibits steady upward mobility, transitioning from a Voice Coach and Accompanist to a Musical Director, and finally to an Assistant Professor. Each position showcases greater responsibility and influence, underscoring her professional development and increasing impact within the musical theatre education sector.
- Focus on Innovation and Collaboration - The CV underscores Ella Bennett's commitment to innovative teaching and cross-functional collaboration. She has pioneered curricular enhancements and formed collaborations that not only enriched learning experiences but also increased program enrollments and industry endorsements, demonstrating her adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Senior Musical Theatre Actor
- Structured Career Progression - The career trajectory presented in the CV showcases a well-defined path within the theatre industry, advancing from a Workshop Leader to a Theatre Educator and finally to a Musical Theatre Performer. This progression reflects a broadening of skillset and responsibility, indicating Noah's growing proficiency and commitment to the field of theatre education.
- Evidence of Impact Through Achievements - The CV effectively highlights Noah's achievements, demonstrating substantial impact in terms of both personal awards and community engagement. Notable accomplishments include winning a National Theatre Production Award, co-leading a regional tour with significant audience numbers, and innovating a curriculum that improved performance skills, underscoring their ability to deliver meaningful results.
- Integration of Education and Performance - This CV stands out due to its combination of rigorous academic background and practical experience in theatre education and performance. Noah is not only experienced in on-stage roles but also in designing educational workshops and curricula, reflecting their versatility and cross-functional capabilities in bridging the gap between entertainment and education.
By Role
Musical Theatre Performer
- Comprehensive Experience Across Key Roles - Matilda's career progression demonstrates a consistent growth trajectory within the performing arts field. She has transitioned from roles focusing on coordination and management to direct instructional positions, reflecting an expansion in both responsibility and influence. Her ability to oversee both small and large teams while boosting student participation signifies a deepening of her industry expertise over time.
- Incorporation of Result-Driven Achievements - Matilda’s CV impressively emphasizes her achievements through quantifiable data, such as a 30% increase in enrolment and a 20% enhancement in class participation. These metrics highlight her ability to engage students and positively influence educational outcomes, thus underscoring her value in creating both academic and business impact.
- Diverse Skill Set and Interdisciplinary Approach - Her list of skills reflects a balanced integration of core musical theatre disciplines—acting, singing, dancing—with curriculum development and mentoring. This diverse skill set aligns with her passion and ability to cultivate young talent, demonstrating her adaptability and cross-functional expertise in tailoring her teaching methods to various learning styles and disciplines.
Musical Theatre Director
- Comprehensive Content Structure - The CV is organized methodically, ensuring each section is clearly defined, such as experience, education, and skills, which makes for easy navigation. The concise bullet points effectively communicate significant achievements and responsibilities, making it accessible for quick reading.
- Progressive Career Development - Joshua's career trajectory displays steady growth, from an Assistant Music Teacher to Head of Music. This progression highlights his dedication and capability to take on increasing responsibilities, indicating robust developmental and leadership qualities within the educational sector.
- Impactful Educational Achievements - The CV includes quantifiable achievements such as a 30% increase in student participation at Glasgow High School and orchestrating a music festival attended by over 500 people, emphasizing Joshua's ability to drive engagement and positively impact the music education field.
Musical Theatre Choreographer
- Content Presentation with Structured Clarity - The CV is well-organized, featuring clear sections such as experience, education, and skills. Each section is concise yet comprehensive, allowing the reader to easily navigate through Harry's qualifications and achievements. This structured presentation enhances readability and effectively showcases his strengths.
- Impressive Career Trajectory with Increasing Responsibilities - Harry's career trajectory demonstrates significant growth, from an Assistant Choreographer to a lead Choreographer. This progression highlights his ability to take on greater responsibilities and lead larger teams, underscoring his leadership capabilities and dedication to professional development.
- Unique Industry-Specific Elements in Dance Education - The CV incorporates unique elements specific to the dance industry, such as developing original routines and integrating dance therapy practices. Harry's use of innovative warm-up techniques and his contributions to choreography for major theatre productions illustrate his technical depth and adaptability within the performing arts field.
Musical Theatre Producer
- Clear Structuring with Relevant Sections - The CV is well-organized, presenting key sections such as Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Courses, Achievements, Languages, and Passions. This structured approach ensures that the most pertinent information is easily accessible to potential employers, aligning with the specific requirements of theatre management and hospitality roles.
- Impressive Career Growth and Industry Depth - Rosie Gray's career trajectory from Event Coordinator to Theatre Manager highlights significant professional growth within the live entertainment and hospitality industry. Her progressive advancement showcases a robust commitment to the sector and an ability to manage increasing responsibilities, from event coordination at the National Theatre to managing operations at well-respected institutions like The Royal Opera House and Ambassador Theatre Group.
- Innovative Data-Driven Approaches - Throughout the CV, Rosie demonstrates her use of data-driven methodologies across multiple roles, such as optimizing show schedules and implementing marketing strategies based on statistical insights. This ability not only denotes technical savvy but also indicates her capability to harness technology to drive performance improvements in attendance and operational efficiencies.
Musical Theatre Playwright
- Career Growth and Leadership - Arthur Davies' career trajectory in performing arts shows significant growth, with a steady progression from Assistant Stage Manager to Theatre Production Manager. His rise to a managerial role at the Royal Exchange Theatre illustrates his leadership capabilities and expertise in managing large teams and complex projects.
- Emphasis on Sustainability and Innovation - Arthur exhibits a strong focus on sustainability, as evidenced by his initiative to reduce material waste by 25%. His commitment to eco-friendly practices in theatre production highlights a forward-thinking approach that aligns with modern values of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- Impactful Achievements with Quantifiable Results - The CV stands out by presenting Arthur's achievements with quantifiable results, such as increasing audience engagement by 40% and reducing production costs by 15%. These accomplishments not only shine a light on his effectiveness in driving business outcomes but also demonstrate the tangible impact of his strategies and initiatives on the theatre's success.
Musical Theatre Composer
- Comprehensive Career Trajectory with Progressive Roles - Arthur Davies' CV demonstrates a clear trajectory in academic music roles, advancing from an Assistant Lecturer to a Senior Lecturer. This progression highlights their growing expertise and increasing responsibilities in the field of music education, reflecting a successful career path marked by continuous professional development.
- Impactful Achievements and Educational Contributions - The CV is replete with notable achievements that emphasize Arthur's direct impact on student engagement and curriculum enrichment. For instance, mentoring students and leading curriculum development has led to increased enrolments and improved student satisfaction, showcasing his ability to enhance educational experiences and drive institutional success.
- Unique Emphasis on Interdisciplinary and Innovative Methodologies - Arthur's experience is distinct due to his focus on interdisciplinary approaches, blending music with cultural and scientific studies. His role in bridging arts and sciences and developing new assessment methodologies demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset, key for transforming and broadening music education's scope.
Musical Theatre Lyricist
- Cohesive Structure and Presentation - The CV showcases remarkable organization and clarity. Each section is clearly delineated, allowing for easy navigation through Amelia Murphy's professional experiences, educational background, and skillset. The concise language used throughout effectively highlights key achievements and responsibilities, providing a comprehensive yet digestible overview of her career.
- Impressive Career Development - Amelia Murphy's career trajectory demonstrates consistent growth and dedication to the field of musical theatre vocal coaching. Starting from a Vocal Coach position at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, she progressed to a Lecturer role at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and currently excels as a Musical Theatre Vocal Instructor at the Guildford School of Acting. This advancement underscores her commitment to professional development and excellence in her craft.
- Innovative Curriculum Design and Engagement - A standout element of the CV is Amelia's ability to integrate innovative teaching methodologies and digital tools to enhance the learning experience. Her efforts in designing and updating curricula to improve student outcomes by significant percentages at various institutions highlight her forward-thinking approach and adaptability to new educational technologies and strategies.
Musical Theatre Costume Designer
- Collaborative Leadership and Mentorship - Max Wright's CV showcases a strong capacity for leadership and team-building through roles that highlight mentorship, such as successfully guiding a diverse group of interns where 80% pursued further studies in theatre. This demonstrates an ability to inspire and develop talent within the field of costume design and makeup artistry.
- Innovative Educational Contributions - The candidate's tenure at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art is notable for a significant boost in student enrollment by 25% due to a revamped curriculum. This points to Max's ability to innovate in educational settings, making the field more accessible and appealing to new students, driving both interest and skill acquisition.
- Achievements with Industry Impact - Max's accomplishments, such as being awarded 'Best Costume Design' at the National Theatre Awards, not only underscore personal talent but also demonstrate a broader industry recognition, enhancing the reputation of organizations involved and contributing to increased audience engagement and attendance. This kind of impact highlights the candidate's influence beyond day-to-day operations, extending to notable shifts in audience experience and satisfaction.
Musical Theatre Lighting Designer
- Effective Content Presentation - The CV is structured with clarity and conciseness, making it easy to navigate through the various sections. Each part of the document is clearly labeled, helping potential employers quickly digest essential information such as experience, education, and skills. Bullet points are used effectively to present key achievements and responsibilities, offering a quick overview without overwhelming details.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - William Hall's career reflects steady growth and progression within the field of theatrical lighting design. Starting as an Assistant Lighting Designer and advancing to Lead Lighting Designer at the National Theatre demonstrates a significant rise in responsibility and expertise. Each role shows a natural progression in leadership and technical skills, marking him as a seasoned professional in his area of specialization.
- Emphasis on Leadership and Mentorship - The CV highlights William’s commitment to mentoring emerging talent, showcasing his ability to nurture and guide junior technicians and students. This is evident in the mentorship programs he developed, which increased participation in theatre arts among high school students. His leadership is further underscored by his role in managing teams and improving their technical performance.
Musical Theatre Sound Designer
- Structured Clarity Exhibited in Presentation - This CV is meticulously organized, with clearly defined sections such as Experience, Education, Skills, and Achievements, enabling easy navigation. The bullet points are concise yet detailed, showcasing significant accomplishments without overwhelming the reader with excessive information.
- Continuous Advancement in Career Trajectory - Chloe Bell's career demonstrates significant progression, moving from an Audio Designer role to a Senior Sound Designer position. This trajectory highlights her ability to take on greater responsibilities and suggests a strong competence in adapting to higher stakes and more complex challenges within the industry.
- Mastery of Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - The CV emphasizes Chloe's expertise in sound synthesis, digital audio workstations, and scripting environments, indicating a sophisticated technical know-how. Her familiarity with specialized tools like Audiokinetic Wwise speaks to her deep understanding of the intricacies of game audio, making her an asset to any gaming company.
Musical Theatre Stage Manager
- Comprehensive career growth - Poppy Griffiths presents a clear career trajectory, moving from roles like Production Coordinator to Stage Manager, demonstrating upward mobility and increasing responsibilities. This progression showcases her ability to scale her expertise and manage larger teams and more complex productions over time.
- Effective use of achievements - The CV effectively utilizes achievements to underline her impact in the industry. By emphasizing an impressive 30% increase in show efficiency, Poppy highlights not just the numbers but also the significant enhancement in operational quality, which would be a key decision-making factor for potential employers.
- Robust skill set with industry relevance - Poppy Griffiths leverages a mix of theatre-specific technical skills and soft skills that are critical in stage management roles. Her expertise in Theatre Light and Sound Operations, coupled with leadership and communication skills, are crucial for ensuring seamless production experiences, making her a strong candidate for dynamic theatre environments.
Musical Theatre Production Manager
- Comprehensive Career Progression - Theodore Green's CV outlines a clear and progressive career trajectory in stage production management, showcasing his growth from a Lighting Technician to a Senior Stage Production Manager. Each role builds upon the last, reflecting increasing responsibilities and expertise in the field.
- Technical Proficiency and Innovation - The CV highlights Green's deep technical skills and innovative spirit. His proficiency in using video matrix systems and implementing advanced lighting and sound design strategies demonstrates a strong command of industry-specific tools and methodologies, which have significantly enhanced production capabilities.
- Versatile Skill Set with Leadership Qualities - Green’s CV emphasizes his versatility and leadership through a broad array of skills including lighting design, sound engineering, and stage management, complemented by effective team leadership. His achievements in developing training programs and optimizing team efficiency further underscore his ability to lead and mentor staff in dynamic environments.
Musical Theatre Vocal Coach
- Structured Presentation Enhances Clarity - The CV is structured with defined sections such as summary, experience, education, and skills, which aids in quickly identifying key information. Each section is concise and focused, with bullet points effectively used to convey achievements and roles responsively.
- Diverse Career Trajectory with Consistent Growth - Isla King’s career showcases consistent advancement within music education and performance while also expanding into vocal coaching and musical analysis. The progression in roles from Piano Teacher to leading responsibilities at Nottingham Music School highlights a clear path of career growth and expanded expertise.
- Industry-Specific Educational Foundation - The CV provides a robust educational background with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, like the Royal Academy of Music, enhancing credibility. The inclusion of niche courses in piano accompaniment and vocal coaching reinforces specialized knowledge in key industry areas.
Musical Theatre Dance Instructor
- Clear Structure and Presentation - The CV is well-organized, making it easy to navigate through different sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements. This clarity allows for quick identification of Charlotte's qualifications and areas of expertise, ensuring that the reader immediately understands her proficiencies and accomplishments in dance education.
- Career Progression and Growth - Charlotte's career trajectory shows a clear path of growth and increasing responsibility. Starting as a Dance Teacher and moving up to Senior Dance Instructor and Choreography Coordinator roles, each position reflects a gain in leadership, complexity, and impact, demonstrating her commitment to her profession and her ability to excel in various facets of dance education.
- Emphasis on Community Engagement and Impact - The CV highlights achievements that go beyond mere teaching, such as organizing dance showcases and partnering with local schools, resulting in substantial community participation and engagement. This not only underscores Charlotte's dedication to dance but also her influence in fostering a vibrant dance community.
Musical Theatre Dramaturg
- Structured Growth and Experience - The CV effectively outlines a logical career progression through different roles, highlighting a clear trajectory with increased responsibilities, from an Assistant Dance Instructor to a Lead Choreographer. This growth demonstrates the candidate's dedication and advancement within the theatre and dance industry.
- Diverse Skill Application in Theatre Arts - The CV showcases a unique blend of skills tailored to the theatre arts, especially in choreography. It highlights methodologies such as student mentorship programs and innovative choreography techniques, reflecting a deep understanding of the field and the candidate's ability to enhance both performance and learning environments.
- Achievements with Substantial Impact - The document stands out by quantifying achievements that underscore real business outcomes, such as increasing audience satisfaction by 30% and managing productions that led to sold-out shows. These accomplishments illustrate the candidate's ability to significantly elevate project success and audience engagement.
Musical Theatre Casting Director
- Comprehensive Career Growth - Sophia's CV showcases a strong career trajectory in the musical theatre industry, progressing from a Musical Director to the Artistic Producer at the National Theatre, and advancing to a Theatre Director at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. This growth highlights her increasing responsibilities and leadership roles in prominent cultural institutions.
- Effective Use of Achievements and Metrics - The CV excels in presenting measurable achievements, such as her ability to increase audience attendance by 30% as a Theatre Director, and the successful mentorship leading 25 interns into professional roles. These numbers not only underline her effectiveness but also portray real-world impact, emphasizing her capability to drive success in the organizations she is part of.
- Focus on Innovation in Education - Sophia emphasizes her role in advancing theatre education through innovative methodologies. Her efforts in implementing new teaching techniques led to a 40% boost in student performance evaluations, reflecting her commitment to enhancing educational quality and student outcomes in the field of musical theatre.
Musical Theatre Marketing Manager
- Illustrates a progressive career path - Oscar Evans has demonstrated a clear upward trajectory in his career, starting as a Marketing Assistant and advancing to roles with increased responsibility, such as Communications Coordinator and now as a Marketing & Communications Officer. This progression reflects his growing expertise and ability to handle more complex tasks.
- Focus on strategic industry-specific methodologies - The CV highlights Oscar’s proficiency in devising and executing innovative marketing campaigns and media strategies that are tailored to the entertainment industry. His ability to spearhead campaigns and implement media stunts shows a deep understanding of media engagement and audience targeting, crucial in his field.
- Strong emphasis on community and audience engagement - Oscar’s passion for community engagement and strategic audience development is apparent in his work history, showcasing successful initiatives that have expanded audience reach and bolstered community ties. His achievements in increasing local attendance and audience engagement underscore his value beyond just quantitative results.
Musical Theatre Education Coordinator
- Structured and Comprehensive Layout - The CV presents information in a well-organized manner, with distinct sections for education, professional experience, and skills. This clarity allows the reader to quickly grasp Sophia's qualifications and experience, showcasing her suitability for roles in music education and coordination.
- Progressive Career Development - Sophia's career trajectory shows consistent growth within the music education field. Her advancement from a Music Education Specialist to a Programme Coordinator highlights her expanding responsibilities and capability to manage larger teams and broader initiatives.
- Leveraging El Sistema Methodology - Sophia effectively incorporates the El Sistema music education philosophy, demonstrating her unique approach to community engagement and youth empowerment. This focus suggests a deep understanding of how music can influence social change, adding depth to her professional profile.
Formatting your musical theatre CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional musical theatre CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :
- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional musical theatre CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a musical theatre CV
- Personal details include your contact information.
- Performance experience showcases your past roles.
- Vocal range highlights your singing capabilities.
- Dance proficiency demonstrates movement skills.
- Education and training reflect relevant background.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your vocal range and any dance training as musical theatre often requires performers who are versatile in both singing and dancing.
- Include a detailed list of previous musical theatre roles, specifying the character played, the production name, and the director or theatre company to showcase your experience.
- Emphasize your ability to read and interpret music by mentioning any musical instruments you play or any formal singing education you have received.
- Provide a link to a personal website or online showreel that includes clips of your performances to give directors a sense of your stage presence and capabilities.
- Include any accomplishments or awards received in the realm of musical theatre to demonstrate recognition of your talents and commitment to the craft.
Recommended reads:
Making a good first impression with your musical theatre CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for musical theatre:
- "Eva Perón in 'Evita' | Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano | Dance: Jazz, Tap | 5 Years Experience"
- "Jean Valjean in 'Les Misérables' | Drama Graduate | Combat Certified | Tenor | 8 Years On Stage"
- "Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' | Triple Threat Performer | Choreography Enthusiast | 3 Years Professional"
- "Simba in 'The Lion King' | BFA Musical Theatre | Voice Over Artist | Baritone | 10+ Years"
- "The Phantom in 'The Phantom of the Opera' | Vocal Coach | Mask Work Specialist | 15 Years Leading Roles"
- "Maria in 'West Side Story' | Conservatoire-trained Soprano | Fluent in Spanish | Dance Captain | 6 Years Experience"
What's the difference between a musical theatre CV summary and objective
Why should it matter to you?
- Your musical theatre CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value. Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.
Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.
CV summaries for a musical theatre job:
- With over a decade of experience commanding stages across the UK, I am a seasoned musical theatre performer versed in both classic and contemporary repertoire. Notable for leading roles in award-winning productions at the West End, my prescient interpretative skills and dynamic vocal range have been my career highlights.
- Enthusiastic about crafting compelling narratives through song, I carry three years of rigorous training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and five years of performance in regional theatres. Mastery of dance and the Stanislavski method propels my compelling performances, particularly as Mercutio in a recent touring production of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
- A professional ballet dancer with two decades of performances, I am pivoting into musical theatre to blend my expertise in dance with a burgeoning passion for vocal performance. Excelling in physical storytelling, I bring a unique perspective and keen desire to contribute to interpretive ensemble pieces in this vibrant art form.
- Bringing forward a career as a classical vocalist, I am transitioning to musical theatre to expand my performance repertoire. With ten years of stage experience and an extensive background in vocal technique, my aim is to merge my operatic precision with the expressive demands of musical theatre storytelling.
- Eager to immerse myself in the world of musical theatre, my objective is to leverage my fresh perspective and adaptability to excel in high-paced ensemble work. My commitment to comprehensive theatrical training and a collaborative spirit will serve as catalysts for delivering impactful stage performances.
- An aspiring thespian with a true ardour for the performing arts, I seek to infuse my nascent career with the richness of musical theatre. My objective is to hone my performance skills through diverse roles, engaging with seasoned professionals to transform my potential into captivating stage presences.
How to meet job requirements with your musical theatre CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- List your most relevant or recent theatrical experiences first, showing a pattern of growth and development in your musical theatre career.
- Include the title of the show, your role, the production company or theatre, and the dates of the performance to provide clear context for each experience.
- Emphasise any leading roles or significant achievements, such as critical acclaim or awards, to highlight your capabilities as a performer.
- Detail any specialised skills used in your performances, such as dance styles, combat techniques, or instrument playing, which are pertinent to musical theatre.
- Mention notable directors, choreographers, or musical directors you've worked with to showcase the professional level of your experience.
- Specify if you have played roles that required a particular vocal range or style, demonstrating your versatility and suitability for various parts in musicals.
- Include any relevant workshops, masterclasses, or training that are specific to musical theatre to illustrate your commitment to ongoing development in the field.
- Highlight experiences where you’ve contributed to the creative process, such as creating original music or assisting in choreography, to show additional skill sets.
- Briefly touch upon collaborative experiences, such as ensemble work or casts of varying sizes, to display your ability to work as part of a team.
Work Experience
Lead Musical Theatre Performer
Broadway Theatre Company
01/2020-Ongoing
- Spearheaded a cast of 25 in a critically-acclaimed production of 'Les Misérables', selling out a 6-week run at Broadway Theatre.
- Pioneered the use of immersive projection technology to enhance storytelling, increasing audience engagement by 40%.
- Collaborated with a diverse creative team to develop and refine the show's choreography, sound, and lighting design, leading to a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Musical.
Work Experience
Principal Performer & Acting Mentor
Off-Broadway Alliance
05/2017-12/2019
- Played a key role in the development of a new, contemporary musical, contributing to script and score workshops that led to a successful off-Broadway opening.
- Provided vocal coaching and mentorship to a troupe of 10 emerging actors, improving overall performance quality and receiving outstanding cast ensemble reviews.
- Initiated community outreach programs, involving local schools in theatre arts, effectively raising program funding by 25% through public interest and grants.
Work Experience
Musical Theatre Actor & Workshop Leader
Shakespeare in the Park
03/2015-04/2017
- Led as the romantic lead in a summer stock production of 'West Side Story', resulting in a 20% increase in attendance from the previous summer season.
- Managed and conducted auditions, selecting and casting actors for various roles, while also overseeing rehearsals to ensure a cohesive ensemble performance.
- Introduced a successful workshop series that taught hundreds of students about the intricacies of musical theatre performance, greatly enhancing the company's educational outreach.
Work Experience
Touring Musical Theatre Actor
International Musical Theatre Touring Company
09/2012-02/2015
- Performed in over 300 shows across North America, portraying leading roles in musicals such as 'Hairspray' and 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
- Liaised with directors and other performers to ensure a high-standard of production values, contributing to the company winning the National Theatre Company Award.
- Implemented and directed a successful understudy program that prepared backup performers, ensuring seamless transitions and maintaining quality during unforeseen actor absences.
Work Experience
Featured Stage Actor
Regional Theatre Arts Guild
06/2011-08/2012
- Expertly performed across three theatre productions concurrently, including 'Rent', 'Chicago', and 'The Wiz', showcasing versatility and stamina.
- Negotiated contract provisions for the entire cast, resulting in improved working conditions and an additional 10% compensation bonus for extended runs.
- Elevated performance quality by initiating a peer-review system, allowing cast members to give and receive constructive feedback, leading to more nuanced performances.
Work Experience
Musical Theatre Director
City Center Theatre Group
02/2009-05/2011
- Successfully adapted and directed a modern interpretation of 'A Chorus Line', which played to full houses and received local media acclaim.
- Coordinated with set, costume, and lighting designers to ensure the artistic vision was realized on stage, resulting in a cohesive and visually stunning production.
- Developed a ticketing strategy with marketing teams that maximized theatre occupancy and revenues, contributing to a 15% increase in annual profit for the theatre.
What to add in your musical theatre CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your musical theatre CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your musical theatre CV:
HARD SKILLS
Singing Technique
Dance Training
Acting Ability
Stage Combat
Musical Instrument Proficiency
Voice Projection
Reading Music
Harmonisation
Improvisation
Characterisation
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Teamwork
Discipline
Adaptability
Emotional Intelligence
Time Management
Resilience
Attention to Detail
Communication
Problem-Solving
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your musical theatre CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your musical theatre CV:
PRO TIP
Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your musical theatre CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
