Theater Resume Template (Writing Guide, Examples, & Tips)

There is nowhere to hide in the theater. There are no favorable camera angles, no repeated takes. A theater actor needs to have something captivating, something that draws attention right away. A spectacle-lar theater resume. Something that holds attention from the first act, all the way to the closing scene.

This theater resume guide includes: 

• A theater resume template that will let you step on the stage.
• How to make a theater resume to send together with your portfolio.
• Adjustments to make when writing a theater resume with no experience.
• Expert hints to increase the chances of getting an audition.

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Need a different acting resume, or you’re considering a range of positions? See our resume guides:

• Acting Resume Example
• Artist Resume/Artist CV Example
• Dance Resume Example
• Fashion Resume Example
• Film Resume Example
• Filmmaker Resume Example
• Graduate School Resume
• Journalist Resume Example
• Music Resume Example
• Production Assistant Resume Example
• Resume for First Job
• Videographer Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our Resume Examples for Any Job.

Theater Resume Template You Can Adapt

Here is how to make sure your theater resume parachutes you into a lead role: 

1. Choose the Right Theater Resume Format

Theater resumes are specific in that they do not have as much text or descriptions as other resumes, but more lists of credits, skills, and characteristics. Your resume format must be uniform and organized. By keeping things uniform, you make your theater resume easily searchable and digestible.

Here’s how to do just that:

Theater Resume Format

• Write a resume profile at the top of your resume to stand out.
• List your lead roles first in every category, and rank down in terms of importance. 
• Use legible resume fonts like Calibri or Garamond.
• Set 1-inch resume margins and drop a space between the sections.
• Create a one-page resume. 
• Order your resume sections like this: Resume Header, Physical Attributes, Theater Roles, Film & TV, Education, Skills.
• Save your resume as a PDF, unless specified otherwise. 

Now let’s work on the script.

Expert Hint: In many places, you will still have to staple your theater resume to the back of a 8x10” headshot. All the same, it’s not advised to go below a 10pt font size. If you have that much experience, you can afford to edit it down.

2. Write a Tempting Theater Resume Profile

How should you start a resume? Write a resume profile. This short paragraph at the top of your theater resume works like a film teaser. It will make the casting director want to see more.

Use the following for your theater resume profile:

1. One adjective (passionate, talented, award-winning)
2. Job title (actor)
3. Years of experience (4+, 5+)
4. Best few roles and awards

These theater resume examples show how:

Theater Resume Profile

See that?

The first of those theater resume samples stands out. It’s got details that show you’re the next Julie Andrews.

Expert Hint: Write the profile on your theater resume last. This way you’ll have lots of inventory to pick from.

3. List Your Physical Attributes

Some roles are tailor-made. Others require an actor to put in work to finally settle into character. Increase your chances of getting the right role by listing your physical info right below the profile: height, weight, eye and hair color. Include your voice type if you are writing a musical theater resume. 

Right below, enter the agency or union you are affiliated with.

Theater Resume Example—Physical Attributes

4. Recite Your Acting Credits On Your Theater Resume

A theater resume contains much less elaboration and description, and far more hard details. Split your experience section into two: “Theater” and “Film / TV”, and list your acting credit by most major role first. List the title of the production, your role, the theater venue or production studio, and the director’s name.

This is about showing experience, adaptability and variety, not a place to talk about how getting into one particular character changed your whole life. Use one bullet point per credit, and list any awards or professional achievements for it in an appropriate, separate section.

This excerpt from a theater resume example nails it:

Acting Credits on a Theater Resume

Follow this format of listing credits and you will make it easy for the reader to scan through and digest the information. Show your versatility and adaptability.

What if you are writing a resume with no experience?

List credits from productions and scene work in acting school.

Expert Hint: It can pay off to prepare a targeted resume. Consider the profile of the theater you are applying to and the roles you may be cast in, and use this as criteria to decide which credits to list. You should also have different headshots for this purpose: theatrical (serious), commercial (more goofy), or character (for specialties).

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5. Make Your Education a Reason to Cast You

Your credits are important, but your theater resume is going to be very one-dimensional if you do not record your education and training properly. This is not just your formal college education, but also any additional training: acting, dancing, singing, performance art, improv. Anything that shows how much care you take to develop yourself fully and comprehensively.

If you have been on the stage longer than Hugh Jackman, just briefly mention your degree, school name, and graduation year. If you’re struggling for credits, you can elaborate a little on your education and training and extend your resume education section further! List your GPA, any school productions you have taken part in, achievements and awards.

Below, make a separate list of the coaching you have taken in different disciplines, and who was your teacher.

This theater resume example shows how:

Theater Resume Template—Education

If you have studied under a famous name, make sure to mention this and bring it to the forefront. Just don’t be surprised when that person is asked about you. They better remember.

6. Star-Stud Your Theater Resume With Added Sections

Though you might be as multi-talented as Tom Cruise, in the context of a theatrical resume only two types of bonus resume sections make sense: professional certification, personal interests, and a section with skills for a resume. List both in two separate bullet point lists.

When putting down your skills, exercise caution: Don’t just copy and paste anything. First of all, make sure it’s relevant, second of all, make sure you really got it if you’re gonna be forced to perform it on stage.

Sample Theater Resume Skill Section

• Dance: (list types)
• Singing: (list types)
• Accents: (list types)
• Languages: (list types)
• Sports: (list types)
• Voice: (list types)
• Stamina
• Improv
• Hosting
• Mime
• Modeling
• Diction 
• Reciting
• Monologues

These two theatrical resume examples show you clearly the difference it can make:

Theater Resume—Extra Sections

Once again, use it to display versatility that isn’t shown through your credits.Add dimensions to your character and display the tools you have at your disposal.

One final step—

Write a theater cover letter. There’s no better way to show your passion.

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Key Points

To make sure your theater resume gets you an audition:

• Exercise the resume format guidelines—margins, fonts, 1 page. Check if they want you to submit the classic way: on the back of an 8x10’ headshot.
• Use our theatrical resume template as a prototype for your own. It’s organized and will display your credits and education in a prominent manner. 
• Reel off your acting credits—theater first, then Film & TV. Most major roles first in each section. 
• Add more dimensions and display your toolkit with the right theater skills and a strong education section. Make sure they know you are ready for whatever is in the script.

Got questions on how to write a great theatrical resume? Did we help you get your musical theater resume right? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply.