Musical Theatre CV example

Think of your CV as an opening number – it needs to capture attention instantly, clearly show your strengths, and leave casting teams eager for more. Directors and producers don’t have time to sift through vague information, so make your skills, experience, and training crystal-clear from the first glance.

Whether you’re writing a CV to audition for West End roles, regional productions, or touring companies, this guide ensures your CV gets a standing ovation by clearly highlighting your musical theatre credentials and compelling casting teams to see you perform.

Put yourself in a recruiters’ shoes: you’ve got potentially hundreds of applicants, and not enough time to read through each thoroughly. Casting directors appreciate clarity as much as flawless choreography – so give them a CV that dances off the page. A tidy layout makes it easier for them to quickly spot your training, roles, and relevant skills, and leaves a strong first impression.

Here’s the structure to follow:

• Name and contact details – Contact details are clearly positioned at the top, making it easy for casting directors to contact you; a photo is highly recommended here.
• Profile – Open with a brief summary clearly highlighting your stage presence, vocal range, key skills, and any specialisms (dance styles or character types).
• Core skills – Showcase your specific talents, from vocal strengths and dance training to acting abilities and accents.
• Performance experience – Clearly detail roles you’ve performed, emphasising lead or supporting characters, production names, and venues.
• Education & training – Summarise relevant theatre training, workshops, degrees, and qualifications clearly and concisely.
• Additional info – Optionally include professional memberships, additional languages, hobbies, and industry awards.

Keep your format neat and concise, taking no more than two pages in length to cover everything. Clear headings and an equally clear font, along with bullet points to keep things skimmable will ensure your CV is as polished as your performances.

Your CV profile is where your audition really begins. You should clearly and briefly communicate your strengths, stage experience, and the unique qualities you bring to musical theatre roles, to assure any casting director that hiring you would be the right decision.

If you’re looking for your first breakout role, writing a personalised cover letter for each job is highly recommended. You should also write a more comprehensive personal statement instead of a profile, to allow more detail.

Keep in mind these tips on what to include:

• Performance experience – Highlight notable productions or venues you’ve performed at.
• Vocal abilities – Clearly state your voice type and range (soprano, tenor, belter, etc.).
• Dance expertise – Mention specific dance styles you excel in (jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap).
• Acting strengths – Showcase your versatility or specialisations, such as comedic timing, dramatic roles, or character acting.
• Career goals – Briefly indicate the types of roles or productions you’re aiming for next.

Casting directors prioritise clear, relevant CV skills that match the production they’re casting. Clearly list key musical theatre skills such as vocal range, dance abilities, accents, or unique talents like acrobatics or musical instruments.

Tailor this list according to the roles or productions you’re targeting – highlight specific skills that match the character types or styles you’re aiming to portray.

Your performance history must clearly demonstrate your stage experience and versatility. Emphasise roles that reflect your strengths, clearly indicating lead, supporting, or ensemble roles alongside production names and directors.

Start with your most recent or most relevant theatre roles, clearly highlighting standout performances. If you’re newer to the stage, include relevant performances from training, showcases, or any work experience that demonstrate your skillset and potential.

• Outline – Briefly describe each production, noting the venue, production company, and role type.
• Responsibilities – Highlight your specific contributions, such as leading roles, vocal solos, dance numbers, or special responsibilities, using action words like “performed,” “led,” or “interpreted.”
• Achievements – Showcase notable accomplishments, such as awards, critical recognition, or audience acclaim.

Clearly listing your training and education reassures casting directors of your professionalism and technical skills. 

Include degrees, conservatory training, workshops, masterclasses, or specialist vocal and dance tuition. Highlight notable theatre schools, institutions, or renowned teachers, clearly demonstrating the strength and credibility of your training.

With that in mind, an impressive portfolio tends to catch recruiters’ eyes more than formal qualifications: so keep this section nice and brief.