The Best Guide on How to Include Acting or Dancing Work on a Resume

This guide will walk you step by step through formatting, presenting your creative experience professionally, and tailoring it for auditions or non-performance careers.

How to List Acting Work on a Resume

1. Formatting Options for Actors

Actors often use an actor's resume that includes details from theatre productions and television productions, but you can adapt the format depending on your career goals. Two common approaches are:

• Role-specific resume: Lists acting credits with role, production, director, and company. Perfect for auditions and casting calls.
• Chronological resume: Organizes acting work alongside other professional experiences. Best for hybrid or non-performance jobs.
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2. What to Include in Acting Credits

When listing acting jobs and experience, keep it concise and professional. Include:

• Role name (Lead, Supporting, Extra, Character Name).
• Production title (play, film, TV show).
• Director/Producer name (optional, but valuable for credibility).
• Company or theater group.
• Awards or festivals (if applicable).
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Example:

• Instead of: “Performed in multiple plays.”
• “Performed in 15+ stage productions across venues ranging from 200–800 seats, including an award-winning Shakespeare adaptation.”

How to Include Dancing Work on a Resume

1. Structure of a Dance Resume

A dance resume looks slightly different from traditional resume templates. Typical sections include a special skills section highlighting your special abilities, education, performance experience, and training.

• Performance Experience – Highlight major shows, tours, or recitals.
• Training & Workshops – Include schools, teachers, and special masterclasses.
• Skills – Mention dance styles (ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, etc.).
• Awards & Achievements – Competitions, scholarships, or notable recognition.
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2. What to Highlight in Dance Experience

When listing your dance background, include your experience :

• Performance name and venue (Broadway show, dance festival, company tour).
• Choreographer or director.
• Company or group.
• Dates or years of experience.
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Example:

• “Performed in 25+ Broadway tour performances of Chicago across 10 U.S. cities, for audiences of up to 3,000 people per show.”

💡 Insider Tip: For professional auditions, include physical stats (height, weight, shoe size). For teaching or non-performance applications, skip this.

How to Showcase Special Skills That Stand Out

Casting directors often check the Special Skills section first. Highlight unique abilities that can land you specific roles:

• Dialects/Accents – British RP, Southern U.S., French, etc.
• Stage Combat/Martial Arts – Sword fighting, Krav Maga.
• Improvisation – Quick decision-making on stage.
• Musical Talents – Singing, playing instruments.
• Triple Threat – Acting + Dancing + Singing.
• Dance Specialties – Pointe work, breakdancing, ballroom.
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When to Include Physical Stats or Headshots (Dance & Acting)

Not every resume needs physical details — here’s when to include them:

• Dance Auditions (Backstage/ResumeBuilder standard): Height, weight, hair/eye color, shoe size. Useful for choreography, fit & costuming.
• Acting Auditions: Usually no stats — instead, attach a headshot.
• General Job Applications: Leave these out unless specifically required.
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Tailoring Creative Work for Non-Performing Jobs

Not every employer will understand the value of acting or dancing at first glance. That’s where translation becomes essential. Here’s how to showcase transferable skills to impress casting directors, including acting skills as a background actor and martial arts skills that are relevant to the job market:

• Leadership: Directing or choreographing performances → leadership in managing teams.
• Communication: Performing on stage → excellent verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Collaboration: Working with cast and crew → team-oriented project management.
• Adaptability: Adjusting during live performances → problem-solving under pressure.
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Before & After Example:

• “Performed in 12 stage productions.”
• “Collaborated with diverse teams to deliver 12 high-quality stage productions, demonstrating adaptability, teamwork, and strong communication skills.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When adding acting roles or dancing experience to a resume that aligns with the job description, keep an eye out for these key tips regarding common mistakes:

1. Listing every single role or class – Your resume should highlight your best work, not overwhelm the reader. Focus on standout performances or advanced training instead of every small role.
2. Using non-professional language – Phrases like “passionate dancer” or “loves acting” sound casual. Instead, describe your skills and achievements with clear, professional wording.
3. Ignoring transferable skills – Don’t expect recruiters to guess how your stage experience applies to other jobs. Point out skills like teamwork, discipline, or public speaking directly.
4. Leaving out training – Workshops, coaching, or specialized classes matter in creative fields. Mention them to show your commitment and growth.
5. Not tailoring your resume – If you’re applying for an artistic role, highlight performances and training. For non-artistic jobs, emphasize transferable skills and relevant achievements.
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Sample Resume Sections

Example: Acting Resume Layout

Example: Dance Resume Layout

Example: Combined Creative + Professional Resume

Additional Tips for a Strong Performing Arts Resume

1. Include training, workshops, and certifications: Include workshops, classes, or degrees to show formal preparation.
2. Add portfolios, reels, or headshots: Attach or link only when required by the role.
3. Use strong action verbs: Start with action words like Performed, Directed, Choreographed, and Collaborated.
4. Highlight unique skills: Mention dialects, stage combat, tumbling, or choreography.
5. Keep it concise: One page for creative resumes, up to two for hybrid careers.
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Conclusion

Your acting or dancing background is more than an artistic pursuit — it’s a career asset. By structuring your resume professionally, quantifying achievements, showcasing special skills, and tailoring it for different industries, you position yourself as both a talented performer and a versatile professional.