Embarking on your performing career can be exhilarating, but putting together your first CV can feel daunting. This guide breaks down the essentials, blending practical tips with recommendations from industry professionals. It’s your go-to resource to help you start strong, but remember: CV styles and expectations can vary depending on your region, discipline, and even specific agents or directors, so seek input from peers and professionals in your field to ensure yours aligns with local and industry standards.

What is a Performing Artist CV?

Your CV is more than a list of past experiences; it’s a snapshot of who you are as a performer. According to Backstage.com, an impressive CV can make a real difference by leaving a memorable impression on casting directors and agents. It’s designed to show casting directors, agents, and production teams the essence of your artistry and the highlights of your training and experience.

The Basics: Essential Elements of Your CV

Here’s a breakdown of the must-have sections to get you started.

1. Contact Information

Start with your professional name, phone number, and email. If you’re represented by an agent, add their contact details instead. Avoid listing a home address for privacy, and keep it concise and accessible.

2. A Thumbnail Headshot (Optional)

Including a thumbnail headshot at the top can be helpful, especially if your CV ever gets separated from your main headshot. This small visual cue can make it easier for casting professionals to remember you.

3. Professional Summary (Optional)

Some performers add a brief summary highlighting key skills, career aspirations, or signature styles. Dance Wire recommends this as a way to communicate your unique attributes quickly and to tailor your CV to specific roles. Use this section only if it adds value without cluttering your CV.

4. Credits and Experience

This is the heart of your CV, and how you structure it matters:

• Theatre, Film, and Television: Separate each medium into distinct sections. As recommended by Backstage.com, separating credits by medium helps create an organised layout, which is ideal for quickly conveying your experience to casting teams. Within each section, lead with your most impressive or relevant credits (not necessarily in chronological order). Include the title, your role, the production company, and the director.
• Role Types for Film/TV: Use industry-standard terms to describe your role type (e.g., Lead, Supporting, Series Regular, Guest Star). According to Acting Studio Chicago, it’s important to avoid being overly specific about character names here; focus instead on the scope of your involvement.
• Commercial Work: Simply state “List Upon Request.” For auditioning performers, avoiding conflicts with brand affiliations is essential.
• Understudy Roles: Note the role you covered, if you performed, and add “u/s” or “perf.” where relevant, as recommended by Acting Studio Chicago.

5. Training and Education

This section reinforces your commitment to your craft. Include any relevant training programmes, degrees, and significant workshops. If you’re newer to the industry, listing respected instructors you’ve trained with can add credibility. Perform Australia advises leaving off dates, as these can imply age, which you don’t want to emphasise.

6. Special Skills

Highlight unique skills that add value to your work as a performer. Consider relevant talents like:

• Dance styles (with proficiency levels)
• Musical instrument skills
• Accents you can perform authentically
• Languages spoken fluently

Dance Wire recommends adding a “conversation starter” skill, like a quirky talent, which can make you memorable in a fun way.

7. Awards and Recognitions (If Applicable)

If you’ve received any awards, include them here to showcase milestones in your journey.

Tips for Formatting Your CV

Presentation counts. As Flying Arts Alliance and Acting Studio Chicago advise, a well-formatted, professional-looking CV can make all the difference. Here are some quick formatting tips:

• Keep it to one page: This helps convey professionalism and respects the reader’s time.
• Font: Stick to simple, readable fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid playful fonts.
• Columns: Use either a three-column or four-column format for listing credits. Consistency and readability are key.
• Proofread meticulously: Ensure every name is spelled correctly and double-check contact details.
• Save as a PDF: This ensures your CV maintains its formatting across devices and operating systems.

Additional Advice

• Refresh Regularly: As you gain more experience, update your CV and remove less relevant or older credits.
• Get Feedback: Ask a trusted industry peer or mentor to review your CV. Fresh perspectives can be invaluable, especially for spotting areas for improvement.

Wrapping Up: Make It Yours

This guide is your starting point, but ultimately, your CV should be a reflection of you. Craft it with care, update it often, and keep refining as you grow. Now, you’re one step closer to creating a CV that can open doors and showcase your unique artistry.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create a CV that showcases your talent, professionalism, and readiness for your next opportunity in the performing arts.