Top 12 Performer Skills to Put on Your Resume

Crafting a compelling resume as a performer requires showcasing a unique blend of skills that highlight both your artistic talent and your professional dedication. This article delves into the top 12 skills essential for performers to include on their resumes, ensuring you stand out in the competitive world of entertainment.

Performer Skills

1. Improvisation
2. Choreography
3. Vocal Range
4. Dialects
5. Stage Combat
6. Ballet
7. Jazz Dance
8. Tap Dance
9. Sight Reading
10. Guitar Playing
11. Piano Skills
12. Pro Tools

1. Improvisation

Improvisation, for a performer, is the art of creating and performing spontaneously without pre-planning, allowing for real-time expression and reaction.

Why It's Important

Improvisation is important for a performer because it enhances creativity, allows for spontaneous expression, and enables adaptability to unexpected situations during a performance, enriching the overall experience for both the performer and the audience.

How to Improve Improvisation Skills

Improvisation can be significantly improved by practicing the following:

1. Listen Actively: Focus on your fellow performers to respond creatively. Listening in Improv
2. Embrace Mistakes: Use any misstep as an opportunity for a new direction. The Power of Mistakes in Improv
3. Yes, And: Always accept what's given and add to it, building the scene together. Yes And Principle
4. Practice Regularly: Join improv groups or classes to refine your skills through practice. Find Improv Classes
5. Stay Present: Focus on the moment to create authentic reactions and narratives. Staying Present
6. Expand Your Knowledge: Read widely and explore various interests to pull from a diverse range of ideas during improvisation. Improvisation Skills

Incorporate these practices into your routine to enhance your improvisational skills.

How to Display Improvisation Skills on Your Resume

2. Choreography

Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements and dances for performers to execute, often set to music, to convey a story, theme, or emotion.

Why It's Important

Choreography is crucial for performers as it provides a structured blueprint of movements and steps that enhances the visual storytelling, ensures synchronization among performers, and showcases their skills in a coherent and aesthetically pleasing manner.

How to Improve Choreography Skills

To improve choreography as a performer, focus on the following concise steps:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure a strong foundation in dance fundamentals. Practice basic steps, movements, and techniques daily. Dance Magazine offers insights and tips for dancers of all levels.

2. Study Various Styles: Expose yourself to different dance styles to enhance versatility. Websites like Stepping Out Studios provide classes in diverse dance genres.

3. Understand the Music: Deeply listen to the music you're choreographing to; understand its rhythm, mood, and structure. Music Theory for Musicians and Normal People offers excellent resources for understanding musical components.

4. Seek Inspiration: Watch performances, videos, and attend workshops. Platforms like TEDx Talks often feature innovative dance performances and choreographic insights.

5. Experiment and Improvise: Spend time freely moving to music to generate new ideas and movements. DancePlug offers tutorials and classes that can inspire creativity.

6. Get Feedback: Show your choreography to trusted mentors or peers and be open to their suggestions. Join forums or communities such as Dance.net to connect with other dancers and choreographers.

7. Practice and Refine: Continuously practice your choreography, refine movements, and ensure the storytelling or emotional intent is clear.

By integrating these strategies, performers can significantly enhance their choreographic skills and create more compelling and dynamic performances.

How to Display Choreography Skills on Your Resume

3. Vocal Range

Vocal range refers to the span of notes a performer can sing, from the lowest to the highest.

Why It's Important

Vocal range is important for a performer because it determines the variety of songs they can effectively sing, enhances their versatility and expression, and helps in matching roles or genres that best showcase their vocal abilities, ultimately contributing to their overall appeal and success.

How to Improve Vocal Range Skills

Improving vocal range, especially for performers, involves a combination of techniques, practice, and proper care of your voice. Here’s a very short and concise guide:

1. Warm Up Properly: Start with gentle vocal warm-ups to prepare your voice. This can include humming, lip trills, and scales. Vocal Warm-up Exercises

2. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Incorporate vocal exercises that stretch your range both upwards and downwards, gradually pushing your limits without strain. Practicing Tips

3. Use Proper Technique: Ensure you’re using correct posture, breathing, and placement to avoid strain. Focus on relaxed throat singing and proper support from your diaphragm. Proper Singing Technique

4. Stay Hydrated and Healthy: Drink plenty of water and avoid substances that can harm your voice, like caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. A healthy lifestyle supports a healthy voice. Vocal Health Tips

5. Seek Professional Guidance: A vocal coach can provide personalized feedback and strategies to safely expand your range. Finding a Vocal Coach

6. Rest Your Voice: Adequate rest is crucial. Avoid overusing your voice, and ensure you get enough silent periods. Voice Rest Importance

By following these steps and staying committed to your vocal health and improvement, you can work towards expanding your vocal range effectively.

How to Display Vocal Range Skills on Your Resume

4. Dialects

Dialects, in the context of a performer, refer to variations in language, including accents, vocabulary, and grammar, that a performer learns and adopts to authentically represent characters from different regions, cultures, or social backgrounds.

Why It's Important

Dialects are crucial for performers as they enhance authenticity, deepen character portrayal, and connect with diverse audiences, thereby enriching the storytelling experience.

How to Improve Dialects Skills

Improving dialects as a performer involves a focused approach on learning, practicing, and refining your ability to authentically reproduce the sounds and rhythms of various accents. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Listen and Analyze: Start by immersing yourself in the dialect. Listen to native speakers, focusing on rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation. Resources like IDEA (International Dialects of English Archive) provide a vast collection of dialect samples.

2. Learn the Sounds: Use materials from sources like Paul Meier Dialect Services to understand the phonetic changes from your accent to your target dialect.

3. Imitate and Practice: Replicate the dialect as closely as possible. Practice with scripts, and record yourself to self-evaluate. Tools like Forvo can help you hear and practice individual words.

4. Get Feedback: Work with a dialect coach for personalized feedback. A professional can pinpoint inaccuracies and provide strategies for improvement.

5. Incorporate into Performance: Apply the dialect in rehearsals and performances, ensuring it feels natural and consistent. Focus on maintaining the dialect under various performing conditions.

6. Continuous Learning: Keep listening and practicing. Dialect mastery is an ongoing process that benefits from regular refinement and exposure.

By combining these strategies, you can enhance your dialect skills, making your performances more authentic and engaging.

How to Display Dialects Skills on Your Resume

5. Stage Combat

Stage Combat refers to the choreographed simulation of physical fights (e.g., sword fighting, hand-to-hand combat) performed by actors in theatre, film, and television to ensure safety while maintaining the illusion of real conflict for the audience.

Why It's Important

Stage combat is crucial for performers as it ensures the safe and convincing portrayal of physical conflict, enhancing storytelling while protecting actors from injury.

How to Improve Stage Combat Skills

Improving your stage combat skills as a performer involves practice, training, and understanding the nuances of physical storytelling. Here are concise tips:

1. Take Classes: Enroll in stage combat classes from reputable institutions or workshops. Focus on various styles such as fencing, hand-to-hand combat, and martial arts to broaden your skill set.

2. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps in refining movements and reactions. Partner with fellow performers for rehearsal to enhance timing and coordination.

3. Understand the Choreography: Deeply analyze and understand the choreography to perform movements naturally and safely. Remember, the goal is to tell a story, not just execute moves.

4. Physical Fitness: Maintain a high level of physical fitness. Strength, flexibility, and stamina are crucial for performing combat scenes convincingly and without injury. ACE Fitness offers guidance on exercise programs.

5. Watch and Learn: Study performances known for excellent stage combat. Observe how actors convey emotion and intent through their movements. Resources like National Theatre’s YouTube Channel often provide behind-the-scenes looks at stage combat.

6. Feedback and Reflection: Seek feedback from directors, choreographers, and peers. Reflect on your performances to identify areas for improvement.

7. Safety First: Always prioritize safety for yourself and your scene partners. Understand and adhere to safety protocols during rehearsals and performances.

By focusing on these areas, performers can significantly enhance their stage combat skills, leading to more dynamic and believable performances.

How to Display Stage Combat Skills on Your Resume

6. Ballet

Ballet, for a performer, is a highly technical form of dance that emphasizes grace, precision, and discipline, utilizing specific steps and gestures to convey storytelling and emotion.

Why It's Important

Ballet is important for a performer because it provides a foundational technique that enhances body awareness, discipline, and expression, enabling them to execute movements with precision and convey emotions effectively on stage.

How to Improve Ballet Skills

Improving ballet skills as a performer involves dedication, practice, and a focus on several key areas. Here's a concise guide:

1. Technique Mastery: Attend regular ballet classes and workshops to refine your technique. Pay close attention to your form, alignment, and execution of movements.

2. Strength and Flexibility: Incorporate a strength and conditioning program tailored for ballet. This should include Pilates, yoga, or specific exercises focusing on core, leg, and foot strength, alongside daily stretching to improve flexibility.

3. Nutrition and Hydration: Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support muscle recovery and energy levels. Stay hydrated to maintain peak physical performance.

4. Mental Preparation: Practice mental visualization techniques and mindfulness to enhance focus, reduce performance anxiety, and improve stage presence.

5. Feedback and Adaptation: Seek constructive feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. Use it to identify areas for improvement and adapt your training accordingly.

6. Performance Experience: Gain as much performance experience as possible. Audition for roles, participate in competitions, and perform in showcases to build confidence and stage presence.

7. Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate time for rest and recovery. Listen to your body to prevent overtraining and injuries.

By focusing on these areas, performers can steadily improve their ballet skills and overall performance.

How to Display Ballet Skills on Your Resume

7. Jazz Dance

Jazz dance is a performance art characterized by its energetic, dynamic movements and rhythmic, expressive style, often set to jazz music or influenced by its rhythms. It blends various dance techniques and emphasizes improvisation, individual expression, and theatricality.

Why It's Important

Jazz dance is important for a performer because it enhances versatility, improves technique, and fosters expressiveness and individuality, essential qualities for a dynamic and engaging stage presence.

How to Improve Jazz Dance Skills

Improving in jazz dance as a performer involves a combination of technique enhancement, physical conditioning, and performance skills development. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Master the Basics: Focus on the fundamentals of jazz dance. Attend classes regularly and practice basic steps and movements. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offers various classes that could be beneficial.

2. Flexibility and Strength Training: Incorporate flexibility exercises and strength training into your routine to improve your dance performance. Yoga and Pilates are excellent for dancers. The Balanced Life offers online Pilates classes.

3. Learn from the Pros: Watch performances by professional jazz dancers and companies. Analyze their technique, expression, and how they interpret music. YouTube is a great resource for watching performances.

4. Improve Musicality: Understanding and interpreting music is crucial. Listen to a wide range of jazz music and practice dancing to different rhythms and styles. Spotify playlists can be a good starting point to explore jazz music.

5. Attend Workshops and Masterclasses: Participate in workshops and masterclasses to learn from experienced dancers and choreographers. This will also expose you to different styles within jazz dance. Keep an eye on Dance Magazine’s listings for opportunities.

6. Performance Practice: Perform as much as possible. Whether it’s in class, at local events, or on stage, each performance is a chance to improve. Record your performances and critically assess them to identify areas for improvement.

7. Feedback and Mentoring: Seek feedback from teachers, peers, and mentors. Constructive criticism is invaluable for improvement. Consider finding a mentor who can guide you in your dance career.

8. Cross-Training: Engage in cross-training to enhance your overall dance performance. Activities like swimming, running, and cycling can improve your stamina and cardiovascular health.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your jazz dance skills and performance. Remember, consistent practice and a willingness to learn and adapt are key to your development as a jazz dancer.

How to Display Jazz Dance Skills on Your Resume

8. Tap Dance

Tap dance is a rhythmic and percussive dance form characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Performers create intricate musical patterns and rhythms through a combination of foot movements and tap sounds.

Why It's Important

Tap dance is important for a performer as it enhances their rhythm, musicality, and coordination. It adds a unique dimension to their skill set, enabling them to engage audiences through both visual and auditory elements, making their performances more dynamic and versatile.

How to Improve Tap Dance Skills

Improving tap dance skills involves a combination of practice, technique refinement, and learning from others. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Daily Practice: Dedicate time each day to practice, focusing on rhythm, timing, and footwork. Consistency is key to muscle memory and skill improvement.
2. Technique Focus: Pay attention to the clarity of your sounds. Work on perfecting basic steps (Shuffles, Flaps, Time Steps) before moving on to more complex combinations.
3. Watch Professionals: Study performances by professional tap dancers. Notice their precision, timing, and how they interpret music. Sites like YouTube are great resources for finding performances and tutorials.
4. Take Classes: Enroll in classes with experienced instructors who can provide personalized feedback and introduce you to new techniques. Websites like Steps on Broadway or local dance studios offer classes for various skill levels.
5. Record Yourself: Video record your practice sessions. Watching yourself can help identify areas for improvement that you might not notice in the moment.
6. Stay Fit: Tap dancing is physically demanding. Maintain a fitness routine that builds strength, flexibility, and endurance. Pilates and yoga can be beneficial for dancers.
7. Join a Community: Connect with other tap dancers through forums, social media groups, or local dance communities. Sharing experiences and tips can be incredibly helpful. Meetup often has listings for dance groups.
8. Perform Regularly: Look for opportunities to perform, whether in shows, competitions, or informal gatherings. Performance experience is invaluable for growth and confidence.

By integrating these strategies into your training regimen, you'll be on your way to improving your tap dance skills as a performer.

How to Display Tap Dance Skills on Your Resume

9. Sight Reading

Sight reading for a performer refers to the ability to read and perform music at first sight, without prior preparation, accurately interpreting the musical notation, rhythm, and dynamics.

Why It's Important

Sight reading is crucial for performers as it enables them to quickly learn and accurately interpret new pieces of music, facilitating efficient rehearsal processes, enhancing adaptability during performances, and expanding their repertoire.

How to Improve Sight Reading Skills

Improving sight-reading as a performer involves consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of music. Here are concise steps to enhance your skills:

1. Daily Practice: Dedicate time every day specifically for sight-reading beyond your regular practice. Use new pieces at or slightly below your level to avoid frustration.

2. Rhythmic Reading: Focus on accurately reading rhythms, as timing is crucial. Tools like The Rhythm Trainer can help.

3. Interval Recognition: Improve your ability to recognize intervals on sight to quickly identify notes. Resources like musictheory.net offer exercises for this.

4. Scan Before Playing: Take a moment to scan the piece for key signatures, tempo markings, and any challenging sections before starting.

5. Sight-Reading Apps and Websites: Utilize technology for practice. Websites like SightReadingFactory.com generate new music for sight-reading.

6. Ensemble Playing: Playing in a group setting, such as an orchestra or band, can significantly improve your sight-reading skills by forcing you to keep pace.

7. Limit Corrections: While practicing sight-reading, try to play through mistakes. Stopping frequently can disrupt your flow and rhythm.

By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you'll gradually notice improvements in your sight-reading abilities, making you a more versatile and confident performer.

How to Display Sight Reading Skills on Your Resume

10. Guitar Playing

Guitar playing, in the context of a performer, involves skillfully manipulating the strings of a guitar to produce music, either solo or as part of a group, for an audience's entertainment.

Why It's Important

For a performer, guitar playing is important as it enhances musical versatility, allows for creative expression, and facilitates direct engagement with audiences, enriching the performance experience.

How to Improve Guitar Playing Skills

Improving guitar playing, especially for performers, involves focused practice, technique refinement, and performance skills enhancement. Here are concise tips with relevant resources:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure a solid foundation in guitar basics; chords, scales, and rhythm. JustinGuitar offers comprehensive lessons.

2. Practice Regularly: Develop a consistent, focused practice routine. ArtistWorks provides structured lessons for various skill levels.

3. Learn Music Theory: Understanding theory helps in improvisation and composition. MusicTheory.net offers free resources.

4. Play Along with Recordings: This improves timing, rhythm, and musicality. Use tools like Ultimate Guitar for tabs and chords.

5. Record and Analyze Your Playing: Identifying weaknesses and tracking progress. Use simple recording tools on your smartphone or computer.

6. Perform Regularly: Gain experience and confidence by performing in front of others, even if it's just friends or family initially.

7. Seek Feedback: Get constructive criticism from teachers, peers, or online communities like r/Guitar on Reddit.

8. Take Professional Lessons: A good teacher can provide personalized guidance and accelerate your progress. Look for local teachers or use online platforms like TakeLessons.

9. Experiment with Different Genres: Broadens your musical vocabulary and technique. Explore various styles through listening and practice.

10. Stay Inspired: Watch live performances, listen to great guitarists, and remember why you started playing. TED Talks on Music can be very motivating.

By incorporating these strategies into your practice and performance routine, you'll see significant improvements in your guitar playing skills.

How to Display Guitar Playing Skills on Your Resume

11. Piano Skills

Piano skills for a performer involve the ability to read music, interpret compositions, and execute them with technical proficiency and expressive musicality on the piano.

Why It's Important

For a performer, piano skills are vital as they enhance musicality, understanding of theory, versatility in repertoire, and the ability to accompany oneself or collaborate with others, thus broadening performance opportunities.

How to Improve Piano Skills Skills

Improving piano skills, especially for a performer, involves consistent practice, focused techniques, and the utilization of various resources. Here's a concise guide:

1. Daily Practice: Dedicate time daily to practice. Even short, focused sessions can lead to significant improvement.
2. Scales and Arpeggios: Regularly play scales and arpeggios to improve finger strength and agility. MusicTheory.net offers exercises.
3. Learn from the Masters: Watch performances by accomplished pianists. Websites like Medici.tv provide access to concerts and masterclasses.
4. Record and Analyze: Record your performances, listen back to identify areas for improvement. Audacity is a free recording software.
5. Sight Reading: Practice sight-reading daily to enhance your ability to quickly interpret new music. SightReadingFactory.com offers customized exercises.
6. Theory and Ear Training: Enhance your musical understanding and ear skills. Teoria provides tutorials and exercises.
7. Engage With a Teacher: Regular lessons with a skilled teacher can provide personalized feedback and guidance. TakeLessons is a platform to find teachers.
8. Perform Regularly: Seek opportunities to perform, whether in recitals, online, or for friends, to gain confidence and stage presence.
9. Mental Practice: Visualize playing your pieces away from the piano. This mental rehearsal can improve memorization and performance.
10. Physical Fitness: Maintain physical health, particularly hand and arm strength, to support your playing. Yoga can help with flexibility and injury prevention.

By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can significantly enhance your piano performance skills.

How to Display Piano Skills Skills on Your Resume

12. Pro Tools

Pro Tools is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) software used for music creation, recording, editing, and mixing, offering advanced features tailored for performers to produce high-quality audio productions.

Why It's Important

Pro Tools is important for performers as it offers professional-grade recording, editing, and mixing capabilities, enabling them to produce high-quality audio tracks and refine their performances to industry standards.

How to Improve Pro Tools Skills

Improving your experience with Pro Tools as a performer involves enhancing both the software's functionality and your personal workflow. Here are concise tips:

1. Optimize Your Setup: Ensure your computer meets Pro Tools' System Requirements for smooth performance.
2. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with Pro Tools Keyboard Shortcuts to speed up your editing and recording process.
3. Use High-Quality Plugins: Invest in high-quality plugins for better sound processing. Research and select plugins that fit your specific needs.
4. Regular Updates: Keep Pro Tools and your plugins up to date to benefit from the latest features and bug fixes.
5. Optimize Audio Settings: Adjust your buffer size and sample rate for optimal performance. Lower buffer sizes for recording (to reduce latency) and higher for mixing (to allow more processing power).
6. External Hardware: Use a high-quality audio interface and microphone to improve your input signal quality. Research trusted brands and read reviews.
7. Educational Resources: Continuously learn through resources like Pro Tools Expert for tips, tricks, and tutorials.
8. Custom Templates: Create templates for your sessions to save time on setup for recording or mixing.
9. Networking and Collaboration: Use features like Avid Cloud Collaboration to work with others and learn new techniques.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your Pro Tools experience, leading to more efficient sessions and better-quality recordings.

How to Display Pro Tools Skills on Your Resume