Musical Theatre Performer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of live entertainment, the focus on musical theatre performers has never been greater.

The performing arts landscape evolves constantly, and with each new theatrical production, the demand for talented performers who can captivate, entertain, and bring stories to life on stage grows stronger.

But let’s pull back the curtain: What’s truly expected from a musical theatre performer?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring performer seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A casting director formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamic world of musical theatre,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile musical theatre performer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or casting sites.

Let’s take the stage and dive right in.

Musical Theatre Performer Duties and Responsibilities

Musical Theatre Performers use their talents in singing, acting, and dancing to bring a theatrical production to life.

They often play a character part which requires them to evoke emotions and narratives through their performance.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Study and learn scripts, songs, and choreography for performances
• Rehearse under the guidance of directors and choreographers to refine their performance
• Perform in front of live audiences, portraying characters effectively
• Sing and dance as part of a performance, maintaining timing and rhythm
• Participate in costume fittings and makeup application
• Attend promotional events, such as photo shoots, interviews, and public appearances
• Take care of their physical health to maintain the energy and stamina necessary for performing
• Engage in regular practice and training to enhance their skills and talents
• Work collaboratively with other cast members, directors, and production staff
• Take direction from choreographers and directors, and incorporate feedback into their performance

 

Musical Theatre Performer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a talented and passionate Musical Theatre Performer to join our artistic team.

The ideal candidate will have strong vocal, dance, and acting skills, with the ability to portray characters convincingly on stage.

Musical Theatre Performer’s responsibilities include rehearsing lines, learning songs, attending dance rehearsals, and delivering performances that captivate audiences.

Ultimately, the role of a Musical Theatre Performer is to bring to life the characters in our musical productions, contributing to the overall success of the show.

 

Responsibilities

• Participate in auditions and casting calls
• Learn and rehearse lines, songs, and choreography
• Collaborate with directors, choreographers, and fellow cast members to develop characters
• Deliver engaging and compelling performances during live shows
• Maintain excellent physical condition and vocal health
• Participate in promotional events, such as meet and greets or signing sessions
• Review scripts and research roles to understand character’s traits and purpose
• Follow directions from director and choreographer during rehearsals and performances

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Musical Theatre Performer or similar role
• Ability to sing, dance, and act convincingly
• Exceptional understanding of rhythm, tempo, and music
• Ability to learn lines and routines quickly
• Availability to work evenings and weekends
• Ability to handle the physical demands of the role
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• A degree in performing arts, drama, musical theatre, or relevant field is preferable

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to perform in front of diverse audiences

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Musical Theatre Performer
• Work Environment: Theatre settings, rehearsals, and performances may include travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of the show or Theatre Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our theatre. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, headshot, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Musical Theatre Performer Do?

Musical Theatre Performers are artists who use their singing, dancing, and acting skills to portray characters in musical theatre productions.

This can include shows on Broadway, touring productions, regional theatre, and more.

They typically spend much of their time learning and rehearsing scripts, songs, and choreography for their roles.

They may work closely with directors, choreographers, vocal coaches, and fellow cast members to develop their characters and the overall performance.

Musical Theatre Performers also perform in front of live audiences, and their job requires them to engage the audience and convey the story and emotions of their characters effectively.

They need to be able to perform under pressure and adapt to changes in live performances.

In addition to their performance responsibilities, Musical Theatre Performers often participate in promotional events for their shows, such as meet-and-greets, interviews, or special performances.

They may also be required to maintain their physical health and vocal stamina, as their roles often demand a high level of energy and endurance.

They may also have to attend auditions regularly to secure new roles and opportunities.

Some Performers may also teach or coach others in singing, acting, or dancing.

 

Musical Theatre Performer Qualifications and Skills

A Musical Theatre Performer should have a variety of skills and qualifications which allow them to captivate and entertain their audience, such as:

• Vocal ability to sing in a variety of styles and ranges, reflecting different characters and moods.
• Physical fitness and coordination for dance routines, stage movements, and long performances.
• Acting skills to portray a range of characters, emotions, and storylines convincingly.
• Ability to read and interpret scripts, as well as to improvise when necessary.
• Ability to work well in a team, including taking direction from directors and collaborating with other performers and backstage crew.
• Understanding of musical theory and ability to read sheet music.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with fellow cast members, directors, and crew.
• Resilience and adaptability to handle the pressures of performing, including rejection, criticism, and a demanding schedule.
• Commitment and dedication to continuous learning and improving their craft through practice and training.

 

Musical Theatre Performer Experience Requirements

Experience requirements for a Musical Theatre Performer can vary significantly, but a basic requirement is experience in singing, acting, and dancing, often acquired through formal training or participation in community or school theatre productions.

Starting as a beginner, individuals may gain experience through school performances, community theatre, or local workshops.

This can include roles in plays, musicals, or even choral performances.

This level of experience helps to build fundamental skills in performing, stage presence, and understanding the dynamics of a live performance.

Intermediate performers often have at least 2-3 years of experience, which could include working in regional theatre productions, performing in a travelling troupe, or even roles in smaller off-Broadway productions.

These performers have a solid understanding of character development, can perform complex dance routines, and have experience singing a variety of musical styles.

Advanced performers typically have more than 5 years of experience and may have performed in professional theatre productions, on Broadway, or in national tours.

They have strong acting, singing, and dancing skills, and may also have experience in specialized areas such as acrobatics, puppetry, or opera.

Some roles may require performers to have experience in specific dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, or tap.

Many experienced performers also have formal training from a college or university in musical theatre, dance, or a related field.

However, significant on-stage experience can sometimes be considered in lieu of formal education.

Advanced performers may also have experience in related roles, such as choreography, directing, or teaching.

 

Musical Theatre Performer Education and Training Requirements

Musical Theatre Performers typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Musical Theatre, Drama, or a related field.

They also need a strong background in singing, dancing, and acting, often known as the triple threat in musical theatre.

A solid foundation in these areas is typically gained through years of formal training and practice.

Many Musical Theatre Performers also hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Musical Theatre, which helps them further hone their craft, specialize in a particular area, and be more competitive in the industry.

In addition to formal education, Musical Theatre Performers need extensive practical experience.

This is often gained through performing in school productions, community theatre, and other local performances.

Performers may also attend workshops and classes to further refine their skills in singing, dancing, acting, and other areas such as improvisation or character development.

Additionally, Musical Theatre Performers often need to be skilled in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, and tap.

They may choose to obtain certifications in these areas to demonstrate their proficiency and dedication to their craft.

Lastly, while not a formal requirement, the ability to play a musical instrument can be a valuable asset for a Musical Theatre Performer.

 

Musical Theatre Performer Salary Expectations

A Musical Theatre Performer earns an average salary of $51,000 (USD) per year.

This amount can significantly vary based on the performer’s experience, location, the size and prestige of the theatre, and the scale of the production.

Notably, performers in Broadway productions typically earn much higher wages.

 

Musical Theatre Performer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Musical Theatre Performer need?

A Musical Theatre Performer needs to have strong singing, dancing, and acting skills.

They should also have the ability to interpret and portray a character convincingly on stage.

Stamina and physical fitness are important as performances often require significant physical effort.

Additionally, a Musical Theatre Performer should have good communication skills, creativity, teamwork skills, and the ability to take direction.

 

Do Musical Theatre Performers need a degree?

While a degree isn’t strictly necessary for a career in musical theatre, many performers choose to study a relevant subject to develop their skills and understanding.

Degrees in Musical Theatre, Drama, Dance or Music can all be beneficial.

However, practical experience and raw talent are often just as important as formal education.

 

What should you look for in a Musical Theatre Performer resume?

A Musical Theatre Performer’s resume should include any formal training they have received, as well as a detailed account of their performance history.

This should include the roles they have played, the production companies they have worked with, and any notable directors or choreographers they have worked under.

Also look for details of any specialized skills such as acrobatics, puppetry, or the ability to play musical instruments.

 

What qualities make a good Musical Theatre Performer?

A good Musical Theatre Performer is expressive, charismatic, and has a passion for performance.

They should be disciplined, reliable, and able to cope well under pressure.

Good performers are also able to take feedback and direction, and continuously work on improving their skills.

They should have a strong stage presence and the ability to engage an audience.

 

Is it difficult to hire Musical Theatre Performers?

Casting the right person for a role in a musical theatre production can be a challenge due to the specific skill sets, talent, and charisma required.

However, the industry is full of talented performers eager for opportunities.

It’s important to host auditions, allowing potential performers to showcase their abilities, and to have a clear idea of the character and skills you’re looking for.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a backstage pass into the world of a musical theatre performer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about hitting the right notes or perfecting your dance moves.

It’s about bringing stories to life, one performance at a time.

With our tailored musical theatre performer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the stage.

But why stop there?

Take a bow and then dive into our job description generator. It’s your encore performance, your next step to creating compelling job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every performance is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s narrate that story. Together.

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