Monologist Resume Examples & Templates
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Monologist Resume Examples and Templates
Monologist Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantifiable achievements
The resume showcases impressive statistics, like 'attracting audiences of over 5,000' and 'increasing participation by 40%'. These quantifiable results highlight the candidate's effectiveness as a monologist, making them more appealing for the role.
Engaging introduction
The introduction clearly states the candidate's experience and ability to engage audiences through storytelling. Phrases like 'dynamic and engaging' immediately capture attention, setting a positive tone for the resume.
Relevant experience
The work experience section lists significant roles in recognized venues, like Cultura Brasil and Teatro Nacional. This directly relates to the role of a monologist, showcasing the candidate's credibility and expertise in the field.
Diverse skill set
The skills section covers essential abilities like 'Public Speaking' and 'Audience Engagement', which are vital for a monologist. This alignment with the job requirements strengthens the candidate's profile.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks a tailored summary
The summary could specifically mention what makes the candidate unique as a monologist. Adding a personal touch or unique storytelling style would enhance their appeal and resonate better with potential employers.
Limited use of industry keywords
The resume could benefit from incorporating more specific industry keywords related to monologuing, such as 'performance art' or 'narrative techniques'. This could help improve visibility in ATS searches.
No mention of future goals
Adding a section about future aspirations in the field could provide insight into the candidate's career direction. This helps employers understand their commitment and vision as a monologist.
No links to performance samples
Including links to video performances or a portfolio would enhance the resume. This showcases the candidate's work and gives potential employers a direct view of their storytelling skills.
1. How to write a Monologist resume
Finding Monologist gigs can feel isolating when you send resumes and hear little back. How do you show your voice and stage results quickly? Hiring managers care about clear evidence of audience impact and specific performance credits. Whether you emphasize clever descriptors, you often neglect measurable runs and venue names.
This guide will help you craft a resume that highlights your solo work and audience results. You'll learn to replace vague "performed" lines with concrete notes on sold-out runs and audience numbers. Whether it's Work Experience and Performance Credits, you'll see exact phrasing and format examples. After reading, you'll have a resume that clearly proves your voice, venues, and measurable stage impact.
Use the right format for a Monologist resume
Pick a format that shows your storytelling and performance path. Chronological fits if you have steady gigs and clear progression. Functional or combination works if you switched careers or have gaps between runs.
Keep it ATS-friendly. Use clear headings, simple fonts, and one column. Avoid tables, images, or complex layouts that break parsing.
- Chronological: list roles by date. Use this when you have continuous performance or writing credits.
- Functional: focus on skills and projects. Use this when you have diverse work or gaps.
- Combination: mix both. Use this when you want to highlight core strengths plus a steady role list.
Craft an impactful Monologist resume summary
Your summary opens the resume. Use it to show voice, experience, and signature themes. Experienced monologists use a summary; beginners use an objective.
Use this formula: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization or style] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. Align phrases with role listings and keywords from casting calls or program notes.
Keep it tight and active. Mention audiences, venues, published pieces, and awards. Show impact with numbers if you can.
Good resume summary example
Experienced — Summary: "8 years as a solo monologist specializing in character-driven political satire. Strong narrative structure, live timing, and audience engagement. Headlined 4 regional festivals and grew average audience size by 35% per run."
Why this works: It gives years, style, core skills, and a measurable achievement. It tells a hiring manager what you do and the results you get.
Entry-level — Objective: "Emerging monologist with a background in spoken-word and improv. Seeking a residency to refine long-form material. Comfortable with audience work, rapid rewrites, and local festival slots."
Why this works: It states background, intent, and transferable skills. It reads as focused and realistic for a newcomer.
Bad resume summary example
"Creative performer with strong writing and stage presence seeking opportunities to perform and grow."
Why this fails: It sounds vague. It lacks years, genre, venue names, and measurable outcomes. It doesn't tell the reader what makes you different.
Highlight your Monologist work experience
List roles in reverse-chronological order. For each entry give Job Title, Company/Venue, Location, and dates. Keep titles clear, like 'Monologist' or 'Solo Performer.' Use venue names and festival titles when relevant.
Write bullet points that open with action verbs. Show concrete results with numbers. Use audience size, ticket sales, reviews, or commission dollars. The STAR method helps: state the Situation, Task, Action, and Result briefly.
Examples of strong verbs: crafted, premiered, toured, adapted, secured, collaborated. Tailor bullets to match keywords from job ads and casting calls.
Good work experience example
"Monologist — Hayes-Runte Theatre, Chicago, IL (2019–2023): Wrote and performed a 60-minute solo show that sold out 8-week runs. Developed revised script from audience feedback and increased ticket sales by 42% between first and second runs."
Why this works: It names venue, gives dates, describes the task, actions, and a clear metric for impact. It shows growth and audience appeal.
Bad work experience example
"Monologist — Nicolas Studio, 2018–2020: Performed solo shows at local venues and festivals. Wrote original material and worked with directors."
Why this fails: It lists duties but lacks numbers, venue scale, or outcomes. It doesn't show measurable impact or audience reach.
Present relevant education for a Monologist
List school, degree, location, and graduation year. For recent grads, put education near the top and add GPA, relevant coursework, or notable instructors.
Experienced performers can shorten this section. Put only degree, school, and year. Put certificates like playwriting, improv, or voice coaching in a separate section if they add value.
Good education example
"B.F.A. in Creative Writing and Performance — Wintheiser and Shanahan University, 2016. Coursework: Solo Performance Workshop, Voice and Text. Studied under guest artist Danica Walsh."
Why this works: It shows relevant training, coursework, and a named mentor. That helps casting directors and festival programmers assess fit.
Bad education example
"BA — Runolfsson-Crist College, 2014."
Why this fails: It lacks major, relevant coursework, or any connection to performance. It leaves questions about training and focus.
Add essential skills for a Monologist resume
Technical skills for a Monologist resume
Soft skills for a Monologist resume
Include these powerful action words on your Monologist resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Monologist
Add projects, certifications, awards, publications, or languages. Pick items that show depth in solo work and writing. Short festival blurbs or press quotes help.
Volunteer teaching or community gigs matter. Put them here when they show outreach or audience-building skills.
Good example
"Project: 'City Voices' — 2022. Wrote and performed a 40-minute piece for Boyle-Strosin Fringe. Collaborated with 3 local poets. Sold 600 tickets across six showings. Press: two 4-star reviews."
Why this works: It states the project, collaborators, measurable reach, and press. It shows clear impact and teamwork on a solo piece.
Bad example
"Volunteer: Hosted open-mic nights at Zulauf-King Cafe, 2019. Organized events and invited performers."
Why this fails: It lists duties but lacks scale, outcomes, or specific achievements. It reads generic and doesn't show audience growth or impact.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Monologist
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They rank and filter applications before a human reads them.
For a Monologist, ATS looks for words like "solo performance", "scriptwriting", "stage direction", "voice work", "character development", "improvisation", "dramaturgy", "stagecraft", "performance tour", "MFA in Acting", and union memberships like "SAG-AFTRA".
- Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Certifications".
- Include role titles and dates in simple lines, like "Monologist — Baumbach Group — 2019–2022".
- List technical and soft skills as plain keywords: "stage lighting", "voice modulation", "solo scriptwriting".
Avoid complex formatting like tables, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or columns. Keep layout linear so parsers read it easily.
Use readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save as a simple .docx or basic PDF. Don't use heavy design tools that embed text as images.
Don’t replace exact keywords with creative synonyms. For example, don't write only "one-person storyteller" when the posting uses "monologist".
Also avoid putting important info in headers or footers. ATS may skip those sections. Put contact info, job titles, dates, and skills in the main body.
ATS-compatible example
Experience
Monologist — Romaguera-Legros — 2020–2024
- Wrote and performed 40+ solo pieces focusing on character development and voice modulation.
- Led workshops on solo scriptwriting, improvisation, and audience engagement.
Skills
Solo performance, Scriptwriting, Voice modulation, Character development, Stagecraft, Improvisation, Dramaturgy, Tour coordination, MFA in Acting
Why this works:
This layout uses standard headings and clear keywords that match Monologist job listings. The skills line lists target terms so ATS flags them.
ATS-incompatible example
About Me
Creative solo storyteller and theatrical artist who thrills audiences with one-person shows.
| Shows | 2018–2023 |
Highlights
- Performed at many venues, handled lights, sound, and crowds.
Contact
Info in header: Stacey Gibson, email hidden in image.
Why this fails:
The resume uses a nonstandard header and a table. ATS often skips headers and can't read images or tables. It also avoids exact keywords like "monologist" and "scriptwriting".
3. How to format and design a Monologist resume
Pick a clean, professional template that highlights performance and credits. Use reverse-chronological or hybrid layout so recent roles and notable performances sit near the top. That helps casting directors and hiring managers scan your work fast.
Keep length tight. One page works well for early-career monologists. You can use two pages only if you have many lead performances, awards, or touring credits.
Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text between 10 and 12pt and headers at 14 to 16pt. Keep consistent line spacing and margins so your document breathes and reads easily.
Structure your sections clearly. Use standard headings such as Contact, Profile (one sentence), Performance Credits, Training, Skills, Awards, and Select Reviews. That makes your file easy to scan by humans and software alike.
Avoid fancy columns, background images, and multiple fonts. Those elements confuse parsing tools and distract readers. Keep color minimal and use bold or italics sparingly to emphasize roles or awards.
Watch common mistakes. Don’t cram your resume with long paragraphs of text. Don’t list unrelated jobs without context. Don’t use nonstandard section titles that casting teams won’t recognize.
Make each credit clear. List role, piece title, director, venue or company, and year. Add a one-line note for awards or notable reviews when relevant.
Well formatted example
Marvin Heaney — Monologist
Contact | Email | Phone | Location
Performance Credits
- Lead Monologue, "The Quiet Crowd" — Dir. Pres. Aline Kunze, Boyle-Schimmel, 2024
- Solo Piece, "Night Letters" — Dir. Cody Schowalter, Grant Inc, 2022
Training
- Advanced Solo Performance, Barton LLC Studio
Awards
- Best Solo Show, Regional Fringe, 2023
Why this works: This layout uses clear headings, simple font choices, and concise credit lines. It highlights recent roles first and gives casting teams what they need quickly.
Poorly formatted example
Jazmin Hessel JD — Monologist
Contact info centered, large colored header. Multiple side columns list credits and unrelated jobs together.
Performance Credits
- "Monologue A" — Venue, 2018 — long paragraph describing the show and every venue detail.
- "Monologue B" — Conroy LLC — no director listed.
Training and awards squeezed into a narrow column with tiny text.
Why this fails: The column layout and long paragraphs make scanning hard. Casting teams and ATS may miss key fields like director and year.
4. Cover letter for a Monologist
Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Monologist. It shows your voice, your stage instincts, and why you fit that specific role. A good letter complements your resume and shows you care about the piece and the company.
Key sections
- Header: Put your contact details, the company's name, and the date. Add the hiring manager's name if you know it.
- Opening paragraph: Name the Monologist role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the production or venue. Lead with your strongest, relevant qualification or where you saw the job.
- Body paragraphs (1–3): Link your experience to the role. Mention relevant projects, voice work, and rehearsal processes. Give one or two technical skills, such as script analysis or character development. Add soft skills like adaptability and collaboration. Use numbers when you can, for example audience sizes, show runs, or awards. Pull keywords from the job posting and reflect them back.
- Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Monologist role and the company. State confidence in your contribution. Ask for an interview or audition slot and thank the reader for their time.
Tone matters. Keep a professional, confident, and warm voice. Write like you speak to a friend. Use contractions and short sentences. Tailor each letter; avoid generic templates and copy-paste lines.
Keep sentences short and direct. Cut filler words and use strong verbs. Read the letter aloud to check rhythm and voice. Match the company tone when you can.
Sample a Monologist cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am applying for the Monologist role at The Public Theater. I fell in love with the company’s recent solo season and I want to bring my voice to your stage.
I have six years of solo performance experience. I wrote and performed a one-woman show that ran for 14 performances across regional festivals. Critics noted my clear storytelling and emotional range.
My work blends tight script work with strong audience connection. I develop characters through detailed text analysis and physical choices. I also lead my own rehearsal process and collaborate with directors and lighting designers.
I can adapt quickly during runs and react to audience energy. I have experience with intimate venues and a 300-seat black box. At my last run I increased ticket sales by 25 percent through targeted outreach and small workshops.
I am excited about the Monologist role at The Public Theater because your programs value bold, personal work. I am confident I can contribute both new writing and disciplined performance craft.
I would welcome an audition or a meeting to discuss the piece you have in mind. Thank you for considering my application and for your time.
Sincerely,
Ava Moreno
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Monologist resume
If you write a resume for a Monologist, small errors can cost you auditions. You need to show voice, character work, and stage results clearly.
Pay attention to wording, links to demos, and role details. A little polish makes casting directors read on.
Vague role descriptions
Mistake Example: "Performed solo pieces at several venues."
Correction: Be specific about the pieces, audience, and your role. For example: "Wrote and performed a 20-minute autobiographical monologue for 150-seat Theatre West, receiving a standing ovation and three press mentions."
Not linking to demo material
Mistake Example: "Available for reels upon request."
Correction: Put direct links to short clips and full reels. For example: "Demo reel (2:15): https://youtu.be/example. Full show (45:00): https://vimeo.com/example."
Listing irrelevant jobs without context
Mistake Example: "Barista, 2018-2020" with no link to performing skills.
Correction: Tie work to performance skills or drop it. For example: "Barista, 2018-2020 — developed quick improvisation and crowd rapport while hosting open mic nights."
Ignoring measurable outcomes
Mistake Example: "Received positive feedback from audiences."
Correction: Give numbers or concrete results. For example: "Sold out three consecutive runs at The Loft Studio, averaging 120 attendees per show, and increased repeat bookings by 40%."
Typos and poor formatting
Mistake Example: "Monologst, Perfomed at: The Small Stage; email:youremail@"
Correction: Proofread and use clear headings. For example: "Monologist — Selected Performances" followed by a neat list. Run spellcheck and ask a peer to read it aloud.
6. FAQs about Monologist resumes
If you perform solo pieces or write and deliver monologues, this page helps you shape a resume that highlights your voice, credits, and performance range. Use these FAQs and tips to present your work clearly and get casting directors, producers, and venues to notice you.
What core skills should I list on a Monologist resume?
What core skills should I list on a Monologist resume?
Mention skills that show your performance and writing range.
- Stage presence and voice control
- Scriptwriting or adaptation
- Improvisation and timing
- Physicality or movement skills
- Recording or livestream experience
Which resume format works best for Monologists?
Which resume format works best for Monologists?
Use a clear, chronological or hybrid format.
Start with contact and a short profile. Then list key performances, writing credits, and training. Keep dates and venues easy to scan.
How long should my Monologist resume be?
How long should my Monologist resume be?
Keep it to one page if you have under ten credits.
If you have many performances, extend to two pages. Put most recent and relevant work first.
How do I show self-produced pieces or a solo show?
How do I show self-produced pieces or a solo show?
Label self-produced work clearly and show results.
- Include title, year, venue, and role (writer/performer/producer).
- Note audience size, festival selections, or press mentions.
- Link to clips or a website when possible.
Pro Tips
Lead with a short performance summary
Write one or two lines that show your style and strengths. Say whether you write, perform, or both. Casting directors read that first, so make it count.
Quantify your work
List measurable details like festival selections, audience numbers, or number of shows. Numbers give context and help people imagine your reach.
Include links to clips and scripts
Add clear links to performance clips, a show reel, or scripts. Make sure the links work and point to short, high-impact excerpts.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Monologist resume
To wrap up, focus your Monologist resume on clear, measurable proof of your solo work and stage impact.
- Use a clean, professional, ATS-friendly format so hiring teams and festivals can read your resume quickly.
- Highlight skills and experience that matter for a Monologist: storytelling, voice control, timing, scriptwriting, and stagecraft.
- Lead bullets with strong action verbs like "wrote," "performed," "developed," and "toured."
- Quantify achievements where you can: audience size, number of shows, festival selections, workshop leads, press mentions, and awards.
- Optimize for ATS by adding job-relevant keywords naturally, such as "solo performance," "one-person show," "devised work," and "spoken word."
- Include links to videos, scripts, and reviews so readers can verify your work immediately.
You're ready to refine your resume, try a template or resume tool, and start sending it to venues and festivals.
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