Navigating LinkedIn as a Theatre Artist: The Ultimate Balancing Act
Ah, LinkedIn. That fantastical realm, oft-frustrating to “theatre kids,” where professional identities come to live, connect, and sometimes... clash. But when you're a theatre artist juggling your creative life and a "day job" (please, no one ever call it that again), LinkedIn can feel more like an emotional battlefield than a career launchpad.
So here’s the dilemma:
You’re a theatre artist at heart, with big dreams of being an actor, director, professor, or playwright. But in reality, you probably need a 9-5 job with…you know…benefits and stuff. Enter LinkedIn, a place where employers want to see your "professional" life laid bare. But what happens when Johnny Q. Hiringmanager looks at your page, and all they see is a string of theatre gigs, production credits, and "I’ve got 99 scripts but a producer is none" posts? Do they think, “This person sure is a creative genius, but will they really want to work here? Are they gonna dip out the second they land that big role?” And, horror of horrors, when you're gunning for that dream professor gig at a university, all they see is "SEO and Digital Marketing Guru" along with a dozen or so acronyms they don’t understand (and neither do you, really) and think, "Clearly, they have no passion for the craft. Not one headshot or link to Shakespeare’s greatest hits."
It’s a lose-lose sometimes, isn’t it?
But I think we can solve this little conundrum. We don’t need to sacrifice one identity for the other—we can be both a theatre artist and a business-savvy, multi-faceted human being…as, you know, most humans are. Here’s how to create a LinkedIn profile that balances your real world (I say this with air quotes, like a true theatre maven) skills and your creative calling.
Step 1: Craft Your “Headline” to Show Off Your Range
Your headline is your first impression. And guess what? It doesn’t have to just be your job title—it can be a mash-up that gives a taste of your diverse expertise. A headline like:
“Theatre Artist | MFA Acting | Digital Marketer | Teaching Artist | Advocate for Arts Equity” will signal to both recruiters and artistic institutions that you are someone who knows their craft while also bringing strong, adaptable skills to the table. You’re not a “one-track” person, and your headline should reflect that.
Step 2: Tell Your Story in the "About" Section
Okay, so LinkedIn won’t let you neatly separate your profile into different sections for different careers (wouldn’t that be nice?). But you can use the “About” section to make it crystal clear who you are and what you do.
Start with a strong introduction that acknowledges your dual identity and why both sides of your career matter. Something like:
"I’m a passionate theatre artist with an MFA in Acting, and I’m also a seasoned digital marketing specialist. I believe my experience in directing and writing plays sharpens my ability to communicate complex ideas, collaborate creatively, and manage projects from start to finish. Whether I’m on stage, in the classroom, or behind a screen strategizing digital campaigns, I’m dedicated to finding creative solutions, connecting with others, and making an impact."
Step 3: Segment Your Experience with Clear, Meaningful Descriptions
This is where things get a little fun. In the Experience section, you can clearly divide your different roles—whether you're teaching, directing, or diving into a corporate gig. For each experience, use keywords that align with the job you’re seeking. Keep it specific. Here’s an example:
Director/Playwright | XYZ Theatre Company
"Created, directed, and produced XYZ, a thought-provoking play about the intersection of mental health and family dynamics. Led a team of 12 actors and designers, oversaw a production budget of $X, and built community partnerships to promote arts accessibility."Digital Marketing Specialist | Smegma Solve
"Developed and implemented marketing strategies for client growth, specializing in digital campaigns across multiple platforms, including SEO, content creation, and social media management."
Both are clear, targeted, and provide proof of your versatility.
Step 4: Use "Skills" to Highlight Both Worlds
LinkedIn has a fantastic “Skills” section where you can showcase everything from Adobe Suite to acting techniques. Don’t be afraid to lean into both areas. Mix the creative skills (Voice Acting, Stage Direction, Playwriting) with more practical skills (CRM, Email Campaigns, Project Management).
You want to show the world that you're well-rounded, and those skills are relevant, even if you don’t always use them side by side. For example, being able to manage a production budget is totally business know-how that will absolutely catch the attention of a recruiter for that “real-world” (UGH) job. But it’s also a big flex for anyone in the arts who might need you to manage a theatre company. TL:DR - Every produced a play? Congrats, “Project Manager.”
Step 5: Use LinkedIn’s “Featured” Section as Your Theater Showcase
Your profile needs to speak to both sides of your life, but it doesn't need to scream "confused" or "split personality." Use the Featured Section (Add Profile Section > Recommended > Add Featured) to highlight your theatre work. Link to your directing reels, playwriting portfolios, production photos, or a university’s course list if you’re teaching. This is the perfect space for all your creative pride—don’t hide it.
Step 6: Be Active & Engage in the Arts Community
To further show your commitment to the arts, follow theatre companies, artists, educators, and academic groups. Like, comment, and share posts that inspire you. Share your thoughts on industry trends, the challenges of being an artist in today's world, or funny anecdotes from rehearsal. It shows that, even if you're also hustling in the corporate world, your heart is still in the arts.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not “One or the Other”
The goal here isn’t to hide one part of your life but to create a LinkedIn profile that honors both. You’re a dynamic, multi-talented professional—whether you’re making magic onstage or managing a corporate campaign. The two worlds can live together, and LinkedIn can be the platform that celebrates that. The secret is clear, intentional presentation.
So show your diverse talents, share your story, and let people know you’re open to opportunities—no matter where they come from.
Until next time,
Shanon
