In the early 1980s, she signed with Elite Model Management before shifting her focus to acting. She was cast as Julie Miller, a teenage dancer and cellist, in the television series "Fame", in which she appeared between 1982 and 1983. Singer gained notice for her lead role as Ariel Moore in the musical drama film "Footloose" (1984). She was later cast in supporting roles in John Schlesinger's drama "The Falcon and the Snowman" (1985), the comedy "The Man with One Red Shoe" (1985), the horror film "Warlock" (1989), and Robert Altman's ensemble drama "Short Cuts" (1993). She was nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead for her performance in "Trouble in Mind" (1985).