Patinkin began performing at an early age, performing in local productions of musicals such as "Carousel", "West Side Story" and "Anything Goes." At the University of Kansas, he starred in many college musicals and dramatic plays before moving on to study in New York at the Julliard School of Drama for two and one-half years. Shortly after leaving Juillard, Patinkin performed with the Baltimore Center Theatre Group in children's theater programs.

Performed in BBC Radio Productions of "Guys and Dolls" (Sky Masterson) and "Carousel" (Billy Bigelow).