Entertainer
What is the work like?
Entertainers perform for audiences anywhere from stage and cabaret shows to comedy clubs, street theatre and circuses. They could be:
- singers
- dancers
- musicians
- comedians
- children’s entertainers
- mime artists
- magicians.
As an entertainer, you might specialise in one skill, or you could combine several talents to create an act (for example, if you were a comedian who also played an instrument). You could perform solo or as part of a group.
When you are not performing, you would also spend time:
- researching and rehearsing new material for your act
- attending auditions
- looking after any costumes or equipment
- dealing with your finances and administration
- promoting your act.
If you worked on a cruise ship or at a holiday centre, you may have other duties like organising children's activities and looking after holidaymakers.
You might also combine performing with other types of work, such as teaching or running performance workshops for children or adults.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To be an entertainer, the most important thing is to have a skill or talent that an audience will appreciate.
You do not need formal qualifications, although you may find it useful to have had training in music, dance or acting, perhaps from a performing arts course or graded exams. Some types of entertainer are mainly self-taught.
There are various ways you could get experience as an entertainer, including:
- taking part in open-mic spots or talent competitions
- working at a holiday centre or theme park
- performing in local clubs (often for free at first).
Magicians often start to learn magic tricks at club level – see the Magic Circle's website for details.
It will be helpful to find an agent who can market your talents and find you work. You will often have to pass auditions to get work.
See Equity's website for information about marketing yourself as a children's entertainer.
What further training and development can I do?
You would learn on the job as you build experience. You should keep developing your skills throughout your career.
You can learn and develop various performance skills by taking part in training workshops and summer schools that may be run by arts centres, theatre clubs and colleges.
If you work in physical and visual performance, such as puppetry, mime, mask or street theatre, Total Theatre Network offers support including information about training and funding opportunities.
You may be able to get funding for professional training through an Arts Council grant, as long as your work contributes to the artistic or cultural life of a community.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0845 300 6200Euston
London
NW1 2HD
Tel: 020 7387 2222
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
Coronet Street
London
N1 6HD
Tel: 020 7729 7944
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
There is no set income for entertainers. Most are paid a fee per performance or contract.
- Part-time or occasional entertainers may earn between £50 and £200 a performance.
- Entertainers working regularly may earn the equivalent of £8,000 to £15,000 a year.
- Established full-time entertainers can earn much more, depending on reputation and success.
Equity negotiates recommended rates for performers, including singers and variety artists.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would often be irregular and unsocial. A lot of the work takes place in the evenings, but you may also have daytime performances, rehearsals and auditions.
You may perform full-time, or just part-time alongside another job. You could do one-off performances, or regular weekly or monthly slots. Sometimes you may be booked for a whole season, for example if appearing in a musical or at a holiday park.
Work can be in venues like theatres, nightclubs and hotels, or on the street, in circus tents or on outdoor stages. You would usually spend a lot of time travelling to venues and you may spend long periods away from home.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of skill in your chosen performance areas
- an outgoing and confident personality
- the desire to entertain people
- versatility and adaptability
- an energetic and hard-working attitude
- reliability and punctuality
- the ability to accept direction and criticism
- determination to succeed.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work with theatre and variety shows, holiday centres, theme parks or cruise ships, arts festivals, street theatre companies, social clubs, private parties and corporate events, and TV and film production companies.
There is strong competition for work in the entertainment industry. Gaps between jobs are common, so you may need to do other work to earn money when not performing.
You would usually be self-employed, and often on the books of at least one agent, who finds you work for a fee or commission. Jobs and auditions may also be advertised in The Stage , and on Equity's website. Holiday centre and cruise ship work is also advertised on websites such as Resident Entertainers.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
