Entertainers perform for audiences anywhere from stage and cabaret shows to comedy clubs, street theatre and circuses. They could be:

• singers
• dancers
• musicians
• comedians
• circus performers
• children’s entertainers
• mime artists
• magicians.

They may specialise in one skill, or have several talents which they combine to create an act, such as a comedian who also plays an instrument. Some entertainers perform solo; others are part of a group.

Some entertainers work on cruise ships or at holiday centres, where they may have other duties like organising children's activities. Others teach or run performance workshops for children or adults.

Entertainers also:

• research and rehearse new material for their act
• attend auditions
• look after any costumes or equipment 
• deal with their finances and administration
• promote their act.

See the profiles for Dancer, Circus Performer and Popular Musician for more information on these areas.

Hours and Environment

As an entertainer you may have to work long hours. Hours can vary - a lot of the work takes place in the evenings, but you may also have daytime performances, rehearsals and auditions. 

You may perform regularly, 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. Conditions can be hot or cold and draughty, depending on where you are performing.

You will usually spend a lot of time travelling to venues and you may spend long periods away from home.

Skills and Interests

To be an entertainer you should be:

• skilled in your chosen performance areas
• outgoing, confident and lively
• keen to perform in front of an audience
• versatile and adaptable
• energetic and hard-working
• reliable and punctual
• able to accept direction and criticism
• determined to succeed.

Entry

To be an entertainer, the most important thing is to have a skill or talent that an audience will appreciate.

You do not need any formal qualifications. You may find it useful to have had training in music, dance or acting, perhaps from a performing arts course or graded examinations, although some types of entertainer (for example, magicians) are often self-taught.

There are various ways you could get experience as an entertainer, such as:

• 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). 

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.

Magicians often start to learn magic tricks at club level - see the Magic Circle's website for details.

See Equity (the British Actors' Union) website for information about marketing yourself as a children's entertainer.

Training

You will learn on the job as you build experience. You should keep developing your skills throughout your career.

Arts centres, theatre clubs and colleges often run training workshops or summer schools in various performance skills.

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.

Opportunities

As an entertainer you could find work with:

• theatre and variety shows
• holiday centres, theme parks or cruise ships
• circuses
• arts festivals and street theatre companies
• social clubs
• private parties and corporate events
• 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 will usually be self-employed and on the books of one or more agent, who will find you work for a fee or commission. Progress in your career will come through increased bookings, popularity and earnings.

Jobs may be advertised in The Stage, on Equity's website, or through agents. Jobs in holiday centres, theme parks and cruise ships are also advertised on the Resident Entertainers website.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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 per performance.
Entertainers working regularly may earn the equivalent of £8,000 to £15,000 a year.
Established full-time entertainers can earn up to £60,000 or more, depending on their reputation and success.

Equity negotiates recommended rates for performers, including singers and variety artists.

Further information

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