What do Entertainers do?

An Entertainer would typically need to:

• In recorded or live events, presentations, and exhibitions, entertain the audience with music, dancing, stage entertainment, and theatre.
• Find new material for their act; play characters with distinct personality features and stories; and thoroughly rehearse to create the greatest performances possible.
• Create outstanding shows by collaborating with other Entertainers.
• At shows, entertain and connect with guests; make postures with customers for photographs.
• Attend auditions; maintain and carry their costumes, props, and equipment
• Promote their act; manage their cash; and carry out administrative chores

Standard Work Environment

Entertainers can be found working in a variety of locations, including theatres, cruise ships, circuses, and clients’ homes. They typically perform in front of live audiences. Some may operate as solo artists, while others may be part of a group. Outdoor spaces might be hot or cold and draughty.

Directors, choreographers, stage managers, make-up artists, costume designers, producers, vocal trainers, and lighting technicians are common collaborators for entertainers. You may spend a significant amount of time traveling between destinations and may be gone from home for extended periods of time. The dress code for Entertainers varies according to the type of event and venue.

Work Schedule

Entertainers can be booked for one-time performances, weekly or monthly slots, or entire seasons (particularly if they work in a musical, on a cruise ship, or in a holiday park).

Working hours are typically on a graveyard shift; entertainers perform all night for their guests. Daytime performances, auditions, and rehearsals must also be factored into their work schedule.

You must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and be prepared to be unemployed for short periods of time.

Employers

The vast majority of Entertainers work for themselves. To be hired, you will frequently have to undergo auditions. Find one or more agents who can promote your talent and land you high-paying employment for a fee or commission. You might also find some interesting opportunities through university or college courses, volunteer activities, or a specialized course offered by a private training organization.

For children’s parties, families may hire puppeteers or magicians. Entertainers may be hired by large corporations for business events. You could also instruct or lead workshops for adults or children.

When it appears that getting a new job is difficult, you can improve your chances by asking your network for referrals, contacting potential companies directly, and utilizing social media. Individual entertainment agencies’ websites may promote job positions.

Because of the high rivalry in this business, as well as the irregular nature of employment, you must have another source of consistent income.

Entertainers are generally employed by:

• Film, TV & Radio Production Companies
• Cruise Ship Operators
• Holiday & Theme Park Operators
• Bars & Casinos
• Hotels
• Social Clubs
• Circuses
• Local Councils
• Leisure & Entertainment Centres
• Companies
• Educational Institutions
• Families

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional groups and organizations are essential for Entertainers who want to further their professional growth or interact with other professionals in their industry or career. Membership in one or more of these organizations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Dealing with hurt, anger, and disappointment at failure while accepting the reality that you may be rejected or chosen and criticized or praised; handling yourself gracefully when you come across a part that you didn’t want at all in the first place
• Involves learning about composure while maintaining confidence
• Work may happen outdoors in bad weather or indoors under hot stage lights and may entail elaborate and uncomfortable makeup and costumes
• Auditions held in major cities at short notice

Suggested Work Experience

Experienced entertainers have a better chance of landing a lucrative job. You could gain experience as an Entertainer by participating in open-mic nights, talent shows, street performances, or fringe festivals. You can also find work at vacation centers or theme parks, or you can perform in local clubs; however, you may have to work for free at first.

Specialized entertainment organizations may run groups with regular practice sessions for children. Apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships offer structured training under the supervision of an employer. Your compensation will be determined by the industry in which you work, your age, where you live, and where you are in your apprenticeship

Recommended Qualifications

The majority of Entertainers have a high school diploma in music or acting. Some people pursue formal education in the form of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree to better their skills and career chances. A Fine Arts programme will almost always require an audition. Candidates should verify with individual institutions or universities for specific entry criteria.

Voice, dance, performance methods, and theatre history are common courses. You could also study modern theatre & performance, acting, music, or comedy. It would be helpful to begin studying music, acting, or dance at an early age and to participate in school plays or amateur stage productions.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Certification proves proficiency in a skill set, generally by job experience, training, passing a test, or a combination of the three. Voluntary certification from a reputable and objective organization can help you establish professional credibility, develop your competence in a certain area, and boost your confidence at work.

Entertainers can pursue approved credentials that teach native language fluency as well as visual arts, media production & communication, theatre, performance skills, voice modulation, and dance. You may also be required to pass additional background checks if you work with children or vulnerable persons. A driver’s license is required for many Entertainers.

Projected Career Map

You could work as an entertainment agent, talent scout, venue manager, or television or radio anchor.

Job Prospects

The level of competition is high. Aspirants with talent, experience, and a strong will to succeed would have the finest career opportunities.

Beneficial Professional Development

Some employers may require applicants to receive performing arts training and a degree in their specific fields. Learning on the job is a common part of training. Entertainers work on their acts, honing their skills via practice. Throughout their careers, they must continue to improve and gain new abilities.

In addition to dance, theatre, and music instruction, organizations provide specialized training in fields such as puppetry, comedy, and circus through short courses, workshops, projects, and degrees. Some full-time positions, such as those in theme parks, provide extensive training with no prior experience required. Joining reputable organizations can help you gain professional recognition, acquire training opportunities, and create industry contacts.

Conclusion

There is still much to learn and much to discover. Even mistakes can be fantastic.

Advice from the Wise

“There will always be someone out there… who doesn’t believe in you, believes your head is too big for you, or thinks you’re not smart enough. But those are the individuals you should ignore, and those are the times when you should just keep doing what you love.”