Entertainer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• volunteering
• applying directly
• a specialist course run by a private training organisation

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:

• contemporary theatre and performance
• acting
• music
• comedy writing and performance

Qualifications may not be essential if you show enough talent at an audition.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

It may be useful to do a college course in:

• performing arts
• musical theatre
• drama and theatre
• music

This would help you to develop your talent and learn some of the skills you may need.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

Some entertainers are self-taught. To get experience as an entertainer you could:

• take part in open-mic spots or talent competitions
• work at a holiday centre or theme park
• perform in local clubs - you may have to work without pay at first
• take part in street performance or fringe festivals

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. The most important thing is to have a skill or talent that an audience will enjoy.

You do not need formal qualifications, although you may find it useful to have trained in music, dance or acting, perhaps from taking a performing arts course or graded exams.

OtherRoutes

You can develop your skills by doing a specialist course in a particular area of entertaining like comedy, puppetry or circus skills.

You can find details of courses from professional associations in your field of entertainment.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• to enjoy working with other people
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• a good memory
• knowledge of the fine arts
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• knowledge of psychology
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Entertainers perform for audiences in stage, cabaret or comedy shows.

In this role you would:

• perform in front of a live audience
• create and rehearse new material
• promote your act
• attend auditions
• maintain equipment, costumes and props
• deal with your finances and administration

Location : You could work in a theatre, at a social club, in the community, on a cruise ship, in a hotel or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

45 - 47 hours irregular

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

You could move into related roles like entertainment agent, talent spotter, venue management, or TV or radio presenting.