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Entertainer

Also known as Busker, Street Performer, Clown and Performer.

Entertainers captivate, amuse or thrill an audience with dramatic, musical and other performances.

They may perform a variety of tasks depending on their area of expertise.

Entertainers must be prepared to work irregular hours and spend long periods practising and rehearsing.

Some entertainers work in areas unrelated to entertaining to support themselves financially.

TASKS

Entertainers may perform some or all of the following tasks:

create acts and performance routines
develop a special character such as a clown or fairy
practise the act
dress in costumes to suit the act
perform acts to entertain audiences
perform illusions and tricks
operate a puppet or puppets
tell jokes and perform comical acts
undertake dangerous acts

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

flair for entertainment
good communication skills
able to concentrate for long periods
self-confidence, motivation, dedication and determination
stamina to perform at peak level

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Comedian - entertains an audience by telling jokes and performing satirical or comical acts. There are many types of comedians, including clowns, mimes and stand-up. Comedians may perform using a variety of styles, or they may specialise in one particular comic style.

Children's Entertainer - entertains children by performing tricks and routines, including dancing, acting, music, stunts, magical illusions, storytelling and juggling. Children's entertainers may perform as a character, such as a clown or fairy, using a variety of styles, or they may specialise in one particular type of performance.

Circus Performer - undertakes captivating acts in order to entertain an audience, such as acrobatics, humour and feats of strength. They perform either solo or as a member of a group. Some acts are potentially dangerous or physically strenuous. Circus performers aim to achieve the greatest visual impact with the smallest safety risk.

Magician - makes objects and people appear, vanish, transform and move by performing illusions that seem impossible to their audience. Magicians use 'sleight of hand' (skillful manipulation of objects), misdirection (diverting the audience's attention away from a crucial manoeuvre) and special equipment to achieve the effect of magic.

Puppeteer/Ventriloquist - entertains an audience by operating a puppet or puppets to create characters. Puppeteers and ventriloquists control puppets and props through the use of strings, rods and wires or simply by using their own hands. They may perform solo or as a member of a group to create characters and stories.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as an entertainer without formal qualifications. Skills are usually developed through practice and experience.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in performing arts, theatre and screen performance or a related field such as acting, circus performance, dance, film and television, theatre studies, music or singing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become an entertainer by completing a performing arts-related degree. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Applicants may be required to attend an audition and/or an interview. A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

For more information, see the separate entries for Actor, Dancer, Musician and Stunt Performer.

Additional Information

Licences and/or local authorities' permission may be required for public performances, as well as for children's entertainers.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Entertainers work in a number of different areas. Some are employed by entertainment venues or circus companies, although many are self-employed or find work through an agent. There are also careers available with commercial and independent radio and television stations, as well as in film, theatre, arts journalism, music and instrument sales, and music and record publishing.

Employment for entertainers may be affected by the levels of government or private funding available, particularly for radio, television, film, theatre, orchestras and opera companies. The level of activity in the hospitality and travel industries may also affect employment opportunities for entertainers who work for hotels, casinos, restaurants, resorts and cruise ships.