Job Description

You’ll work in places like theatres, holiday centres, hotels, cruise ships, community centres and clubs. You may also work at festivals, or in private homes (especially if you’re a children's entertainer).

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

It may be useful to do a college course in performing arts, musical theatre, drama and theatre or music. This would help you to develop your talent and learn some of the skills you may need.

You'll usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in performing art/musical theatre :

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

University

You could do a degree in a relevant subject like:

contemporary theatre and performance
acting
music
comedy

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

You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Direct application

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.

Other routes

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

Career tips

You'll often have to pass auditions to get work. It may help to find an agent who can market your talents.

Some entertainers are self-taught. You could get experience as an entertainer in different ways, including:

taking part in open-mic spots or talent competitions
working at a holiday centre or theme park
performing in local clubs - you may have to work without pay at first
taking part in street performance

You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults.

Career Path and Progression

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

Related careers you may be interested in:

Actor
Choreographer
Circus performer
Classical musician
Croupier

Required Skills

friendly
outgoing personality
patience
organised
reliable
punctual
energetic
determined to succeed
able to adapt what you do to suit the age of the children you are entertaining
self motivated
hardworking

Salary Range

Variable

Entertainer