Comedian

Comedians entertain the general public or groups of people gathered at a function.

Some are skilled in one area, while others combine skills, e.g. a comedian who sings and plays an instrument.

Most comedians are on the books of one or more agents, who find work for them for a fee or commission.

Gaps between work are quite usual, so some do other jobs to maintain a full-time living.

A comedian could be involved in: attending auditions; maintaining equipment used in an act; rehearsing; performing; researching new jokes, songs, music or tricks; and working in films and/or TV.

You would need to develop knowledge of different audiences, enjoy performing in front of different audiences in a wide range of venues and conditions and be very determined to succeed.

A recent survey of Equity members found that nearly half of people in the UK performance industry had earned less than £6,000 from the profession in the previous year.

Only 6% earned more than £30,000 from acting. There is no set income for comedians.

Most are self-employed, and are paid a fee for each contract or performance.

Gaps between work are quite usual, so some entertainers do other jobs to maintain a full-time living.

You can work as a comedian without academic qualifications, but formal training in acting could be useful.

At drama school you could take degrees or diplomas, or one-year postgraduate courses in acting or musical theatre. See the NCDT and the Conference of Drama Schools websites for details of accredited courses.

To get into drama school, you must pass at least one audition. Some schools may also ask for A levels or a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, but these are not always essential if you show enough talent and commitment.

You should check exact entry requirements with each drama school.

You may be able to get funding for accredited courses through the Learning and Skills Council’s Dance and Drama Award Scheme. Some drama schools also run summer schools, workshops and part-time courses, which may include general entertainment skills.

You may want to add music skills to your act - see the Music section for more information.