Physical Performance

Performers entertain the general public or groups of people at functions.

They can be singers, DJs, musicians, dancers, circus performers, magicians, comedians, jugglers, children's entertainers, illusionists and mime artists. Some are skilled in just one area, whereas others have several skills that combine to create their act.

Entertainers with several skills are more likely to work regularly, as they have opportunities for different types of work.

Entertainers could be: attending auditions; maintaining equipment used in an act; rehearsing; performing; researching new songs, music or tricks; working in films and/or TV; teaching or running workshops for adults or children.

They also need to: develop knowledge of different audiences; be very skilled in their performance areas; be dedicated to entertaining, regardless of working conditions and personal feelings; be adaptable; and enjoy performing in front of different audiences in a wide range of venues.

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 performers.

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 performer 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 have music skills in your act - see the Music section for more information.