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Entertainer

Kaiwhakangahau

Entertainers perform a variety of acts, such as dance, drama or acrobatics, to entertain an audience.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become an entertainer. However, media studies and music, dance and drama are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Diploma
  • Bachelor's degree

Useful experience

Useful experience for entertainers includes:

  • public speaking
  • theatre sports and debating
  • acting, dancing or singing
  • other experience performing in front of an audience
  • artistic or creative work.

What you will do

Entertainers may do some or all of the following:

  • write and research performance routines
  • rehearse their acts
  • design and dress in costumes to suit their performances
  • perform their acts in front of an audience
  • record and edit their videos and photos for social media
  • promote and publicise their acts.

Skills and knowledge

Entertainers need to have:

  • excellent performance skills
  • creative ability and skill in their speciality area
  • knowledge of different performance and acting techniques
  • knowledge of body posture and movement
  • knowledge of human behaviour and character development
  • strong business, marketing and planning skills, as most entertainers are self-employed.
Pay

Pay for entertainers varies depending on your ability, how often you work and what type of work you do.

Job opportunities
Poor
Opportunities to make a living as an entertainer are poor due to lack of demand.

Industry

Entertainment

Entertainers perform a variety of acts, such as dance, drama or acrobatics, to entertain an audience.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become an entertainer. However, a tertiary qualification, such as a Bachelor of Performing Arts, may be useful.

Chances of getting a job

Few opportunities for entertainers

It is difficult to get work as an entertainer in New Zealand because the performing arts industry is small.

Many entertainers do a second job to supplement their income.

Your chances of getting a job are best if you network regularly with industry contacts.

According to the Census, 696 entertainers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Most entertainers work for themselves

Most entertainers are self-employed and work on contract for businesses such as entertainment events companies.

Find out more about training

Progression and specialisations

Entertainers usually specialise in one role, such as:

Acrobat
Acrobats use trapezes to perform feats of balance and agility, often high off the ground.
Aerial Dancer and Circus Artist
Aerial dancers and circus artists perform dances and feats, sometimes above audience members heads.
Clown
Clowns use physical performance and humour to entertain audiences.
Comedian
Comedians use humour to entertain audiences.
Hypnotist
Hypnotists use the power of suggestion to persuade their subjects to amuse an audience.
Magician
Magicians use illusion and sleight of hand to perform magic tricks.

Working conditions

Entertainers:

  • work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings
  • work at a range of places including theatres, conferences, festivals and corporate functions, weddings and children's birthday parties
  • may travel nationally and internationally to perform.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements for entertainers depend on what kind of performance work they do. For example:

  • human statues need to have a good level of stamina and concentration
  • jugglers need to have good hand-eye co-ordination
  • stilt walkers must have good balance.

Useful personal qualities

Entertainers need to be:

  • observant
  • able to communicate ideas and feelings
  • outgoing, confident and comfortable working in front of an audience
  • able to deal with negative feedback
  • adaptable, as they need to be able to respond to the audience
  • disciplined and motivated
  • patient and persistent enough to perfect their act.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Entertainment

Entertainers perform a variety of acts, such as dance, drama or acrobatics, to entertain an audience.

Similar jobs in this industry

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