What is a performer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Tim Threlfall

Performers perform various arts like music, dance, stage entertainment, and theater to entertain others. They showcase their talents through recordings or in front of live audiences. They work with various professionals, including directors, choreographers, stage managers, costume designers, producers, and lighting technicians. Also, they engage in public performances, participate in rehearsals, and maintain a quality guest experience. Besides that, they care for props and costumes and ensure their equipment is properly stored after the show. Performers work in hotels, casinos, cruises, bars, theme parks, and studios.

To succeed in this career, you need public performance, interpersonal, public speaking, choreography, communication, and problem-solving skills. You don't need a degree to be a performer. However, having a bachelor's degree in fine arts can be of added advantage. You must have the talent and skills to attract potential employers. Performers make about $66,069 in a year. It ranges between $30,000 and $146,000.

What general advice would you give to a Performer?

T

Tim Threlfall

Head of MDT, Professor, Brigham Young University

I am guessing that live theatre will take a while to return to the incredible level it was at before the pandemic. The Broadway musical really is (was before March) in a 'platinum era' with more Americans than ever enjoying musicals with mega-hits such as WICKED, BOOK OF MORMON, and HAMILTON, in the last decade or so. Musical theatre stars are also becoming recognizable actors in a way they really have not been before.

Even though I think live theatre will take a while to return (the base audience demographic remains in the senior citizen category, and they (we...me!) may be a bit more hesitant to return to a packed performance, the majority of theatre practitioners will be more than eager to return, as soon as possible, and will help get the theatre back on its feet.
ScorePerformerUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,601

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
4.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 5.59%

Black or African American 9.99%

Hispanic or Latino 20.46%

Unknown 6.00%

White 57.13%

Gender

female 52.25%

male 47.75%

Age - 34
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 34

Performer career paths

Key steps to become a performer

  1. Explore performer education requirements

    Most common performer degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.7 %

    High School Diploma

    12.6 %

    Associate

    11.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific performer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Guest Service34.82%
    Safety Procedures19.88%
    Costumes11.98%
    Character Integrity5.88%
    Public Speaking4.85%
  3. Research performer duties and responsibilities

    • Set up and run bounce houses.
    • Perform squib hits, falls, fights, ratchets, etc.
    • Host for dance shows and improv shows.
    • Foster strong Chick-fil-a brand recognition and image.
  4. Prepare your performer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your performer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a performer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Performer Resume templates

    Build a professional Performer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Performer resume.
    Performer Resume
    Performer Resume
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    Performer Resume
  5. Apply for performer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a performer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Performer Job

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Average performer salary

The average Performer salary in the United States is $51,601 per year or $25 per hour. Performer salaries range between $24,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average Performer Salary
$51,601 Yearly
$24.81 hourly

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How do performers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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Performer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2022
Pros

Being able to help out whenever needed and being around the team.

Cons

When they want me to do something not family friendly or not Christianly.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2021
Pros

Well I love singing a lot because I am so happy and proud to become a famous singer one day and I get so excited about things that are coming my way and music is my favourite hobby it’s and I love my music because I am in to the 60s and the 50s and the 40s so I would love to be rich and famous singer and to get married to my gorgeous partner one day and to move house in the future

Cons

I don’t like people telling me off all the time and when they are being sneaky and lurking behind your back and to get out of of my house and to get out of derby all together for good


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Giving people a movie/story to talk about, something that leaves people encouraged and feeling emotionally uplifted.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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