A circus performer undertakes captivating acts in order to entertain an audience, such as acrobatics, humour and feats of strength. They perform either solo or as a member of a group. Some acts are potentially dangerous or physically strenuous. Circus performers aim to achieve the greatest visual impact with the smallest safety risk. Circus performers display skills like acrobatics, juggling, balancing on a trapeze or clowning to entertain audiences.

ANZSCO ID: 211113

Alternative names: Circus Artist, Circus Acrobat

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

To become a circus performer, you would need:

• a high level of skill in your chosen performance area

• the confidence to perform in public

• excellent physical fitness and good general health

• superior timing and hand-eye coordination

• versatility and creativity

• self-discipline, motivation and a hard-working attitude.

(Source: Pan International)

Duties and Tasks

As a circus performer, you would:

• rehearse acts

• perform solo or as part of a group

• specialise in one particular circus art, or combine several different skills in an act

• develop new acts and group routines

• maintain equipment used in your act

• travel with a circus company.

Working conditions

Most circus performances take place in the evenings and at weekends. You would also spend time rehearsing, travelling and auditioning. Part-time and seasonal work is common.
You could perform in a tent, in theatres or other indoor venues, or outside in street theatre or at festivals. The work is physically demanding, and you may spend long periods away from home when touring.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Circus performance skills are usually developed through practice and experience.

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is the only full-time circus school for young people aged 8 to 18 in Australia. You must complete an application and an audition to join. All successful applicants are required to attend the purpose-built school and training headquarters, based in Albury-Wodonga on the border of New South Wales and Victoria.

For students in years 10-12, the recommended and preferred schooling option is Wodonga Secondary Senior College. You will need your parents’ or guardians’ permission to participate in the audition process.

Flying Fruit Fly Circus

The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is the only tertiary training institution of its kind in Australia. NICA provides professional training through a three-year Bachelor of Circus Arts for careers in all facets of the circus industry.

Other private circus schools run courses which might help you decide if you have the skills and interest to pursue circus performance as a career.

 

 

 

A comedian entertains an audience by telling jokes and performing satirical or comical acts. There are many types of comedians, including clowns, mimes and stand-up. Comedians may perform using a variety of styles, or they may specialise in one particular comic style. Comedians tell jokes, act out physical gags, and entertain audiences on stage, on radio, and onscreen.  

Comedy is a form of art, and there are different types of comedy routines. When a performer uses a prop to make his/ her viewers laugh, it is known as a prop comedy. On the other hand, in stand-up comedy, the comedian is required to address the audience directly. Stand-up comedy is usually a one-man show where audience feedback plays a decisive role. Character comedy makes use of imaginary characters, while slapstick comedy pertains to the physical antics of the performer. Improvisational comedy can be the right pick for those with superb comic timing as these performances are mostly impromptu. Observational comedy refers to acts where mundane trivialities are exaggerated to make people laugh. Performers can concentrate their comic act on the aspect of word play. One can also choose to perform situational comedy which is now a popular genre on television. Television comedy mostly uses the “cringe” type of humor, where inappropriate actions and words are the source of laughter.

ANZSCO ID: 211113

Specialisations: Standup Comedian,

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

Comedians are performers working in the entertainment industry, a vast landscape. To be successful, comedians master many different skills and abilities:

• Timing – many successful comedians say that timing is an essential component of comedy

• Writing – successful comedians master a variety of writing types

• Personality – this career often requires an over-the-top persona to gain notice from audiences

• Sense of humor – comedians have a good sense of humor and the ability to make others laugh

• Fearlessness – comedians perform live, sometimes before audiences of thousands

• Communication – comedians should communicate clearly to deliver jokes to audiences

• Marketing – comedians market and promote themselves through a variety of means

• Internet savvy – comedians engage fans and find potential work through social media and other internet channels, often creating websites to promote their comedy

• Finances – comedians who work freelance manage their own travel expenses and taxes

• Team spirit – often, comedians collaborate with other comedians, writers, producers, and directors

Duties and Tasks

Though comedians tell jokes at events and perform before live audiences, their work is not all fun and laughs. Because comedians are in charge of their own careers, particularly at the beginning, they wear a number of different hats and perform a number of different tasks:

• Write and Edit Comedy Bits: Comedians write, edit, and polish the comedy bits they perform. Comedians who advance in their career path may eventually write scripts for television shows and movies.

• Perform before Live Audiences: Many comedians perform stand-up comedy on the stage and on television.

• Make Radio and Podcast Appearances: Comedians give interviews and engage with radio and podcast hosts.

• Create Long Form Writing: Many comedians supplement their income by writing humorous blog posts and articles.

• Act on Television: Successful comedians may be asked to act out roles on TV commercials or in a series.

• Perform Voice Work: Comedians perform voice work for video games and animated entertainment.

• Host Events: Because they can deliver jokes and perform before crowds, comedians also find work hosting events, serving in an emcee capacity.

• Diffuse Live Hecklers: Comedians learn how to handle live hecklers who attempt to pull attention toward themselves during performances.

• Schedule Gigs: Particularly at the beginning their career, comedians work to find and schedule their own gigs at clubs and other establishments.

• Self-Promote: Comedians sell themselves to audiences and market themselves using social media and other channels.

• Rehearses, auditions and travels between entertainment venues.

Working conditions

They work in comedy clubs, nightclubs, and on television and movie sets, but comedians also work at home or in offices they rent to write their comedy and market themselves. There is a great deal of travel involved as comedians spend a lot of time on the road going to various clubs and establishments to tell jokes to live audiences. Comedians usually work for themselves as freelance agents responsible for finding their own gigs to earn money.

Understandably, a comedian’s working hours can vary hugely. This is certainly not your average nine-to-five profession. If you get involved with stand-up comedy, you may find yourself working late nights. Similarly, if you work in television, you may have to get out of bed and work early mornings when filming is in full-swing. The working conditions for comedians also vary widely, depending on the type of jobs that they have. You could be working anywhere from small, basement comedy clubs and television studios to large auditoriums and film sets.

As comedians usually work on a freelance basis, they attempt to book as many gigs as possible, from large festivals to open mic nights. When a comedian is first trying to establish themselves, they need to get their name out there.

Tools and technologies

Comedians work with a variety of tools to create and perform their comedy. These include:

• Stage equipment (microphones, lights, cameras)

• Props (stools, chairs, random items to support jokes)

• Writing tools (word processor software, pens, notepads)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Comedians do not require special education or training, though some comedians choose to attend acting and/or dance classes to improve their performance skills. You need a high level of performance skill in your speciality area to work as an Entertainer or Variety Artist. While formal qualifications aren't essential, undertaking a course in your speciality may be useful. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

Did You Know? Tom Gibson - Heaven https://youtu.be/nxGJkS9O5-4 Tom used to be a school teacher in Canberra, now he is studying for his PhD in Communication at University of Canberra! Tom was taught by Frances Moore and worked for On the Job to create a wonderful WebQuest - Champions of Justice.

 

A street performer or busker is a person who performs an art in public places for donations of money. Busking, or performing in public areas for gratuities or tips, is a tradition dating back to antiquity. Buskers used to be troubadours or bards who went travelling and brought not only entertainment but also news to their audience. Buskers perform in a wide variety of artistic areas: they can be musicians, dancers, mimers, acrobats, poets, fire eaters, clowns, magicians, puppeteers, jugglers, storytellers, contortionists, escape artists, rope walkers, living statues and more. Buskers are usually highly skilled and have practised their art for many years so that they can attract a large audience.

Buskers expect money or gifts from the audience in return for their acts. Money is usually dropped into the performer’s ‘hat’ or instrument case placed in front of them. Buskers perform in a variety of outdoor locations, usually in a pedestrian street, but also in fairs, festivals, shopping centres and trains. They choose the “pitch” that best suits their act. Dancers and circus performers need lots of open space around them while musicians look for a pitch with good acoustics. At the end of their show, buskers sometimes sell merchandise such as CDs. They are normally required to obtain a Street Trading Licence from their local council.

There are broadly two types of busking acts:

Walk-by acts: buskers perform their act continuously for a long time. This happens mostly with musicians and mimers who perform their repertoire while people walk by them. Occasional passers-by stop to hear a song or two but no defined audience forms.

Circle acts: these acts work more like a “show” and have a distinct beginning and end. The performers first try to attract a crowd that will stand in a circle around them to watch the show. Circle acts are well suited for theatre, dance, acrobatics, magic, etc.

ANZSCO ID: 211113
  
Alternative names: Street Performer, Street Entertainer, Street Musician
   
Specialisations: It depends on their act - singing, playing music, acrobactics, magic, dance, theatre
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Artistic and performance skills

• Enthusiasm

• Organisation and planning skills

• Outgoing personality

• Self confidence

• Courage

• A good sense of humour

A Little Girl Gives A Coin To A Street Musician And Gets The Best Surprise In Return.
https://youtu.be/ceX5jJ5fggs

 

Duties and Tasks

• Organise and prepare the act in advance

• Find a place to perform

• Set up a performance area

• Attract and interact with the audience

• Perform act(s) at a professional level

• Follow a code of good conduct

• Act safely and not endanger themselves or others

• Sell merchandise

• Look for opportunities at festivals and with street art promoters

Working conditions
  
The working conditions are both extremely flexible, as buskers choose the time and place for their work, and stringent as they need to find the appropriate conditions to attract interest. Working outside means that buskers need to be physically fit and armed against cold, wind and rain or the heat. However it is not advisable to busk in the rain as passers-by are likely to run for shelter and not stop to look at a show, and performers run the risk of damaging their equipment.

The hazards of performance (be it on the street or on stage) include injuries from falls or accidents. Buskers might encounter hostile reactions to their work.

It is legal to busk however, some local authorities require buskers to apply for a permit to perform on the street. Buskers usually follow a voluntary code of conduct: they should not be intrusive, cause obstruction to the entrances and exits of nearby shops or behave in an abusive or threatening manner towards the public. Musicians should not be playing within 50 metres of another performer.
 
There is no fixed salary for buskers and their earnings can vary hugely from one day to the other since they rely on tips from passers-by. Some times of the year can be more favourable for buskers, such as the summer and Christmas. However, Christmas can also be very unprofitable as the competition is at its toughest.
  
Tools and technologies

A place or hat to collect any money people might throw at the busker.


Education and training/entrance requirements

There is no required qualification to become a busker. However, it is highly advisable to be professionally trained in whichever street art you wish to take.

Employment Opportunities

There are no major employers: buskers promote themselves through word of mouth. Buskers can also find work in dedicated busking festivals in the UK, the World Buskers Festival in New Zealand, Victoria International Busking Festival in Canada or Buskfest in the UK (Banbridge).

A clown is a public entertainer who dresses in outlandish attire and attempts to please audiences with comical and chaotic behaviour. Clowns are typically hired to entertain children at events such as birthday parties and public gatherings.

Clowns have been a popular form of entertainer since before the time of Ancient Greece, and in the UK, their popularity exploded with the introduction of Philip Astley’s universal show in the late 18th Century. They typically wear exaggerated clothing in the “grotesque” classical style: large shoes, red noses, large wigs, colourful clothing and wild accessories. The clown is a public entertainer, commissioned for gatherings or personal appearances for the amusement of the hirer.
   
Most clowns are freelance entertainers, available for bookings for special events, fêtes and parties. Some are able to find work with travelling circuses or on the fixed entertainment circuit, such as performances in holiday resorts or at commercial functions. Most, though, choose to freelance, travelling wherever the booking may take them. They will tell jokes, stories, perform slapstick routines and involve the audiences in an attempt to make them laugh and enjoy the performance.

ANZSCO ID: 211113
  
Alternative names: Jester
   
Specialisations: Children's parties,
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Understanding of audience expectations for performance quality and authenticity.

• Understanding of marketing or advertising techniques, at least on a local basis, to increase bookings and revenue.

• Be able to design, procure and implement clothing and accessories to enable effective live performance.

• Ability to speak in public without trepidation.

• Ability to handle changing audience expectations, especially where children are concerned.

• Be able to appreciably handle health and safety requirements during the show, for the safety and enjoyment of all.

Duties and Tasks

• Design outfit and accessories to enable an effective. slapstick performance, by use of relevant props and materials.

• Arrive at established “show” area and perform as per the hiring agent’s expectations.

• Establish word-of-mouth advertising in the local area to encourage further future bookings.

• Manage diary of ongoing work.

• Be punctual, entertaining and approachable.

• Manage administrative functions of the “sole-trader” business.

Working conditions
    
Most areas of performance art would tend to be classed as low-risk working environments, and clowning is no different. It is, however, worth being respectful of the fact that shows are conducted around hot stage lighting, and consequently, live electrics. Also, because the shows are being performed in close proximity to the public, it is essential that the well-being of audiences is a consideration also. The role also involves a great deal of driving, and sometimes, the method of transportation can also form part of the act; for example, the clown may utilise an old Volkswagen camper, again decorated in an appropriate manner.

Education and training/entrance requirements
   
There are no formal academic barriers to entry, although a Year 12 in drama or a degree in performing arts can be useful in learning the skills necessary to conduct a public performance, and to overcome nerves. Many clowns do actually come from an academic background in drama, as it is often this which catalyses the desire to enter performance arts. Clowning is still one of the most unusual and character-driven areas of performance art.

Employment Opportunities

Clowning is a relatively easy business to set up from scratch, requiring only a costume, props and a mode of transport. Most clowns begin with small children’s shows for birthday parties within the home, and then progress as they develop their act and establish a client base for repeat custom.

Most clowns operate either on their own as a ‘one man band’, or in a pair or trio. For this reason, there are no major employers as such, although some choose to join a full-time entertainment tour. Although seen as something of a dying art over the last few decades, some American and European shows still attract big crowds, and competition for audition is hotly contested.

A Puppeteer or Ventriloquist entertains an audience by operating a puppet or puppets to create characters. Puppeteers and ventriloquists control puppets and props through the use of strings, rods and wires or simply by using their own hands. They may perform solo or as a member of a group to create characters and stories. A puppeteer is a person who designs, creates and dresses puppets, and who uses puppets to stage a live performance to entertain others. Puppetry is the art of making puppets and presenting puppet shows. Puppets are small figures which are designed to be manipulated by hand or by wires for the purposes of entertainment. More recently, the art has expanded to encompass new technologies, such as the advanced area of animatronics, as seen in Hollywood blockbuster movies. In the UK, the erstwhile favourite Punch and Judy show remains popular with children, and many puppeteers choose to specialise in this type of show.
  
The puppeteer is not only responsible for moving the inanimate puppets, but they must also give them a voice and tell a good story too. For this reason, it is classed as a type of performance art. The art of puppeteering stretches back some 32,000 years, according to Thames and Hudson’s Puppetry and Puppets, and is popular all over the world. Puppeteers often design and make their own puppets, but there is a fairly large domestic industry for the sale of third-party manufactured puppets, props and materials.
   
Puppeteers are principally playing to children, especially to school audiences where some box office is assured. There is a limited market for adult puppetry, notably in small venues in Melbourne. One puppeteer, Murray Raine (Murray Raine Puppets), who plays principally to adult audiences but he meets them on cruise ships. It would be very difficult to make a living playing puppetry for adults (by that name) and the most successful Australian puppeteer catering for adult audiences is based in The Netherlands [Neville Tranter]. Sometimes a single puppet character has had success with adult audiences on TV and can then play to live fans. A current example is Heath McIvor’s purple puppet ‘Randy’.

Randy
(Source: Puppet Place)

ANZSCO ID: 211113
  
Alternative names: Ventriloquist, Puppet artist, Puppet designer, Puppet show artist, Marionette artist,
  
Specialisations: Punch & Judy, large-scale puppets some with remote-controlled features - a growing business; Shadow puppets;

King Kong puppet created by Creature Technology Company (Photo: James Morgan)
(Source: Puppet Place)
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Understanding of marketing or advertising techniques, at least on a local basis, to increase bookings and revenue.

• In the case where puppets are self-built, an ability to produce high quality puppets. This art can take many years to develop.

• Ability to speak in public without trepidation.

• Ability to think quickly around problems in performance, such as forgotten lines or lighting problems.

• Understanding of audience expectations for performance quality and authenticity.

TINIVO | Hand Shadow Show |
https://youtu.be/BF_YAJf4slk

 

Duties and Tasks

• Design and build or procure puppets and props to facilitate live performance of the puppet show.

• Write or obtain scripts for the performance.

• Deliver a strong story to captivate audiences.

• Give voice to the puppets in a credible and entertaining way.

• Organise bookings for the puppet roadshow or theatre, and deliver on deadlines and promises.

Working conditions
   
Most areas of performance art would tend to be classed as low-risk working environments, and puppeteering is no different. It is, however, worth being aware of the fact that shows are conducted around hot stage lighting, and consequently, live electrics. Also, because the shows are being performed in close proximity to the public, it is essential that consideration is given to the well-being of audiences as well.
   
Education and training/entrance requirements
    
There are no formal academic barriers to entry, although a Year 12 in drama or degree in performing arts can be useful in learning the skills necessary to conduct a public performance, and to overcome nerves. Indeed, many puppeteers do actually come from an academic background in drama, as it is often this which catalyses the desire to enter performance arts. Puppeteering is still one of the most unusual and characterful areas of performance art.

Many amateur puppeteers choose to begin with children’s parties, as it means that the candidate can start with a small stage rig, a limited number of puppets and props, and a chance to run the business with just one or two people. Repeat bookings and increasing revenues can mean the show can grow to include more equipment, a larger rig and, eventually, more people to be part of the roadshow team. In this respect, it depends on how far the leading puppeteer wishes to take things. Some are happy just to perform for smaller audiences. Others wish to build up their show as far as possible. Obviously, performing to larger crowds with significant ticket prices in large towns demands that the puppeteers are able to deliver a show of very high quality, and this can take many years to develop.

   
Employment Opportunities

Most puppeteers are self-employed due to the small number of people required to manage and run each travelling puppet show. In terms of puppet design and manufacture, the most famous studio is The Jim Henson Company Creature Shop, which was responsible for bringing to life screen legends such as Yoda from Star Wars and Sesame Street’s Elmo. Positions at design houses like this are few and far between, and fiercely contested. They have studios in Los Angeles and New York.

Screen shots of Creature Shop showing some creatures created here
(Source: CreatureShop)

 

Did You Know? Norman Hetherington (1922-2010) created and manipulated Australia’s best-known puppet, the marionette Mr Squiggle, who appeared on television from 1959 to 2001. Mr.Squiggle- The Moon https://youtu.be/BX_APbyV24c Mr Squiggle Turns 60 | TODAY Show Australia https://youtu.be/ksBpaAsjX-c

   
A magician makes objects and people appear, vanish, transform and move by performing illusions that seem impossible to their audience. Magicians use 'sleight of hand' (skillful manipulation of objects), misdirection (diverting the audience's attention away from a crucial manoeuvre) and special equipment to achieve the effect of magic. A magician is an entertainer who performs magic tricks, slight-of-hand routines and card tricks for the amusement of the public at weddings, functions and public gatherings.

A magician is a professional entertainer who uses various methods of magic or illusion to astound watching audiences. Magic is a performing art which uses natural means to achieve the illusion of supernatural feats. It is an ancient art which has been popular in Western culture since the 1500s, when contemporary logic was applied to so-called ‘witchcraft’ in order to better understand those seemingly otherworldly abilities.

Modern magic for the purposes of public entertainment typically falls into one of several categories; table magic, performance magic (such as wedding magic) and illusion. Techniques differ, but in general the desired outcome is to ‘wow’ watching crowds by making an achievable, practised routine seem impossible.

ANZSCO ID: 211113
  
Alternative names: Table magician, Wedding magician, Illusionist, Performer of magic, Conjurer
  
Specialisations: depends on venue and opportunities eg. weddings, functions and public gatherings.
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Must have an excellent understanding of the routines and techniques which are to be performed.

• Must be able to use props and tools in a safe manner, as there is a potential that some may be harmful to participants and performers.

• Must ensure public safety for routines which involve direct audience participation.

• Should have an understanding of marketing techniques and promotion in order to grow their potential business.

• Magicians must also handle their own administration, so an understanding of tax and invoicing is helpful.

Mickster the Trickster - Adelaide Kids Magician
(Source: Mindblown)

Duties and Tasks

• To learn new tricks and practice them to a professional standard.

• To be entertaining when performing for the enjoyment of public audiences.

• To arrive at the venue in a timely fashion and perform for the pre-agreed time span.

• To be courteous, approachable and enthusiastic to members of the public.

• In the case of table magicians, the illusionist must engage with the immediate public in an entertaining way.

Working conditions
   
As the magician is typically working in close proximity to members of the public, an understanding of common sense health and safety is paramount. Whilst it is not deemed to be a hazardous occupation as such, there may be times when the magician is expected to handle members of the public who are drunk or who take exception to magic being performed in close proximity to them.

For this reason, the performer must be able to present themselves in an entertaining and engaging way, and be able to ‘work the crowd’ properly. The magician should also be comfortable speaking and performing in public, or their practised routines will count for nothing.

As magicians are typically self-employed they are free to fix their own rates, although this is dictated primarily by market demand and price tolerance.

   
Tools and technologies

The routine often involves the use of props, such as cards, glasses, coins or rope, but the total scope of possible routine is vast. The magician or illusionist will seek to learn new tricks in order to improve their public performance and, ultimately, their reputation.

   
Education and training/entrance requirements
   
There are no formal academic barriers to entry.

  
Employment Opportunities
     
For virtually every performer, involvement in magic starts at home. It takes quite some time to learn enough material to perform for an hour-long set, so a basic hobbyist grounding in the discipline is usually the first step. Sometimes a new magician will choose to perform for free at public events in order to grow local awareness of their talent.

As a magician becomes known in their local area, they may be subject to word-of-mouth advertising and repeat bookings, but this is down to the magician being able to deliver a credible and entertaining performance. The potential for increased earnings improves as the magician’s skill set and reputation improves.
   
Most magicians are self-employed, and a great many work alone. This does not preclude the magician from registering with a local entertainment agency who, for a commission, may be able to find additional work for the working professional illusionist. The pinnacle (or rather, the higher earnings potential) exists in corporate entertainment. Magicians who work on retainer with entertainment venues as table magicians (who cater towards staff parties and Christmas/summer events) usually attract the highest $-per-hour. Weddings also pay well, but under these circumstances there is more onus on the magician as a self-employed entity to find work for themselves.

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Actor Mime Actor/Artist Voice-over Actor/Artist	Choreographer	Dancer	Hairdresser
Makeup Artist	Music Director	Musician Disc Jockey	Radio Producer or Presenter
Stunt Performer Circus Trainer	Theatre or Cinema Manager	Wedding Coordinator	Writer

 

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Entertainer or Variety Artist; ]
CareerHQ [Circus Performers; Disc Jockey ]
JobHero [Comedian; ]
AllAboutCareers [Comedian; ]
State University Careers [Comedian;]
My Job Search [Street Performer; Clown; Puppeteer; Magician; ]
Your Career [Entertainer and Variety Artist;Other Actor, Dancer & Entertainer; ]
Photocredit: Magician Hat & Gloves; Busker; Clown

 

 

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