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Entertainer apprenticeships

Actors, entertainers and presenters > Entertainer

Creative and media

Entertainer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • volunteering
  • applying directly
  • a specialist course run by a private training organisation


    • University

    You could do a degree in a relevant subject like: 

    • contemporary theatre and performance 
    • acting 
    • music 
    • comedy 
    Qualifications may not be essential if you show enough talent at an audition. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-levels, or equivalent. 

    College
    It may be useful to do a college course in: 

    • performing arts 
    • musical theatre 
    • drama and theatre music
    This would help you to develop your talent and learn some of the skills you may need. Entry requirements for these courses vary. 

    Volunteering

    Some entertainers are self-taught. You could get experience as an entertainer in different ways, including: 

    • taking part in open-mic spots or talent competitions
    • working at a holiday centre or theme park 
    • performing in local clubs - you may have to work without pay at first 
    • taking part in street performance or fringe festivals
    Direct Application
    You can apply directly for jobs. The most important thing is to have a skill or talent that an audience will enjoy. You do not need formal qualifications, although you may find it useful to have trained in music, dance or acting, perhaps from taking a performing arts course or graded exams. 

    Other Routes
    You can develop your skills by doing a specialist course in a particular area of entertaining like comedy, puppetry or circus skills. You'll often have to pass auditions to get work. It may help to find an agent who can market your talents. 


    Entertainer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • knowledge of the fine arts 
    • the ability to work well with others
    • persistence and determination 
    • the ability to use your initiative 
    • to enjoy working with other people 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • knowledge of English language 
    • knowledge of media production and communication 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

    Entertainer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Depending on where you work, your day-to-day tasks may include: 

    • singing or playing music 
    • stand-up comedy 
    • magic 
    • entertaining children 
    • mime 
    • finding and rehearsing new material for your act 
    • promoting your act and attending auditions 
    • dealing with your finances and administration
    Working environment
    You could work at a social club, in a theatre, on a cruise ship, in the community, in a hotel or at a client's home. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

    Career path and progression - Entertainer apprenticeships

    You could move into related roles like entertainment agent, talent spotter, venue management, or TV or radio presenting.

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