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Actors, entertainers and presenters sing, portray roles in dramatic productions, perform comedy routines, gymnastic feats and tricks of illusion, train animals to perform and perform with them, and introduce and present radio and television programmes.

Main tasks

  • Plays pre-recorded music at nightclubs, discotheques, and private functions.
  • Conducts interviews and prepares reports for news broadcasts, current affairs programmes and documentaries.
  • Introduces and presents radio and television programmes, reads news bulletins and makes announcements.
  • Trains animals to perform entertaining routines and may perform with them.
  • Performs singing, comedy, acrobatic, illusion and conjuring routines.
  • Assumes character created by a playwright or author and communicates this to an audience.
  • Studies script; play or book and prepares and rehearses interpretation.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£54,380.24

Average earnings

£29,079.12

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Fine Arts

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Communications and Media

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Sociology and Anthropology

Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 4%
Level 1 2%
Level 2 11%
Level 3 19%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 12%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 38%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 13%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.